Citizen Spalding Quartz Ref. 2040-204735 TA - February 1984
Spalding a storied name in American sports culture appears on the dial, while Citizen a giant of the Japanese watch industry is found on the case back. Bringing these two distinct worlds together, the Citizen Spalding 2040-204735 TA embodies the function-oriented design ethos of the 1980s, presenting a compact "field instrument" aesthetic on the wrist.
**IMPORTANT NOTE: As this item ships from within the European Union, you will not be liable for EU customs duties.**
The serial number 4022416 on the case back dates this specific piece to February 1984. Although only the Spalding name appears on the dial, the "Citizen Watch Co." signature, caliber number 2040, and case codes on the back clearly reveal the watch's true manufacturer. This model stands out as one of the more unique designs in the sporty quartz collection Citizen created for Spalding, departing from the typical diver aesthetic.
At the heart of the watch beats the Citizen Calibre 2040. Displaying hours and minutes centrally and seconds via a sub-dial at the 6 o'clock position, this quartz movement contributes to the model's slim, balanced case proportions thanks to its compact construction. While the small red seconds hand adds a touch of dynamism to the cream-toned dial, the bold Arabic numerals and wide, luminous hour and minute hands ensure excellent legibility.
The 16-point compass-style scale encircling the dial is one of the watch's most distinctive features. The directional markers N, NNE, NE, and so on create a strong graphic harmony alongside the white inner bezel, red cardinal direction accents, and the black-coated square case. This layout does not function as a real magnetic compass; ...yet it lends the watch a distinct outdoor and "instrument-watch" character.
The “Water Resist 100” inscription on the dial indicates that the model was designed with a 100-meter water resistance rating at the time of its production. Today, this information should be regarded solely as the original factory specification.
With a width of approximately 31 mm (excluding the crown) and a lug-to-lug measurement of 37 mm, the case is far more compact than it appears in photographs. Thanks to the visual heft provided by its square shape, it does not get lost on the wrist; given its dimensions, it possesses a truly unisex character suitable for both men and women.
This particular example is in excellent condition. The green protective film from the era and the Japanese surface warning label on the case back are still intact. This detail preserves the original protective measures for the black-coated surface and strongly suggests that the watch has seen very little use or has been carefully stored for a long time. Its overall appearance, the cleanliness of the case, and the well-preserved surfaces clearly set this example apart from an ordinary, used Spalding.
The watch comes with a black textured strap and a zippered presentation case.
Final Thoughts
The Citizen Spalding 2040-204735 TA is not merely an unusual-looking quartz watch; with its compact dimensions, small seconds sub-dial, directional scale, and unique case design, it stands as a forgotten yet highly characterful example of 1980s Japanese outdoor watchmaking.
Bearing the cardinal directions on its dial and the marks of its era on its case back, this watch does more than just tell time; through its design, it also points to the direction in which the 1980s were heading.
The product shown here was manufactured in 1984.
IT HAS UNDERGONE A COMPLETE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE. The mechanism has been completely disassembled; every part has been cleaned, lubricated, and precisely adjusted to ensure flawless operation. (It requires no maintenance for three years, provided it is not exposed to adverse conditions.)
Product Condition: Tested; all functions are fully operational.
