Citizen Promaster Diver Evaluation: Is This Eco-drive Diver Proper For You?
Low mild visibility is not any concern and even seconds hand is slightly lumed. All these features make for a dial that’s just enjoyable to work together with. Above all, the blue tone can be a sight to behold and may usually transition to a type citizen eco drive of deep purple depending on the light. I’ve also had zero issues with the AR-coated mineral crystal. One thing that stood out to both of us was that it is a perfect vacation watch – significantly in the summer.
This was till one fateful day, a Citizen Promaster dive watch appeared within the search outcomes. The watch featured a black dive bezel, an uneven case design with the crown on the 8 o’clock place, and at a look seemed sufficient like an SKX to pique my interest. It was in fairly tough form, a minimal of judging from the low-quality images provided. However, the seller did promise that it was in working order, for the €50 asking price I decided to take the risk. And, though close to the absolute entry level for automated dive watches, trendy models just like the Fugu aren’t as primary as you may assume.
Pair this with the comparatively thin mid case part and titanium construction, and you’re left with a watch that’s downright nice on the wrist. Building upon the lineage of the well-known Seiko SKX007, the most recent revamp of the iconic diver has been developed within the Seiko 5 line (hence the nickname 5KX). While some of the specs aren’t as function-heavy because the Citizen, there are a number of dial and elegance choices out there that give you extra creativity to precise yourself along with your watch alternative – try the total evaluation. No, this Citizen Promaster Diver is powered by the Citizen Eco-Drive E168 motion, which is a solar quartz watch motion. Yes – the Citizen Promaster Diver is ISO certified, which makes it a excessive performance professional diver.
It actually does hit every mark however the tooth configuration is slightly awkward and not as grippy as I would have hoped. At 4 o’clock, the screw down crown sits pretty near the the rest of the steel case and can be easy to operate. The bezel insert itself is absolutely graduated and serves as a great match with the aforementioned click on mechanism. The first time I laid eyes on the Citizen Promaster Diver was during my time perusing Terry’s ToxiNATOs Instagram feed, and seeing it with a gorgeous bunch of straps.
Obviously, its 200m water resistance makes it a no-brainer selection for aquatic journey. But the blue color of this variant simply offers you that summer trip vibe, the kind of watch you set down in the cooler months but look at to remind you of the recollections of hotter instances. Walking the streets of Akasaka beneath the overcast skies of the mid-June wet (and unbearably humid) season, the brilliant blue of the strap was a standout feature. And the rubber is a welcome materials towards the heat and humidity. This watch is powered by Citizen’s Eco-Drive E168 movement which uses ambient gentle in a process that eliminates having to alter batteries. A full charge offers six months of use, and there have been plenty of UV rays coming by way of the Tokyo clouds.
Here’s what I seen about the Citizen Promaster Dive Automatic watch when actually taking it diving. It’s nice to give attention to safety and the myriad variables involved in diving and never worry about your watch’s reliability or damaging some expensive heirloom. Finding the balance somewhere between informative, obscure, foul-mouthed, and fun, TBWS is here to deliver you watch content like you’ve by no means seen before. Sure, the bezel could possibly be rather less slippery, however that basically is my solely concern with the watch.
The hour plots are filled with lume of almost the identical shade, however appear a bit brighter after a flash of light is utilized to them. The markers get a skinny black outline, however there’s loads of distinction to make out the markings at a look. This is aided by their sheer dimension of course, and the chapter ring within the rehaut itself. Even with choices from brands like Doxa, CWC, and Omega spanning my assortment, I’m nonetheless very happy with proudly owning the Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver – it’s honestly only a great watch. It’s another one of those “Honda Civics” of the watch world and a piece I reach for regularly. It has seen a ton of hikes, lake outings, jogging, and casual days at the office.
Combine that with the tremendous light-weight nature of the Eco-Drive movement, and you have a watch that nearly seems like a titanium diver… especially on a nylon strap. Water resistance is 200m and I had no qualms about taking this one swimming in the Hood Canal off the beautiful shores of Seabeck, WA. From the first pull of air by way of the regulator, to descending down to 6 meters, floating weightlessly over the white sand, it was just magical.
Trawling via the mud of the Kleinanzeigen listings, you’ll find a way to certainly strike gold. I mentioned this in my introductory coverage, but the announcement of this new measurement within the mannequin range struck me as the ultimate play for a really unisex diver. While I nonetheless find it a tad smaller than what I look for on this style of watch, the fact that Kasia and I might both pull this off effortlessly was very cool. It additionally just so happened that we had been touring by way of Tokyo after we had this watch with us so it only made sense to shoot it there. But then I put it on and got that familiar feeling I love from my 36mm Explorer, my 36mm Datejust. It’s the sensation I lengthy for – the feeling of me carrying a watch, and never the opposite way round.
The very first thing I noticed as quickly as I ripped up the handbrake and looked out of the automotive window was that immediately across the street from the Air BNB was a dive store. I appeared down at my wrist and felt butterflies in my abdomen. After a couple of days snorkeling the crystalline waters of Playa Chica I worked up the braveness to stroll into the dive shop. The individuals there were a band of incredibly pleasant Brits, who immediately let me know all in regards to the PADI discover scuba dive. The almost symbolic worth of €50 obtained you a 30-minute dive, where you’ll discover methods to gear up, equalize, and breathe underwater using a regulator.
Alas, they had been specifically for the European market and by no means made their way Stateside. Then, I perked up once more when USA variations arrived in 2023, only to be disappointed to be taught they were 44mm for supersize-loving Americans. Even still, I suppose most people (myself included) would like for Citizen to use sapphire crystals every time possible, and if additional impression resistance is needed, a thicker crystal should be in a position to assist supply it. Although the case, crown, and bezel ring all receive a gold-tone end, the caseback is normal brushed stainless steel, and despite its largely turquoise and gold colour profile, the bezel on the ref. BN X is fitted with a black aluminum insert that has a silver-colored 60-minute timing scale.
We picked up our rental VW Polo and made the 20-minute drive from the airport to the place we might keep the following two weeks. I had solely taken one watch with me on this trip, the Citizen Promaster NY0040. Proudly strapped around my wrist, it appeared to shine even brighter in the island sunshine.
Whether you want to dip your toe into the world of mechanical watches and are looking for a solid starting point, or you are available in the market for a prime quality beater, the Citizen Promaster NY0040 definitely holds its own. Despite having flown beneath the radar for a very long time, I assume it’s a watch that deserves extra recognition and consideration. With a retail value of round €190, it’s a true worth proposition.