Citizen - Auto Dater - No reserve price - ADSG 1404-T - Men - 1960-1969

Presented for auction by Second Vintage A commanding presence on the wrist, this vintage Citizen Auto Dater masterfully blends mid-century Japanese watchmaking with an impressive 40mm case profile, a size highly unusual and incredibly sought-after for the era. Distinguished by its striking fluted bezel and the classic Day-Date layout featuring a captivating Kanji day wheel at twelve o'clock, this timepiece exudes a sophisticated charm. The watch pairs elegant dress watch aesthetics with Citizen's robust "Para Water" engineering, resulting in a versatile vintage collector's piece that seamlessly bridges the gap between formal wear and daily durability. Brand: Citizen Model: Auto Dater Reference Number: ADSG 1404-T Serial Number: 50500549 Movement: Citizen 25-jewel automatic Dial: Pristine silver sunburst dial with applied gold-tone indices, framed Kanji day, and framed date, showing no visible stains or damage Case Size: 40 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated stainless steel Production Year: 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition with a remarkably preserved dial and honest case wear Dial and Hands The dial of this Auto Dater is exceptionally well-preserved, showcasing a radiant silver sunburst finish that plays beautifully in the light. It remains remarkably clean, entirely free of spotting, moisture damage, or discoloration. The typography is crisp, featuring elegant black serif text for the Citizen Auto Dater branding and a striking pop of blue ink for the "40M" in the lower text block. Applied gold-tone faceted hour markers provide deep visual dimension, complemented by an applied golden crown logo at the six o'clock position. The day is displayed in Kanji within a prominent applied gold-tone window at twelve o'clock, paired with a matching framed date window at three. The classic gold-tone dauphine hands sweep across the dial, retaining a sharp and well-defined appearance that perfectly matches the pristine nature of the dial itself. Case and Crystal The watch features a substantial 40mm gold-plated case, an oversized dimension for the period that wears beautifully by modern standards, topped with a distinctive fluted bezel. The case is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that offers wonderful vintage distortion at the very edges while maintaining a clear view of the dial. The case remains in honest, unpolished vintage condition, exhibiting regular signs of use. There are visible surface scratches along the polished flanks and softening of the lug profiles. Consistent with a well-loved gold-plated watch of this age, there is noticeable plating loss and brassing present on the lug tips, the edges of the case, and particularly on the unsigned winding crown, which shows heavy wear. The stainless steel screw-down caseback is crisply engraved, displaying the Citizen Auto Dater branding, the crown logo, the reference, and the serial number with excellent legibility. Movement Powering this timepiece is a visually clean and bright Citizen automatic movement, prominently displaying the Citizen signature and 25-jewel count on the rotor and bridge plates. The rhodium-plated components and vivid ruby jewels present beautifully under visual inspection. Timegrapher results reflect current performance; the movement is running and operational, measuring -44 to -50 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome, period-appropriate burgundy leather strap featuring contrasting yellow edge stitching. The strap is secured with a classic gold-tone pin buckle, offering a rich and complimentary color palette against the gold case and bright silver dial. Condition This Citizen is graded in good vintage condition. The true highlight of this piece is its near-mint, flawlessly preserved silver sunburst dial and clean handset. The gold-plated case and crown show expected, honest vintage wear, including surface scratches and visible plating fade on the high-contact areas. Overall, it presents as a highly charismatic and very wearable vintage timepiece with immense character. Dimensions The case measures an impressive 40 mm in diameter, excluding the crown, offering substantial wrist presence while maintaining an elegant vintage profile. Remarks It is quite rare to find a vintage dress watch from the 1960s boasting a 40mm case diameter. This oversized proportion, combined with the fluted bezel and the JDM charm of the Kanji day wheel, makes this Auto Dater a standout piece for collectors of significant Japanese vintage horology. History During the 1960s, Citizen was heavily focused on innovation, particularly in expanding their waterproof "Para Water" line and developing highly capable automatic movements to compete fiercely in the domestic and international markets. The Auto Dater series represented a premium offering from the brand, combining complicated Day-Date calendar mechanisms with robust case designs. These pieces were testaments to Japan's post-war industrial boom, blending meticulous finishing with practical, everyday reliability. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-CAP-0001