Vintage 1966 Citizen "Crystal Seven"
I actually bought this in December of 2023 but have been working on it, waiting on parts, etc. Today I finished it up!
The Citizen Crystal Seven line was introduced in 1965 and my specimen is a 1966. The name comes from the fact that this was the first watch made by Citizen that had a glass crystal. And what a crystal it is! Look at that profile!
The name Seven refers to the seven days of the week, and the unique position and design of the day window.
They came in a variety of flavors, from 21 jewels to 43(!) jewels. Mine has a 5203 movement with 27 jewels and the case is gold-plated. (If you have a Citizen watch that says "C.G.P." on the case back, that stands for Citizen Gold Plate.) The polish is so nice that the reflections of my arm hairs in the gold bezel & case make it appear to be scratched but I can assure you it's not.
When I bought it, all seemed well until I tried to set the date and noticed that the minute hand kept hitting on the 7:00 raised hour marker, so I had to take it apart and reset the hands. I also had to cut a new stem and find a new crown, thanks to my lack of finesse trying to open the case back. I now have one of the professional-type case back removers to avoid future drama.
It's in near-mint condition and the combination of brushed and polished gold plating...just gorgeous! It came on the original Citizen (non-expanding) bracelet already sized perfectly for my wrist - that's when you know it was meant to be yours, right?
Cheers! 🍻
-Eric
~Father ~Christian ~Husband ~Gearhead ~Fisherman ~Ailurophile ~Woodworker ~Gun Collector ~Photographer ~Watch Collector ~Caribbean Traveler & Beachgoer ~IT Professional: MS-ISM, BA-COMM, SOC
Well done 👍🏻
Wow wow! Looks fantastic!
Wow wow! Looks fantastic!
Thanks! Citizen released a modern reissue of this watch, called the "C7," that I'd like to have too. It also has that cool day window. 👍
Well done 👍🏻
Thank you, sir! 🍻
Thanks! Citizen released a modern reissue of this watch, called the "C7," that I'd like to have too. It also has that cool day window. 👍
Cool - I’ll check it out.
Very sharp.
Now that is an unique watch ! What a beauty !! Been looking for some interesting vintage pieces and this ticks off that box . Thank you !
You really do have the eye for nice watches Eric. That is super dooper.
I love the reissue of these, but yours is something else. Lovely watch, my friend.
Sweet and glad you brought it back to its best.
Vintage Citizens need more love!
That is an awesome find, love the perfect fit detail too. That really is a sign from Chronos that this is your watch.
Wow. Overall a very nice watch. Well done.
Incredible job on a great watch!
Wow. I love that watch. If you need someone to give it some wrist time, let me know. Wear it in good health.
Nice work, Eric.
Well done!
Thanks, Ian!
The bracelet is not perfect - there's a couple of wonky links - but overall fits & looks nice. 👍
I'm a very similar vintage to your watch and believe me, I wish I had only two wonky links 🤪
👍🤝
Thank you, Doc! 🍻
You're welcome 👍
Well done!
Thanks! You were the first to suggest removing the bezel to get the movement out. 👍
Of course NOW I have the manual...🙄
Another gold watch I would rock very classy look
Better than the new release in my opinion, cannot say reissue since they are completely different.
These have been coming up a lot lately. Really loving it.
Better than the new release in my opinion, cannot say reissue since they are completely different.
You're correct, not a true "reissue,' but the C7 stands for Crystal Seven, of course, so I made the reach. 😉 People will see the symmetry.
Still like to have one of the new ones though, especially yellow. 👍
These have been coming up a lot lately. Really loving it.
To get one of the 41-jewel versions would be killer. I wonder what movement that is...🤔
That’s rad!!!
My Man! The Gold one is beautiful! I love the design and position of the day window these early ones. This is my 65' Jet AutoDater
Thanks! Citizen released a modern reissue of this watch, called the "C7," that I'd like to have too. It also has that cool day window. 👍
I have this one:
I have this one:
That's gorgeous! 😍
My Man! The Gold one is beautiful! I love the design and position of the day window these early ones. This is my 65' Jet AutoDater
Very cool, Shahn! There are a couple of Jets that I'd like to have, like the "777" and the "Monthly."
That's an unusual movement, which one is it?
You're correct, not a true "reissue,' but the C7 stands for Crystal Seven, of course, so I made the reach. 😉 People will see the symmetry.
Still like to have one of the new ones though, especially yellow. 👍
Agreed, the yellow is more striking than any other colours, good hunting.