Vintage 1975 Citizen Automatic | Ref. 62-6996 | Cal. 6001 For Sale

Vintage 1975 Citizen Automatic | Ref. 62-6996 | Cal. 6001A 50-year-old Japanese automatic watch with the kind of character you just don’t get from a modern watch.Dating to May 1975, this Citizen is a great example of Japanese mechanical watchmaking from an interesting moment in watch history. The 1970s were the beginning of the quartz revolution, but mechanical watches like this were still being produced and worn every day.The result is a watch that feels distinctly vintage without being difficult to wear.The 35mm stainless-steel cushion case, silver sunburst dial, applied markers, and date window give it a classic 1970s look that works just as well today.What’s inside?The watch is powered by Citizen’s Caliber 6001, a 21-jewel automatic movement running at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz).I tested the movement extensively on a timegrapher in multiple positions. It consistently ran positive and showed relatively stable performance throughout testing.For a vintage mechanical watch that’s approximately 50 years old, it’s running nicely and consistently.Timegrapher results:* Dial Up: +34 sec/day | 231° amplitude | 1.5 ms beat error* Dial Down: +51 sec/day | 220° amplitude | 1.5 ms beat error* Crown Up: +42 sec/day | 205° amplitude | 3.8 ms beat error* Extended Dial Up: +32 sec/day | 183° amplitude | 1.9 ms beat error after approximately 20 hoursTimegrapher readings are a snapshot of the watch’s current performance and should not be considered a guarantee of future accuracy.The good stuff* May 1975 production* Citizen Ref. 62-6996* Citizen Cal. 6001 automatic movement* 21 jewels* 21,600 vph / 3 Hz* 35mm stainless-steel case* Silver sunburst dial* Date display* Original Citizen stainless-steel bracelet included* Brown leather strap shown in photos includedThe original bracelet is currently sized too small for me, but it is included with the watch.ConditionThis is an exceptionally nice example for its age. The dial is remarkably clean, the case retains its original vintage character, and the watch presents beautifully on the wrist.At 35mm, it’s a particularly versatile size. It has the proportions of a classic vintage dress/sport watch without feeling overly delicate.Whether you’re already collecting vintage Citizens or you’re simply looking for an interesting mechanical watch with some history behind it, this is an easy watch to appreciate.1975. Japanese automatic. 35mm. 21 jewels. Caliber 6001.A small piece of the mechanical-watch era, from just before the industry changed forever.