Citizen Seven Star Deluxe Automatic - Reference 6N-3-U (November 1968)

This Citizen Seven Star Deluxe is an authentic example of the Japanese watch industry of the late 1960s – a phase of intense technological and design competition between Citizen and Seiko. The Seven-Star line played a central role in Citizen's portfolio, consciously positioning itself as a high-quality, robust automatic series for daily use.

Dating based on the serial number

The serial number 811XXXXX stamped on the case back follows the classic Citizen scheme:

• 1st digit "8" = production year 1968

• 2nd + 3rd digit "11" = production month November

The watch was thus manufactured in November 1968. This dating is consistent with the design, movement type, and reference 6N-3-U.

Seven Star – Classification & Historical Context

The Citizen Seven Star series was introduced in the mid-1960s and can be clearly understood as a direct response to the successful Seiko 5 line. Both manufacturers were then intensely competing for market share in the segment of reliable, fully automatic everyday watches.

Seven Star vs. Seiko 5

The parallels are no coincidence:

 

Citizen, however, often positioned the Seven-Star models technically more ambitiously, especially through higher jewel counts (21–23 Jewels), while Seiko 5 focused more on simple, extremely robust constructions.

Meaning of the "Seven Stars"

The seven stars do not – as is sometimes assumed – represent seven individual technical features, but are a symbol of quality. They represent Citizen's aspiration to offer a coherent, high-quality automatic line embodying the following core values:

• Automatic movement
• Everyday reliability
• Precise manufacturing
• Shock protection
• Day and date display
• Good serviceability
• Durability

Within the Seven-Star family, the Seven Star Deluxe version marked the more upscale variant, usually with better movement equipment, a more elaborate dial, and a higher jewel count.

Movement & Technology

It is equipped with a Citizen Seven Star automatic movement with 23 jewels, a solid and proven caliber from the heyday of mechanical Citizen production.

Technical features:

• Automatic winding
• Central seconds
• Day-Date display (English)
• Shock protection
• Service-friendly construction

Case & Dial

The stainless steel case displays the clear, functional design language of the late 1960s with wide lugs and balanced proportions.

The original dial with applied indices, "Seven Star" lettering, and "Deluxe / 23 Jewels" signature is well preserved and shows a uniform, age-appropriate patina. The domed acrylic crystal shows visible, age-related signs of wear.

Dimensions & Weight

• Diameter: 36.8 mm (without crown)
• Height: 10.9 mm
• Lug-to-Lug: approx. 43 mm
• Lug width: 18 mm
• Weight including new leather strap: 43 g

Strap

A new high-quality leather strap (aftermarket) is fitted. 

Condition

• Case: age-related signs of wear
• Dial: original, well preserved, uniform patina
• Crystal: with age-related signs of wear
• Movement: running

 

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.