Description: Presented for auction by Second Vintage Step back into the bold design era of the 1970s with this striking Citizen Automatic. Boasting a distinctive UFO-style case and a mesmerizing gradient blue dial, this timepiece encapsulates the adventurous and space-age aesthetics of Japanese watchmaking during the period. With its reliable in-house caliber and robust stainless steel construction, it represents an excellent opportunity for collectors seeking a character-rich vintage daily wearer with undeniable wrist presence. Brand: Citizen Model: Automatic Reference Number: 4-651111 Y Serial Number: 20811044 Movement: Caliber 6501, 21 Jewels, Automatic Dial: Gradient blue with vertical brushing, prominent faceted applied indices, clean overall presentation with minimal aging Case Size: 41 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: August 1972 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear Dial and Hands The dial is a captivating visual focal point, featuring a gradient blue finish that transitions gracefully from a lighter, vertically brushed silver-blue center to deep navy at the outer edges. Prominent, highly faceted applied indices catch the light at multiple angles, adding substantial depth to the dial architecture. The typography is crisp, with the brand and automatic designations printed cleanly across the surface. A framed day-date aperture rests at the three o'clock position, displaying the calendar functions distinctly. The baton hands feature central luminous channels that have aged to a warm, even tone. The dial remains in exceptionally clean condition, showing only very faint signs of natural aging upon close inspection, with no prominent moisture marks, heavy spotting, or discoloration. Case and Crystal The 41 mm stainless steel case features a classic UFO or helmet-style silhouette, characteristic of the era's robust design language. The case construction utilizes a broad, brushed upper bezel that slopes downward, contrasting beautifully with the polished case flanks. The original recessed crown, prominently signed with the vintage CTZ logo, sits neatly at the four o'clock position. Honest signs of wear, including surface scratches and minor handling marks, are visible across the case and bezel, entirely consistent with a vintage tool watch that has been enjoyed over the decades. The crystal protects the dial securely, presenting a clear view with only light surface wear commensurate with age. The screw-down caseback is sharply engraved with the Para Water designation, alongside the reference and serial numbers. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Citizen in-house Caliber 6501 automatic movement, featuring 21 jewels. The cleanly finished movement is clearly signed on the rotor, showcasing its authentic mechanical heritage. Visual inspection reveals a well-preserved caliber with intact components and a vibrant balance wheel assembly. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher records a deviation of -32s to -40s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with an original stainless steel bracelet, featuring flat, brushed links that articulate comfortably around the wrist. The fold-over clasp is deeply stamped with the classic brand text alongside the vintage CTZ logo, confirming its authenticity. The bracelet exhibits moderate surface scratching and wear consistent with the rest of the case, maintaining the watch's cohesive and authentic aesthetic. Condition Overall, this timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The dial and hands are remarkably well-preserved, standing out as the highlight of the watch. The case and bracelet display honest, unpolished wear, including various scratches and scuffs that tell the story of its decades of life. The movement is operational and visually clean, making this a highly attractive example of classic Japanese horology. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 41 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The integrated lug design and curved case profile ensure a substantial yet ergonomic presence on the wrist. Accommodate a wrist size of up to approximately 17.5 cm in circumference. Remarks This timepiece is a fantastic representation of the daring designs that emerged from Japan in the 1970s. The combination of the UFO case, the striking vertical-brushed gradient dial, and the original signed bracelet makes it a highly collectible package. It is a true testament to the brand's ability to blend striking aesthetics with reliable everyday mechanics. History During the 1970s, Japanese watchmakers pushed the boundaries of traditional watch design, experimenting with bold case shapes, vibrant dial colors, and innovative textures. The helmet and UFO cases became incredibly popular, reflecting the era's fascination with space exploration and futuristic concepts. The use of the Para Water designation on the caseback is a notable historical touch, reflecting proprietary water-resistance terminology before the industry standardized the labeling later in the decade. This model perfectly encapsulates that dynamic period of horological 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: CIT-AXX-0001