Citizen Jet Auto Dater AD15801 A (1961)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This sought-after 1961 Citizen Jet Auto Dater offers a striking contrast between its heavily worn gold-plated case and an exceptionally well-preserved silver sunburst dial. A true collector favourite from the early 1960s, it provides a beautiful face and highly capable mechanical performance. Brand: Citizen Model: Jet Auto Dater Reference Number: AD15801 A Serial Number: 11201800 Movement: Automatic Dial: Silver sunburst with applied gold-tone indices Case Size: 37mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated Production Year: 1961 Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +15+18s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The dial is exceptionally clean and well-preserved for its age, presenting a beautiful silver sunburst finish that catches the light wonderfully. The applied gold-tone indices are clean and bright, complemented by crisp, fully intact printed text displaying the Citizen Jet, Auto Dater, 23 Jewels, and Parashock phynox signatures. There is no significant spotting or moisture damage visible on the dial surface. The gold-tone dauphine hands display honest aging consistent with the watch's era, showing minor surface oxidation under macro inspection, but remaining free from severe corrosion or bending. Case and Crystal The 37mm gold-plated case features a thin integrated bezel and classic mid-century geometry. The case is heavily worn with obvious plating degradation, including significant plating loss on the lug edges and tips. Scratches and wear are visible throughout the gold-plated surface, and the integrated bezel displays matching plating wear and scratches. The caseback shows wear and some pitting around the edges. An unsigned ribbed crown is fitted, which also shows plating wear. The domed acrylic crystal is clear with no major cracks or deep scratches, exhibiting only the minor surface wear typical of acrylic materials. Movement This timepiece is powered by an automatic mechanical movement, featuring Citizen's distinctive Auto Dater complication. The current timegrapher reading is +15+18s/day. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is fitted with a standard black leather strap featuring a crocodile pattern. The strap shows light wear and the stitching remains fully intact. Condition Good vintage condition. The case is heavily worn, exhibiting obvious plating degradation, significant loss on the lugs, and pitting on the caseback. In striking contrast, the dial remains exceptionally clean and well-preserved, providing a highly attractive presentation. The hands show honest aging with minor oxidation, while the acrylic crystal remains clear. Supported by the recorded timegrapher result, the movement is performing very strongly. Dimensions The case measures 37mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This Citizen Jet Auto Dater is an excellent opportunity to acquire a highly collectible model with a remarkably clean dial. The strong mechanical performance and crisp dial typography make it a wonderful daily wearer for enthusiasts of mid-century Japanese watchmaking. History The Citizen Jet series emerged in the early 1960s and quickly became a collector favourite due to its unique internal geared rotor movement. Rather than a traditional central oscillating weight, the Jet caliber utilized a distinctive ring rotor, setting it apart from standard automatic movements of the era. The Auto Dater models added practical calendar functionality to this innovative architecture. Today, these early 1960s Jet models are highly sought after by collectors who appreciate Japanese mechanical ingenuity and classic mid-century design. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination. Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age. We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description. The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use. If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-FAJ-0001