Citizen Crystal Seven Automatic 27 Jewels (ACSS 2932 Y) – Parawater – Day/Date – May 1968, freshly overhauled in Japan

The Crystal Seven was Citizen's answer to the question of what an automatic watch in the upscale mid-range should look like if it was to have character. This particular model demonstrates why the line is still collected in Japan today – and why the 27-jewel version is the most interesting.

The Crystal Seven in the Citizen Program

The "Seven" family was Citizen's umbrella name for its better automatic movements in the 1960s; the crown with the seven on the case back is its distinguishing mark. Within this family, the Crystal Seven represented the combination of a high jewel count, day and date display, and the Parawater case – Citizen's in-house term for water-resistant constructions, used until about 1970. The "Crystal" in the name comes from the fact that it was the first Citizen line to be equipped with hardened mineral glass.

27 jewels is a high number for a Japanese automatic watch in this price range and a clear signal: no expense was spared on the movement. The line positioned itself in the same field as Citizen's Seven Star and King Rotor – above the simpler Sportsmatic models, below the chronometer versions.

On the back of this model, next to the Seven emblem, is the serial number 80504945. According to Citizen's usual system – year-end digit, followed by the month – this translates to May 1968.

Overhauled and Ready to Wear

The watch was overhauled by a watchmaker in Japan before we acquired it.

Design and Character

The dial is the reason to choose this model. Applied, faceted baton indices with luminous surfaces sit on a black background; a clearly contrasting rehaut ring runs around them, with its minute track alternating in a muted blue and a light grayish-green. This two-tone edge design is unusual and clearly distinguishes the watch from its single-color sister models – in daylight it appears subtle, while in oblique light the blue component becomes clearly visible.

The day and date are located at 3 o'clock in two separate, framed windows, giving the center of the dial a balanced layout. The case follows the tonneau trend that emerged around 1968: squat flanks, wide polished facets, short integrated lugs.

With a diameter of 36.9 mm, 41.3 mm lug-to-lug, and a height of 10.5 mm, the watch sits compactly and balanced; the short lugs make it wearable even on narrower wrists. 53 grams including the strap give it a noticeable but not heavy presence.

Condition

This example shows no noticeable scratches or dirt and is therefore in above-average condition for this model range. It comes with a black leather strap.

Operating note: For Citizen movements of this era, the quick-set adjustment for day and date should not be operated between 10 PM and 4 AM – the switching mechanism is engaged during this period. Set the hands to about 6 AM beforehand.

Technical Data

• Brand: Citizen
• Model: Crystal Seven
• Reference: ACSS 2932 Y
  
• Movement: Automatic
• Jewels: 27 Jewels
• Functions: Hour, Minute, Central Second, Day, Date
• Case Material: Stainless steel, Parawater
• Diameter without crown: 36.9 mm
• Lug-to-Lug: 41.3 mm
• Height: 10.5 mm
• Lug width: 18 mm
• Weight incl. strap: 53 g
• Serial number: 80504945
• Dating: May 1968
• Service: Overhauled in Japan
• Strap: Black leather strap
• Origin: Japan

For Whom?

For collectors looking for Japanese automatic watches of the late 1960s with a high jewel count and who prefer Citizen over Seiko. For buyers who want a black dial with a colored detail that shines in the right light. And for anyone looking for a wearable vintage watch with a complete calendar and fresh service.

Warranty (Used)

This is a used item. The limitation period for claims for defects (statutory warranty) is 12 months from delivery.

Note

As this is a used watch, no water resistance can be guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.