Citizen Leopard 28800 – Ref. 4-770919TA – August 1972 – High Beat – striking 70s design

This Citizen Leopard 28800 from August 1972 is an excellent example of the technically ambitious, high-frequency automatic movements of the early 1970s – and at the same time a strong-character design piece of this era.

The serial number 20806089 allows for clear dating:
→ “2” = 1972
→ “08” = August

Historical Context – Citizen in the High-Beat Race

In the early 1970s, Citizen was in direct competition with Seiko – particularly in the field of high-frequency mechanical movements.

The Leopard series positioned itself as:

• above simpler Citizen automatic models
• a sporty-technical line
• with a focus on precision through high frequency (28,800 A/h)

Thus, the Leopard was clearly in the context of:

• King Seiko
• early Grand Seiko automatic models

Technology – 28,800 A/h High Beat

Inside, it features:

• a Citizen 28,800 High Beat automatic movement
• 26 jewels
• a fast oscillation frequency for:
  • better rate stability
  • smoother second hand sweep

This frequency was absolutely state of the art at the time and demonstrates Citizen's technical ambition in this phase immediately before the quartz revolution.

Design – Clear 70s Geometry with Character

The case is typical of the early 70s:

• angular, flowing lines
• tonneau/cushion-shaped silhouette
• a mix of brushed and polished surfaces

Particularly noteworthy:

• five-facet crystal
  → creates exciting reflections depending on the light
• deep, metallic green dial
• applied indices with a strong presence
• Day-Date display with Japanese weekday

Overall impression:

→ very distinctive, technical, almost futuristic for its time

Condition

• overall good, honest vintage condition
• case with normal signs of wear
• dial with beautiful, even patina
• crystal with edge crack (hardly noticeable in everyday use, optically discreet)

Technical:

• watch is running
• no obvious limitations visible

Bracelet

• high-quality aftermarket steel bracelet
• visually very well matched to the case shape
• comfortable fit

Wearability

With:

• approx. 38 mm diameter
• 41.8 mm lug-to-lug
• 11.9 mm height

the watch wears:

• compact but present
• ideal for slim to medium wrists
• with additional optical depth thanks to the faceted crystal

Weight: 78 g

Technical Data

• Brand: Citizen
• Model: Leopard 28800
• Reference: 4-770919TA
• Production Date: August 1972
• Movement: Automatic, 28,800 A/h
• Jewels: 26 Jewels
• Functions: Hour, Minute, Second, Day-Date (JP/EN)
• Case: Stainless Steel
• Crystal: faceted mineral crystal (5-sided)
• Dimensions: approx. 38 mm × 41.8 mm
• Height: 11.9 mm
• Weight: 78 g
• Bracelet: Aftermarket Steel Bracelet

Classification for Collectors

This Leopard is interesting for several reasons:

1. early high-beat movement from Citizen
2. clear competition for Seiko's high-end lines of the time
3. distinctive, non-generic 70s design
4. rare combination of:
   • green dial
   • faceted crystal
5. very good price-performance ratio in the vintage sector

In short:

→ a technically exciting and visually distinctive alternative to King Seiko & Co.

Warranty (used)

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

Note

As this is a used watch, water resistance cannot be guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.