Citizen - Automatic Chronograph - No reserve price - 4-900014 TA - Men - 1972

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of Citizen's golden era of mechanical chronographs, specifically the single-register "Spider" Automatic Chronograph from the early 1970s. Powered by the legendary Caliber 8100A, this timepiece features a sophisticated flyback complication, a feature typically reserved for high-end Swiss aviation watches. The striking deep blue dial, contrasted by the vibrant multi-colored sub-register at six o'clock, perfectly captures the bold aesthetic of 1970s racing design. This specific reference is highly collectible due to its compact vertical clutch movement and distinct case geometry, making it a compelling choice for collectors of vintage Japanese horology. Brand: Citizen Model: Automatic Chronograph Reference Number: 4-900014 TA Serial Number: 20500875 Movement: Automatic Caliber 8100A Dial: Deep Blue with Single Register Case Size: 38 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Excellent vintage condition, showing honest signs of wear to the case and bezel while the dial remains in exceptional preservation, running within vintage tolerances with healthy amplitude. Dial and Hands The deep blue dial is the highlight of this timepiece, presenting a clean and attractive matte finish that has been very well preserved. It features a distinct single chronograph sub-dial at the six o'clock position, finished in silver with blue and yellow sector accents that add a sporty character. The applied silver baton indices are sharp and legible, matching the handset. The day and date windows are positioned at three o'clock with a black background that blends seamlessly into the dial design. The orange chronograph hands provide excellent contrast and legibility. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a classic 1970s cushion shape with integrated lugs, offering a comfortable presence on the wrist. The case retains its original lines and shows normal vintage wear in the form of surface scratches and marks consistent with its age. A black coated bezel ring surrounds the crystal, showing some wear and paint loss along the edges which adds to the vintage character. The crown and pump-style pushers are original and operate correctly. The crystal is clear with no major distractions. Movement Powering the watch is the renowned Citizen Caliber 8100A, a compact automatic chronograph movement with 23 jewels. This vertical clutch movement features a flyback function, allowing the user to reset and restart the chronograph instantly without stopping it first. It also offers hand-winding capability, a feature not found in the competing Seiko automatic chronographs of the same era. The movement is performing well, with timegrapher results showing -3 to -10 seconds per day, indicating reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a stainless steel link bracelet that complements the case design perfectly. It features a signed Citizen folding clasp. The bracelet fits a wrist size of approximately 18.5 cm and is in good condition with moderate stretch and surface wear consistent with the watch head. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is remarkably clean and free of staining or damage. The case shows honest wear, including scratches and scuffs expected from a watch produced in 1972, particularly on the black bezel rim. The movement is clean and running strong. Dimensions The case measures 38 mm in diameter excluding the crown, making it a versatile size that wears comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. The lug-to-lug distance and case thickness provide a sporty yet balanced profile. Remarks This Citizen 8100A "Spider" is a fantastic representation of Japanese engineering and 70s design language. The combination of the flyback movement, the vertical clutch system, and the stunning single-eye blue dial makes this a value-packed proposition for any vintage collector. It is a robust and stylish chronograph ready for continued enjoyment. History Citizen launched the 8100 and 8110 series movements in the early 1970s to compete in the automatic chronograph race. These movements were technically advanced, beating at a higher frequency (28,800 vph) than many competitors and featuring flyback functionality as standard. The single-register 8100 models, like this one produced in May 1972, are celebrated for their reliability and distinct layout, representing a high point in Citizen's mechanical watchmaking history before the quartz revolution took hold. / Second Vintage SKU: CITHUAOWC0000