Presented for auction by Second Vintage This remarkable timepiece captures the daring and expressive design language of 1970s Japanese horology, defined by its spectacular use of color, texture, and geometry. During an era when watchmakers were pushing the boundaries of traditional aesthetics, Citizen produced some of the most visually captivating dials on the market. This specific example is a testament to that creative period, featuring a mesmerizing multi-tonal dial housed in a robust, architecturally distinct tonneau case. It is a highly attractive and functional piece of vintage engineering, offering collectors an opportunity to acquire a watch with immense wrist presence and undeniable retro charm. Brand: Citizen Reference Number: 61-8730 Serial Number: 30601943 Movement: Citizen 21-Jewel Automatic Dial: Striking multi-tonal blue gradient dial with vertical pleated texture, applied indices, and pristine visual preservation Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with an exceptionally well-preserved dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The dial of this timepiece is an absolute standout, featuring a brilliant blue gradient execution enhanced by a vertical pleated texture. This intricate finishing creates a dynamic, prismatic effect, with alternating bands of light and dark blue that shift beautifully depending on the angle of illumination. The dial is adorned with applied, chunky rectangular hour markers featuring crisp white central inserts, which are perfectly complemented by the matching baton hands. A framed day-date aperture is positioned at three o'clock, displaying the day of the week with a striking red font for Sunday. A thorough visual inspection reveals the dial is in stunning condition, remaining remarkably clean and free of spots, moisture marks, or surface degradation. The printed "CITIZEN AUTOMATIC" and "21 JEWELS" text remains sharp and fully intact, showcasing exceptional preservation for a watch of this vintage. Case and Crystal The 37 mm stainless steel case utilizes a classic 1970s tonneau profile, characterized by its integrated, hooded lug design and strong geometric presence. The upper surfaces of the case feature a pronounced vertical brushing that contrasts elegantly with the highly polished case flanks. The transition between these brushed and polished surfaces remains well-defined, indicating the watch has been carefully preserved over the decades. The original crown, proudly signed with the "CTZ" hallmark, is thoughtfully positioned at four o'clock, maintaining the sleek symmetry of the case silhouette. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the factory reference and serial numbers, alongside the Citizen signature. The crystal protects the dial perfectly, providing a clear and unobstructed view of the vibrant blue display beneath while showing only minimal handling wear consistent with careful use. Movement Powering this timepiece is a robust Citizen 21-jewel automatic caliber, an engine renowned for its durability and efficient winding architecture. The movement presents beautifully, with the winding rotor clearly stamped with "CITIZEN JAPAN 21 JEWELS" alongside the factory finishing on the bridges and plates. The mechanical components remain clean and visually well-maintained. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results reflect a daily deviation of -22 to -29 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with its original Citizen stainless steel brick-link bracelet, a highly articulated and comfortable design that perfectly matches the era and aesthetic of the tonneau case. The brushed and polished links are well-preserved, and the folding clasp features the deeply stamped "CITIZEN" signature. The bracelet is currently sized to accommodate a wrist up to 17.5 cm. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The case retains its honest, factory-intended finishes with normal, age-consistent handling marks that do not detract from its overall sharp appearance. The absolute highlight is the dial, which survives in near-flawless condition, free of the spotting or discoloration frequently found on colored dials of this period. The hands, applied indices, and original signed crown all contribute to the highly original and well-preserved nature of the watch. Dimensions Case width: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist accommodation: Up to 17.5 cm Remarks With its vibrant, textured blue dial and sharp tonneau case, this Citizen automatic is a prime example of the bold design ethos of the 1970s. It offers an incredibly dynamic look on the wrist, blending intricate dial craftsmanship with a robust and reliable mechanical foundation. This is a superb acquisition for any enthusiast of vintage Japanese watchmaking or anyone seeking a distinctive, conversation-starting timepiece. History Citizen Watch Co. emerged in the mid-twentieth century as a global powerhouse of horological innovation, consistently rivaling its Swiss and domestic counterparts in both mechanical precision and design ingenuity. The 1970s marked a particularly golden era for the brand, characterized by the introduction of highly reliable automatic calibers and a fearless approach to aesthetics. Moving away from the conservative styling of the previous decade, Citizen embraced faceted crystals, vibrant gradients, and unusual case geometries. Watches from this era are celebrated today not only for their robust internal engineering but for their unapologetic, expressive designs that capture the spirit of a highly transformative period in watchmaking history. 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: CITJTY1P50000