Citizen Crystal Seven and Seven
For those needing a little pick-me-up, Citizen has re-issued two versions of their Crystal Seven. Available on Web sites in Japan, both are automatics that handwind. Citizen CTV66-0523 is pictured above, and is based on a watch originally released in 1965. It retails for 14,700 Yen (about $130 US dollars).
From images on the Web (note signed crown and beveled crystal, above), the watches seem to be of similar quality as Seiko 5s, including folded link bracelets that many will want to immediately swap off. The alternative style shown below (Citizen CTV66-0536) is based on an original that came out in 1967. Both styles come in a variety of dial colors.
It’s nice to see Citizen back on the mechanical watch wagon lately, especially when you consider their strong pre-quartz tradition. For more information on the Citizen Crystal Seven re-issues, visit the Web site of the Japanese vendor on Rakuten whose pictures are used above.
To go there, click here.
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September 12th, 2007 at 12:43 am
Here are the originals from my collection. As a curiosity, the 31j Crystal Seven cost the same as the re-issue.
/ mart
September 12th, 2007 at 8:39 am
Two beautiful Citizens there Martback. It’s good to see you exanding and sharing your collection. Thanks for stopping by.
September 12th, 2007 at 10:04 am
Hi Martback,
I read on a German-language watch forum one poster complain the re-issues have date windows that aren’t symmetrical. I guess he was talking about the 12 o’clock date window on the one. Also read a criticism that the re-issues have case sizes a few millimeters larger than the originals. Regarding the latter point, you don’t often hear complains about larger case sizes on American-dominated watch forums!
Awesome watches. Thanks for sharing pictures of the vintage watches the re-issues are based on. That really helps improve this article.
Regards,
Bryan
September 13th, 2007 at 3:12 am
There were a few different datewindow-designs on the Crystal Seven. The edgier one seems more common on the more decorated watches like the one below. I would agree with the German poster that the oval one would have given better proportions and a dial where things seemed less crowded (pic from Japanese auction).
With regard to the other critisism, the original is your standard mid-60s size of about 38mm but the bevelled crystal makes the dial look a bit smaller.
/ mart
September 13th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
Hi Martback,
Excellent information about the vintage Citizen Crystal Seven’s case size, and date window configuration! It’s important to hear that Citizen is staying true to tradition. Wonderful. Again, thanks for sharing. Your contribution has really improved my little article.
Regards,
Bryan
September 13th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
I wonder if these releases by Citizen have anything to do with the company’s plan to focus on mechanical (and eco-drive) watches in 2008. Perhaps to remind people of their pre-quartz tradition. Just a wild thought….
My local dealer told me Citizen Singapore will be releasing an automatic watch soon. I suspect it could be one of these Crystal Seven’s.
Regards,
Thomas
September 13th, 2008 at 10:15 am
OK it’s a year later, if you live in the USA where do you order one?
September 14th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Hi Led Duck,
I would contact Higuchi:
http://www.higuchi-inc.com/index-e.html
or Seiya ( www.seiyajapan.com) to see if they can get one for you.
Good luck.