Now available at auction from Second Vintage During the golden age of Japanese mechanical watchmaking, Citizen consistently pushed the boundaries of design and functionality to compete on the global stage. The Seven Star Deluxe line emerged as a testament to this ambition, offering robust automatic calibers housed in distinctive, character-rich cases. This particular example stands out with its striking black dial and an unusual, highly symmetrical day and date layout, capturing the bold and experimental spirit of late-1960s horology. It is a compelling piece for collectors who appreciate vintage Japanese craftsmanship with a strong visual presence. Brand: Citizen Model: Seven Star Deluxe Reference Number: ACSS-3010A-TA Serial Number: 80500228 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5204, 23 Jewels Dial: Deep black dial with applied faceted indices, framed day and date windows, presenting in well-preserved, clean condition with aged lume. Case Size: 38 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1968 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear to the fluted bezel and case. Dial and Hands The dial of this Seven Star Deluxe is a study in purposeful, high-contrast design. The deep black surface is remarkably well-preserved, showing a clean and even finish free from significant moisture marks or spotting. It features applied, faceted silver-tone block indices that catch the light beautifully, each tipped with original luminous plots that have aged to a dark, honest patina. The dial furniture is extensive and attractive, featuring an applied serif "CITIZEN" logo below twelve o'clock, paired with crisp white printed "SEVEN STAR" text. Above six o'clock sits the applied "Deluxe" shield emblem and "23 JEWELS" designation. The layout is perfectly balanced by a framed day aperture at nine o'clock displaying a vibrant red "SUN" and a matching framed date window at three o'clock. The silver-tone baton hands feature central luminous strips that have darkened in tandem with the hour markers, maintaining visual consistency across the dial. The dial is correctly signed "JAPAN 1741-IK" at the bottom edge. Case and Crystal The 38 mm stainless steel case features a classic tonneau-inspired profile with sturdy, sweeping lugs. The polished case flanks exhibit honest, age-appropriate handling marks and superficial scratches consistent with decades of wear. The watch is topped with a distinctive fluted bezel, which adds a layer of sporty elegance to the piece. Close inspection of the bezel reveals clear signs of vintage wear, including smoothing to the fluted edges and visible finish loss within the recesses, reflecting its history of use. The domed acrylic crystal protects the dial and shows light surface scratches that do not detract from the overall legibility. Turning the watch over, the screw-down stainless steel caseback is richly engraved with the "Crystal Seven" shield, "Para Water," and all correct serial and reference numbers. A notable scratch is present across the center of the caseback engraving, further indicating its vintage journey. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Citizen automatic Caliber 5204, a 23-jewel movement renowned for its durability. The movement is visually distinguished by its striking black winding rotor, clearly signed "CITIZEN 23 JEWELS" in crisp white lettering. The base plate and bridges display a clean, functional finish typical of Citizen's robust production standards of the era. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. -51s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct black textured leather strap, featuring contrasting white stitching that perfectly complements the stark black and white aesthetic of the dial. It is secured with a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This Citizen is presented in good vintage condition. The dial remains the strongest asset of the watch, remarkably clean and visually striking with its aged luminous material. The stainless steel case retains its structural integrity but shows clear, honest wear, most notably the smoothing and aging on the fluted bezel and the prominent scratch on the caseback. These elements combine to present a highly authentic, unpolished vintage aesthetic. Dimensions Case Size: 38 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks Vintage Japanese watches offer some of the most intriguing designs of the 20th century, and this Seven Star Deluxe is no exception. The separated day and date windows create a fantastic symmetry that is rarely seen, elevating the dial's presence on the wrist. Paired with its fluted bezel and deep black dial, it possesses a rugged yet refined charm that makes it an incredibly versatile addition to any vintage portfolio. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Citizen Seven Star series was positioned as a premium offering alongside the famous Crystal Seven line. Designed to appeal to a younger, more dynamic demographic, the Seven Star models often featured bolder case shapes, upgraded automatic movements, and increased water resistance ("Para Water"). The "Deluxe" designation indicated a higher level of finishing and jewel count, utilizing the reliable 52-series calibers. Today, these models are celebrated by collectors for their unique design language and their role in establishing Citizen as a powerhouse of innovative watchmaking during the mid-century era. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent). Note that with vintage watches, minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections may be present and are considered normal for watches of this age. Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description. If there are any concerns of functionality or defects after delivery, make sure to contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: CIT-CSS-0002