Patrik Orcutt 08.16.23
Citizen is famend for its high-tech watches and nearly a century of experience. Their want for innovation has led to quite a few successes of their watch historical past. They’re greatest identified for the Eco-Drive operate utilizing solar-charging tech. Whether or not you desire a feature-rich watch with lasting battery life or a easy elegant one, Citizen has what you want. So, for these causes, we’re going to check out my private Citizen Promaster dive watch in the present day!
Began within the Nineteen Thirties, Citizen aimed to offer reasonably priced watches to Japan. They gained reputation after World Warfare II and achieved a breakthrough with the waterproof Parawater watch in 1959. This success led to their diving watch line. They pioneered quartz actions and launched Eco-Drive in 1976, a solar-charging motion. Precision is vital for Citizen; they created the world’s first multi-band atomic timekeeping watch in 1993, making certain ultra-accurate time.
Slightly over a 12 months in the past I picked up the Promaster Diver for its easy but good-looking appears and affordable worth. I’ve taken it on various adventures and worn it day by day. I wouldn’t say I’ve actually abused this watch like my Casio 2018 PRG600Y-1 ProTrek Watch nevertheless it’s not likely designed for a thrashing.
The Promaster Diver was bought on my own and Citizen has not been allowed to preview this overview previous to publishing.
Specs – Citizen Promaster Dive Watch
- Case Diameter: 44mm, excluding crown
- Lug to Lug: 48mm
- Lug Width: 20mm
- Case Thickness: 12mm
- Motion: Citizen Eco-Drive Caliber E168
- Crystal: Anti-reflective mineral crystal
- Case: Chrome steel, with screw-down case-back and crown
- Water Resistance: 200 meters, ISO Licensed
- MSRP: $350 USD (typically discovered for much less, verify THIS LINK and THIS LINK)
Case / Band – Citizen Promaster Dive Watch
The Citizen Promaster contains a sturdy 44mm chrome steel case with a thickness of 12mm and a lug width of 20mm. Regardless of its substantial measurement, the watch’s lug-to-lug measurement of round 48mm ensures it fits a wide range of wrists. The brief, sturdy lugs with a mild curve improve its snug wear-ability. The 12mm case thickness is well-balanced for a diver watch boasting ISO-certified 200 meters of water resistance, akin to the harmonious design of a traditional S-Class Mercedes.
The unidirectional bezel provides 120 exact clicks, complemented by an anodized aluminum insert and a luminescent pip at 12 o’clock. The flat mineral crystal comes with an anti-reflective coating, enhancing visibility on the glossy black dial.
Studying the dial is a breeze. The utilized indices and daring, simply distinguishable arms are generously lumed in a cool blue hue. Apparently, the bezel pip glows in inexperienced, contributing to the general legibility. I examined this out whereas diving in Croatia and was impressed with the legibility of the face. The discreet date window at 4 o’clock aligns harmoniously with the screw-down crown. The location of the crown at 4 o’clock is sensible for bigger watches, decreasing the potential discomfort that may come up from 3 o’clock crown positions.
The caseback is secured with screw-down mechanics and options an etching of a globe and the Citizen brand. It additionally features a stern reminder advising towards tampering with the caseback – a transparent directive for all fanatics. When it comes to upkeep, there’s little or no to concern your self with, apart from the potential alternative of the capacitor module after a decade and even longer.
And right here we arrive at this watch’s weak level, the strap. The strap is a Seiko-style black polyurethane design with an accordion-like sample and it does its job as a strap however that’s about it.
The strap is just not very snug and seems like it’ll most likely crumble after a 12 months or so of use. In my view Im glad that Citizen went with an affordable strap to maintain the value down as most individuals will swap straps anyhow. Personally, I went with a easy Black NATO strap from Barton Bands as a result of its really very low-cost and appears nice.
When it comes to value, the Promaster Diver completely suits the factors for a funds baller selection. Its building and supplies outshine many watches on this worth class, and Citizen’s high quality management is spectacular – bezel misalignment is a non-issue. At its record worth of $350, it’s already a stable deal, however there’s no must pay that a lot. Often attainable for $200 – $250, it typically goes on sale for $150 – $180. For those who’re prepared to attend for the proper second, you possibly can rating a tremendous deal.
Likes
- Priced effectively
- Punches above its weight class by way of high quality
- Eco-drive permits the watch to primarily final endlessly
- Good-looking however easy appears
Dislikes
- The band that comes with the watch feels low-cost
Wrap-Up – Citizen Promaster Dive Watch
In conclusion, the Promaster Diver provides unbelievable worth and has confirmed to be a dependable companion even in difficult instances (as demonstrated in 2020). It’s immune to water, hand sanitizer, and virtually every other challenges you may topic it to. I wholeheartedly suggest it with none reservations.
