The design
Before getting technical, let’s talk about the design. The Cosmotron Specials, despite a short production span, come in all shapes and colors. There are many variations of dials, hands and cases: Some are more sober and restrained, some are quite playful. The brushed green dial is a star of the show of this particular watch. It’s difficult to photograph properly, but the reflections of the double- brushed pattern are mesmerizing in person.
The case shapes are also quite pleasing to the eyes. This line often had monocoque cases, opened though crystal. I’m not really sure why this was done, as they had to have a battery hatch anyway (and another small hatch to access the hairspring regulating screw), so I don’t think this added anything to water resistance levels. Still, the slanted sides of a monocoque case do add some wrist comfort.
This brushed green dial Cosmotrons were originally equipped with tall faceted crystals. Unfortunately, over the years they get covered with scratches that are impossible to polish out without compromising the geometry. So I have replaced it with the flat crystal from another Cosmotron. I’ve also changed the original stainless steel bracelet to a brown leather strap, as I find it more fitting this dial.
The Movement
While some early electric watches are not the most reliable and durable, the technology was mature enough by the time this “Cosmotron Special” Citizen line was introduced. This is a very wearable watch, despite its durability shortcomings. As the “Cosmotron” name implies, it’s a true product of a space-race technology, created with “high-precision” (At the time) machinery.
The balance wheel of the 7803 caliber beats with 36,000 beats per hour. (10 times per second, when most of the modern high-beat mechanical watches settle for 8 times per second). Also, as the mainspring is replaced with the battery cell, there’s a constant driving force. So the accuracy of this vintage watch is comparable, if not more accurate, to most of the modern mechanical watches, if properly serviced and regulated. As for the maintenance, the movement doesn’t have any advanced electric circuits or stepping motor, so it can be serviced by a regular watch repair specialist.
Another peculiar feature of 7803 movements is a “Just Setting” feature. It seems that proper time setting was considered as a challenge by the Citizen engineers. What’s the point of having a very accurate watch if it’s set to a wrong time, right? So apart from a regular hacking function of a crown, there’s a special pusher near 8 o’clock marker. Pressing the pusher will zero the seconds hand. If the minute hand is in position of ± 3 minutes to zero, it will be corrected too: A fun and unique feature.
For modern watches there’s a standard to set the date via the middle position of the crown. Before that was established, watchmaking companies were experimenting with other options. Here the day/date setting routine is quite original: to advance the day, you need to push the crown.
