Citizen Seven Star Custom Deluxe 4-520858 Y (1968)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This is a striking example of the Citizen Seven Star Custom Deluxe, a model that exemplifies the bold and experimental design language of the late 1960s. With its deep black dial contrasted by vibrant orange markers, this timepiece stands out immediately on the wrist, offering a unique blend of sportiness and mid-century elegance. It represents a golden era of Japanese watchmaking, combining robust mechanics with avant-garde aesthetics that remain highly collectible today. Brand: Citizen Model: Seven Star Custom Deluxe Reference Number: 4-520858 Y Serial Number: 81100247 Movement: Automatic Dial: Black with applied orange indices Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1968 Condition: Good vintage condition with a stunningly preserved dial, showing evident wear to the crown and case, running within vintage tolerances. Dial and Hands The glossy black dial is the undoubted highlight of this timepiece, featuring distinctive applied rectangular hour markers with vibrant orange inserts that create a striking visual contrast. The hands are designed to match, featuring a central strip that complements the indices perfectly. The lume plots have aged to a warm, consistent tone, and the silver text remains crisp and legible against the dark background. A framed day and date window is positioned at three o'clock, adding practical utility to the dynamic design. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 37mm in diameter and retains strong lines with defined lugs, typical of the late 1960s cushion-adjacent styles. There are visible surface scratches and signs of use consistent with age, particularly on the caseback which features the distinct Para Water engravings. The crown shows some wear and heavy patina. The crystal appears clear and allows for excellent visibility of the dial details, contributing to the watch's attractive vintage profile. Movement Powering the watch is a Citizen automatic caliber featuring the characteristic black rotor often found in this high-grade series. The movement is clean and functional, offering reliable vintage performance. Timegrapher testing indicates a daily deviation of approximately -47 to -50 seconds, which indicates a movement running within acceptable vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring a crocodile grain pattern. The strap is in excellent condition and complements the dark tones of the dial, providing a comfortable and sophisticated fit for the wearer. Condition This piece is in good vintage condition overall. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved and visually stunning, while the case shows honest wear expected from a watch of this era. The crown exhibits heavy patina and wear but remains functional. Mechanically, the watch is functioning within vintage parameters as noted by the timegrapher readings. Dimensions The case measures 37mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a contemporary presence on the wrist. The lug width accommodates standard straps, making it versatile for different styling options. Remarks The Citizen Seven Star Custom Deluxe is a collector favorite due to its unique dial configuration and robust build quality. This specific example, with its vivid orange accents against the black background, is a visually compelling piece that captures the funky yet sophisticated spirit of 1968 Japanese design. It is a watch that invites conversation and looks far more expensive than its category suggests. History Citizen introduced the Seven Star line in the 1960s as a superior automatic watch designed for durability and daily wear, incorporating their proprietary "Para Water" water-resistance technology. The Custom Deluxe variations were higher-end interpretations of the base model, often featuring bolder dials, upgraded finishing, and more distinct case shapes. These watches played a significant role in establishing Citizen's reputation for producing reliable, stylish, and technically advanced timepieces during a highly competitive era for the Japanese watch industry. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-CSS-0004