If when we think of Japanese watchmaking, many people think of Seiko (us first), we shouldn’t forget the importance of Citizen and the relevance of its offer. The Japanese company is a true manufacturer, and has also produced numerous calibers for other brands. Today, we take a look at one of its diving watches, one of the most popular in the world. competitive in its price range: the Promaster Marinereference NY0140-80E.
Citizen: a historic manufacturer focused on technology
Our first memories of Citizen date back to Le Grand Bleu. We remember seeing Jean Reno emerge from the water with this incredible watch on his wrist, recognizable at first glance thanks to its imposing depth gauge. And if Citizen’s history goes back much further than that – since it was founded in 1918 – this appearance in this mythical feature film is no less meaningful. It highlights the close link between the Japanese company and the world of diving. But it also highlights the company’s constant desire to to push back technical and technological limits. In particular, Citizen has made solar energy, through its Eco-drive technology, and radio control, two of its specialities in order to offer precise, high-performance tools. But the brand also boasts more traditional watchmaking know-how, enabling it to manufacture fully manufactured mechanical watches. And that’s the case of today’s test.
Case
This Citizen Promaster is equipped with a case in stainless steel round shape with polished and brushed finish. The latter is 13.1mm thick and has a diameter of 44mm. This may seem imposing, but the crown, positioned on the left-hand side and offset at 8 o’clock, considerably lightens these proportions, enabling it to fit most male wrists. The purpose of this original positioning is to increase the comfort of the watch, designed to follow divers on their underwater expeditions, and it is also one of the strong signatures of this Promaster. Its crown is also protected and screwedin order to guarantee tightness at 20 baror 200 meters. Like any self-respecting diver, it is adorned with a graduated bezelanother important point of differentiation. The bezel is quite wide and has a very pronounced, discontinuous notching, making it easier to handle and reinforcing its character. It is also equipped with a black aluminum insert, whose graduations indicate the minutes using Arabic numerals in steps of 10, complemented by dots and batons.
Dial
With sound matt black background with white hands and hour-markers, this Citizen Promaster offers optimal legibility. The latter is another strong signature of Citizen divers. The unique geometric shape of the hour-markers at 6, 9 and 12 o’clock, combined with the extra-thick hour and minute hands, are strong markers that give it personality while promoting clarity. They are supported by a plunging flange which adds depth to the dial, while displaying 60 minute markers. The indexes and hands are coated with luminescent materialfor perfect reading of time and dive time, even in the darkest environments. It also features a day/date windowlogically located at 3 o’clock. The whole is topped by a flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, so nothing can interfere with legibility.
Movement
As mentioned above, Citizen is a genuine manufacturerand we mustn’t forget it. This Promaster is equipped with a self-winding movement entirely developed by the brand: the calibre 8204. As you’d expect, we’re not dealing here with a jewel of precision. Citizen claims a drift of -20/+40 seconds per day, but rest assured, the brand prefers to think big (as does Seiko) and we’re certain that the latter generally offers much less drift. It’s also renowned for its sturdiness and longevity. More technically speaking, the latter oscillates at 21,600 vibrations per hour and offers a 42-hour power reserve.
Bracelet
Let’s move on to the bracelet. This NY0140-80E is mounted on a bracelet in stainless steel constructed in 3 links. The latter features a fully brushed finish which perfectly matches that of the case and reinforces its robust toolwatch look. It is equipped with a folding clasp which opens by pressing two push-buttons ingeniously integrated into the main part of the buckle. A slight drawback is the absence of a diving extension on the clasp. Even though few of us use it, it’s an additional criterion identifying this Promaster as a true tool-watch.
Our opinion on this Citizen watch
What we really like about this Citizen Promaster is that it features a its own identitya recognizable character despite its very affordable price where many divers in this price bracket borrow a design or are largely inspired by watchmaking icons. Its large hands, the positioning of its crown and the construction of its bezel are strong signature elements that make it a “must-have”. high-performance tool. And if we come back to the price, at 349€, it’s more than fair. So if you’re looking for a rugged, high-performance diver’s watch that can take you anywhere, and is equipped with a Manufacture movement, you’ve come to the right place.
Citizen Promaster Marine NY0140-80E / Specifications
- Case Stainless steel / Polished & brushed finish
- Width : 44mm
- Thickness 13.1mm
- Horn spacing 20mm
- Luminescence : Yes
- Glass type Flat sapphire / Anti-reflective treatment
- Case back Solid and screwed
- Movement Automatic
- Caliber Citizen 8204
- Power reserve 42 hours
- Bracelet : Stainless steel / Brushed finish
- Buckle : Deploying
- Water resistance 20 ATM / 200 meters
- Warranty 2 years
