01 Dealer’s notes
1970 CITIZEN SEVEN STAR V2 — A DIFFERENT TAKE ON THE DAY-DATE
Produced in November 1970, this Citizen Seven Star V2 is a distinctive example of Japanese mechanical watchmaking at the dawn of the decade. Introduced as the second generation of Citizen's popular Seven Star line, the V2 occupied a position just below the higher-end Leopard series, offering sophisticated mechanical features in an accessible, everyday package. Reference 4-780108 TA stands out for its unconventional calendar arrangement, a design shared with select Leopard models of the same period.
The silver dial is beautifully restrained, featuring a fine sunburst finish complemented by subtle crosshair lines that intersect at the center. Applied silver-tone hour markers with dark inlays create a strong geometric contrast, while matching baton hands maintain the dial's clean, balanced appearance. The defining feature sits at 12 o'clock, where an elongated, gently arched aperture displays the fully spelled-out weekday alongside a blue-accented date. Unlike conventional day-date watches with windows at 3 o'clock, this arrangement gives the dial a distinctive symmetry and architectural character.
Surrounding the dial is a sculpted stainless steel cushion case, a hallmark of early 1970s design. Its broad, rounded shoulders transition into a polished circular bezel, creating an appealing contrast between soft curves and substantial proportions. The stainless steel bracelet continues the geometric theme with wide, brushed links and recessed rectangular centers. Around back, Citizen proudly displays the period-correct Parawater designation, a reminder of the brand's emphasis on durability and water resistance during this era.
Inside beats Citizen's 23-jewel caliber 7280, an automatic movement operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour. Equipped with manual winding, hacking seconds, and a quickset date, the movement was particularly notable for its instantaneous calendar change, allowing the day and date to advance together at midnight rather than gradually over several hours. More than half a century later, this Seven Star V2 remains a compelling expression of Citizen's experimental approach to mechanical watchmaking, combining an unusual complication with understated Japanese design.
Three points to note.
November 1970 production, Citizen Seven Star V2, reference 4-780108 TA.
Silver sunburst crosshair dial with an unusual arched, instantaneous day-date display at 12 o'clock.
Citizen caliber 7280, 23 jewels, automatic with manual winding and hacking seconds.
