Citizen is the world’s largest watch manufacturer and looking at the full-serviced 1969 Citizen Seven ParaWater Ref. 4-52068T automatic diver here, you can see why.
In 1965, Citizen launched the relatively well-known Crystal Seven range of automatic dive watches, using a variety of its 5200 automatic movements. Citizen produced a range of these divers throughout the 1960s and 1970s, with a select few relatively well known (like the Citizen 2812-Y), but others are not, and seldom seen.
Citizen’s 100m sport divers were part of the Seven Star range, and Citizen began production in 1969 - rendering the example here one of the first made by Citizen. The divers were made with a range of dial colors – black, silver, blue, orange and red, and all had day and date complications.
At the same time, Citizen launched its related, but less well known Seven Star range, and - as with the Citizen Crystal Seven - the Seven Star range featured “Custom Deluxe 7” models - again, like the example here, which had less traditional design features such as split day and date windows and larger ‘cushion’ cases.
But don't take our word for it - per Fratello, "Citizen is currently a little like discovering watches all over again. There’s a heck of a lot to learn -like Seiko or any other brand for that matter – Citizen is its own universe, and it’s incredibly under the radar – for now."
"Sure, the novel feeling will wear off, but I’m still in discovery mode and despite my tendency to try and absorb as much info in as little time as possible, I’m doing my best to spread this joy out for the long haul."
This Citizen Seven Star diver comes on a leather-backed canvas strap, and with nylon strap, springbar tool, and rugged travel case.
1969 Citizen Seven Star ParaWater Ref. 4-52068T Automatic Diver
DIAL: Silver starburst Citizen Seven Star-signed dial, with radial brushed finish, with matching handset; day and date functions work as designed - only the date is quickset (by design).
CASE: Stainless-steel case measures 37.5mm (w/o crown, 39mm with) x 40.5mm, strong caselines with no hint of machine polish.
BAND: This Citizen comes on a leather-backed olive-drab green canvas strap; it also comes with a dark blue and red nylon strap.
CRYSTAL: Steeply-domed crystal in excellent condition, no scratches, belmishes, or cracks.
MOVEMENT: Citizen 21-jewel 5270 calibre automatic movement, manufactured in April 1969. Citizen’s 100m divers are part of the Seven Star range, and two movements were used - the first is the 5270 calibre movement with 21 or 23 jewels, first launched in 1965. This is a non-hacking, hand wind-able calibre running at 18,000 bph. We have performed a full service on this Citizen.
CROWN: Correct stainless-steel Citizen-signed crown.