Citizen Seven Star V2 7201- 4-7201-30-K

The Citizen Seven Star V2, model 4-7201-30-K, is a fine example of Citizen’s innovative second generation of the Seven Star line, which integrated the 72-series calibers as a successor to the original 52-family in 1969. This shift also introduced the ‘V2’ designation, highlighting Citizen’s commitment to advancing watch technology. Reflecting this progression, the 72-series calibers were configured to run at 21,600 beats per hour (bph), an improvement over the earlier standard of 18,000 bph. This specific example, with its 7201 calibre, represents the meticulous design Citizen applied to the Seven Star V2 series, incorporating both functional enhancements and high-quality craftsmanship.

The 7201 calibre in this model brings a host of practical features, including a quick-set mechanism for both day and date, as well as hacking and hand-winding capabilities. Unlike its close relative, the Leopard, which operates at 28,800 bph, the 7201 calibre balances reliable performance with practical simplicity, a hallmark of Citizen’s mid-range offerings. This movement, devoid of a fine adjuster on the balance, maintains a robust build with 25 jewels, positioning it as a high-quality yet accessible automatic. The Seven Star V2 series carried a solid reputation for dependable movements, and its pieces often overlapped in price with Citizen’s higher-end models, reflecting their value.

Aesthetically, the model 4-7201-30-K showcases a Blue Navy dial encased in a durable 37x42x11mm steel case, paired with the original bracelet and an 18mm lug width, enhancing its classic appeal. The watch’s Acrylic crystal provides durability, although the serial number for this component remains unknown. Performance-wise, this timepiece has been confirmed on a timegrapher to hold an amplitude of 264 with zero beat error, delivering an accuracy of +10 to +20 seconds per day. These specifications attest to the watch’s reliable mechanics and its capability as a practical daily timekeeper.

This particular Seven Star V2 is NOS (New Old Stock), remaining in pristine, unused condition since its manufacture in April 1970. Although it lacks the original box and papers, its exceptional preservation offers a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire a piece of Citizen’s distinguished history in the evolution of their automatic watches. The Seven Star V2 line, through its durable and carefully crafted designs, represents a noteworthy period in Citizen’s history where practical, high-quality movements were made accessible to a wide range of enthusiasts, combining traditional reliability with a forward-looking approach to horological development.