Citizen Chrono Master Chronometer Auto DateRef. AUD5 2910-Y GN

The Chrono Master is distinguished by the name itself on the upper part of the dial, an applied stylized eagle emblem at the 6 o'clock position and the same motif in a gold medallion applied to the centre of the case back.

The Chrono Master is a high-end watch that first appeared in Citizen's line-up in 1967. Although it was not the first of Citizen's watches to include chronometer grade movements, since it was preceded by the hand wound Chronometer' (1962), it featured a range of models in both hand-wind and automatic forms, and has probably become Citizen's most recognised high grade vintage watch, especially since modern versions have also been produced. Although there are other high end lines by Citizen, including the Chronometer and models in the Leopard line-up, the Chrono Master is probably the best known.

Citizen launched all bar one of their automatic versions of the Chrono Master in 1967, the same year as their first hand-winding model, and were produced until 1972. The movement is essentially the same for each version, in either 33 or 35 jewel form, but with extra adjustment to justify Chronometer, Special and Superior Chronometer Special grades. The two Special (35 jewel) movements also have fine adjusters on the balance.

The movements are part of Citizen's 52xx/54xx family, which can be found in a range of their other models, for example the relatively well known Crystal Seven and the Seven Star lines, and the lesser known Crystal Date, Cutlass and Dandy Seven models. The 52xx line features both day and date windows, the 54xx line is date only. The Chrono Master movements are the 5240 and 5440 with 33 jewels, and the 5250 and 5450 with 35 jewels. No automatic Chrono Master model was made without date or date/day complications.

As with its hand-winding namesake, all but one version of the automatic Chrono Master models, which are all cased in stainless steel, feature a gold medallion on the case back. There were no gold plated or gold-filled Chrono Masters, only the solid gold versions of the hand winding model.

Source: Sweephand.org