I love this. Someone finally pushing back against the 007. Hacking, hand winding, build quality and 20mm lug. All plus points that get ignored due to icon status of the 007. I love Seiko but do not own one 007.
The early lefty's didn't have hacking because they had the 8203 movement. The one's that hack have the 8204 movement. Not sure when citizen started using the hacking movement.
@@johnswatchjointCitizen is overlooked despite them creating the first properly water resistant watch in Japan and possibly first Japanese diver, the eco drive watches in 1976, atomic watches in the 1990’s and in 2019 the most accurate non atomic watch an eco drive quartz subject to plus or minus one second a year.
I knew I was not crazy. The promaster and specially the Fugu version with the Miyota 8204 is the better watch when compared to the Seiko option. Just the fit and finish by Citizen has always been of higher quality. Thanks for proving I am not crazy.
I would say this is by far your best expressed and knowledgeable review. You have called out the Seiko bias by most channels to Seiko watch products over Citizen. I too am a convert to Citizen from Seiko. Your points on quality control are valid. My SKX was overhyped, no hacking, poor bracelet and actually not good value. It sits in my watch drawer now ignored. I love Citizen divers they are a true tool watch. Well done my friend you hit it out of the park this time. Go Citizen!
I agree with your review. I started buying citizens a few years back after getting a bit fed up with seikos price hikes and qc issues. I own the ny0040 and the skx and I like them both in their own way. The citizen is more of the quirky underdog, which has always appealed to me. Plus you've got better qc and a 5 year warranty. Win-win for the price you pay.
Great review. I have two skxs, an orient kamasu, an orient triton, and a vostok amphibia scuba. But this is the watch I wear everyday. I can't take it off. Just got the new bracelet Mark from Long Island Watch, the o-style, and it is awesome. My ny0040 is usually around +7s per day.
I bought my brand new NY0040-50E from a reseller for £230 and I couldn't be happier. I has all the yellow scuba tank, papers and all those s**t. My first automatik watch was the SKX but im loving this NY probably because its new but really... It looks better than the SKX which I bought for £150 in 2020 during the pandemic. But hey, prices of everything went up now. I still love both watches.
John, i bought a black version of the NY0040 on rubber in 2005/6 and it was the first mechanical watch i’d ever bought. I bought it as it didn’t need batteries and the seal would remain intact as i was training to be a diver. It lasted 6 years as my only watch worn every day and on over 200 dives. Great watch though the 8203a movement wasn’t very reliable after about 4 years, it kept stopping even though i never took it off, sending it back to citizen after 4 years under the 5 year warranty didn’t really fix it and i stopped wearing it at that point.
It's like a memory of looking through jeweler's windows as a child, in the 90s. I've just bought one from a private seller and this review has helped. Thanks.
Received this beauty over the weekend. I bought it based on your review and I must say it's a beauty. I only discovered your channel last week, and it's great to see some quality watches at bargain prices. Thanks John 👍.
So right. I've loved this watch for ten years and have many iterations including this one. I've even got a few tucked away for the future. You're probably aware that Citizen have uprated (upsized, better bracelet version, sapphire crystal, and hacking 8204 movement, though you will find the 8204 in later models of these) this watch and pushed the price up to £400. There are still plenty of the older lefties around but they won't be here for ever. Time to grab one while you can. The Italian Navy connection said it all for me. They used it with no modification though the issued ones were marked accordingly. Originals are worth a few quid.
These are absolutely superb watches & with a whole range of colours & strap/bracelet options & imo far superior to the old skx. It's pretty much the only Citizen that I really like.😊
John, I totally agree with you on the NY0040, I have two, a well used/worn 8203 with black dial & bezel etc, that could do with a service/movement change and a much more recent '8204 '17LE in blue that is almost factory fresh, I have the Promaster air tank case etc, I love them both. I also have 3 'SKX's a very late mint '009, an 013 and a modified '009 and I like/love them all. I also have several Citizen Eco-Drives and several other Seikos too, including an SLA023J1, so I think I maybe able to give a fairly representative overall view? The Citizens are better watches overall, but the Seikos design of dials and cases are probably more appealing overall, certainly more classic, but I think Citizen/Miyota get a bad rep for their movements, which I find tend to be at least as stable if not more than their Seiko counter parts? Many people seem to mention the rotor noise on the 8000 series automatics, I must admit I don't hear it in normal everyday usage. Thanks for you're reviews, keep up the good work!
Hi buddy and good to hear your perspective. I must admit that I prefer the Miyota movements to the NH35's and especially 7S26 of Seiko. Miyotas in my experience are very accurate...more so the 8203. As far as Seiko are concerned I love my SKX013 but it took me years and repeated buying and disappointment before I got my straight one. A minter from 2019 with die straight dial and chapter ring plus straight bezel and very well regulated. It's great but Still prefer my NY0040's. I just wish people would actually put one on their wrist and try it. Like you I never hear any rotor noise when it is on the wrist. But it is loud if you put it on a wooden desk after taking it off and it is spinning...but it's cool as you can hear that efficiency! 😆
Good video. I paid about £100 for a lightly used one of these lume versions about 7 years ago. They started to become a bit thin on the ground around 3 years ago as I believe they were discontinued for a while. As a result the prices went a bit mad and I sold mine on for £300! I always regretted selling that watch then came across the reissues on Amazon a couple of weeks ago and snapped one up again. It's as good as I remember it and the hacking movement is a nice upgrade. I currently have mine on a strapcode super engineer which I had on my old one. They do look good on the original strap but it's just a shame it's so stiff. One thing I did notice on mine is that there is a bit of play between the bezel and the case. I read somewhere that this is a deliberate design feature but who knows. I never owned an skx, even 10 years ago they were getting too pricey. I have however recently bought a ssk GMT which I believe is pretty much the same case and I have to agree the NY 0040s wear better.
This Citizen and the Orient Kamasu are the best $200 automatic divers right now. Seiko doesn't have anything to compete at that mark, specially the discontinued and inferior SKX.
Well John, you sold me. In fact, my last watch purchase of 2023 was this watch. Today it arrived and I've been enjoying it on wrist all day. You nailed it in your review. This piece is just great! Looks, specs, dimensions, bezel action and that lume! I got into horology after the SKX craze so don't have one to compare, but from what I see online this watch has it beat hands down. Cheers!
The case design of this watch is more manly than the skx..I have three fugu watches, I don’t have an skx. Always have second thoughts about buying skx .. I would think, man I want an skx on my rotation but then I remember how some fans complain about qc issues, misalignment and 7s26 movement being “duh” so instead I bought an islander watch.. but then like I said the case design of the fugu Is more spikey, tooly and that’s just how I prefer it to be..
I bought this watch a few days ago as a gift for myself and I also bought the strap that is shown here. Can't wait for both of them to come to my door soon!
Felt like you were calling me out with that thumbnail. 😂 As an SKX fan, I agree that this is objectively a better watch. I got so close to buying one so many times but never went through with it. I think I’ll need to give the NY0040 another look.
Hi buddy. Don't get me wrong, the SKX is a nice looking watch, when you get a straight one, but it just doesn't wear as well nor keep decent time, a prerequisite for a watch... especially at the new higher prices! Thanks for watching:)
@@johnswatchjoint Completely agree mate. I got very lucky with mine. Perfect alignment and keeps great time even 5 years later, but I know a lot of people have the opposite experience. That kind of QC is unacceptable for a big brand like Seiko. Haven’t worn it much in the past few years because I prefer smaller watches, but it’s my go to ‘beach watch’ during the summer. Thanks for the good take on this topic! 🙂
Thank you for the honest review. I am picking up one of these watches today, super excited. I was thinking of a shark mesh bracelet, however, after seeing your bracelet with the watch. That is the one I’m getting.
Exactly my opinion...SKX is not as solidity perfection as this Citizen. I have the same one with a newer caliber...I love it...and of course I bought two NATO straps in black and green (matches the number plate)...as well as a metal bracelet...but now in the summer at sea - of course worn with the original diving urethane strap. You have a new subscriber... greetings from Slovenia😃👍🇸🇮
I've had a Promaster for years the blue with Pepsi bezel $189 bucks. Makes me wonder why i even look at micro brands . I just bought a Timex & Hodinkee Skindiver another great watch $220 . I put mine on a Engineer strapsco .
I have owned the NY040 since 1997! Loved the look of it then and still do now. My original one is still working perfectly, and it's still on the original rubber ND limits strap! I also managed to get a couple Italian Navy surplus ones way back that are basically the same, but for the writing in the dial and it was rated at 500m, and that's impressive by any standards? It even says so on the dial! All are still working as good as the day they were made! And as of 2024 they are still made! 27 years can't say that about seiko skx ! There current versions are Not iso and only 100m total crap for the £300 price tag?
They have released some newer high street versions but the venerable NY0040 is still for sale at around $225 with the original ISO rating and a new 8204 hacking movement. I have one. If the versions you have say Marine Militare on them and are 500m ...please hang on to them...they are worth a fortune now 😯
@johnswatchjoint I wish I had bought more at the time they had a box full of them in various condition! I had five originally, sold off three to friends years ago ,I'll will have to see if they still have them if they are worth 💰 🤑
I love my Promaster diver eco drive I did not know they came in automatics, awesome! I am going to (eventually) compare it to my Seiko padi solar watch, it punches well above its price point, other than the terrible plastic strap although even it has grown on me a little to the point I am wearing mine on it. The bezel on these are really great though I would like the gnurling to cover the entire bezel. I got an engineer style bracelet for mine and it is awesome with it! I do prefer my crown on the right hand side. I think for what you get one of the main reasons this is a contender to be better than skx is the price, that along with the bezel which is near perfect on the citizen….that lume is also comparable if not better than the skx, I think the lume on mine is better than the padi prospex I have. Great review John!
Hey Chris. This is my most important watch. Regarding your Promaster strap...little known tip I have used for years...boil a kettle, wait a minute, then place both pieces of the strap into a normal cup so they wrap around it inside. Pour in the nearly boiling water. Leave for 4 to 5 mins max. Pour out warm water, fill cup with cold water. Leave strap for 5 mins. Take out and dry. Strap will wear into your wrist better. Only do this if you don't have ND Limits printed on strap! Thanks for watching buddy :)
And any dive watch collector has to appreciate a fully lumed dial .i know I do .walking indoors from outside on a bright sunny day is the best .the only thing I don't care for on the citizen promaster divers are the resin straps they come on .but u can always swap them out. Easy peasy japeneasy
Did you know there is a technique with these straps to make them super comfortable? Remove both pieces from watch and lay them in a cup so they curl round the bottom of the cup. Pour in just boiled water. Leave for 5 mins. Empty warm water pour in cold water for a few mins. Voila, the strap will now conform to your wrist and you won't even feel it. ;)
@@johnswatchjoint yes i have seen that technique done in a video .im a bracelet kind of guy with watches .but I ordered 2 FMK rubber straps ,one in 22mm and another in 20mm lug width. This way if i want I can throw a rubber strap on anyone of my divers that i wear in rotation
I actually have both my SKX and Promaster, but I prefer my Promaster because it keeps better time and I just feel I do not have headaches with its caliber to be calibrated again because the hairspring has a problem. Compared with my SKX I had experience a lot problems which remained no choice but to just buy a new caliber for my SKX.
Great revue, my skx got me into watches, love it, super tough and reliable, had to swap it as my beater for a g shock, just because I didn't think it was fair to subject it to such abuse. I also thought TGV was a little biased in his revue, due to the fame of the SKX but with the scores on the doors you make up your own mind. Promaster is my next diver, just got to chose which one. Thanks for the revue.
Hi there. I still have two Promasters. Full Lume and the original only black...but I did find a straight and true SKX013 from 2019, the last production year. Love it, but the Promasters are superior.
I've been wanting to add a watch with a fully lumed dial to my collection, this could be the one. I like the military connection too. I'll definitely be picking up one of those bracelets though, looks good. Will remember to do it via your link.
Hi Gary. Fantastic watches. The link I have is non affiliated. This one will be for sale by tomorrow with the bracelet as I have the black and the blue also...cannot keep them all. If you are interested and you live in the UK give me a shout on my email. Bought this for the review only and it is unworn otherwise :)
Cheers for the review John, excellent content on the channel. I decided to purchase this watch after watching your review… I’m very impressed! Fantastic watch for the price and I shall be purchasing that Ali Express strap as I think it compliments the watch very nicely!
A skx 007 j version is a more refined watch that doesn't hack or handwind 😂, i just got this promaster and it has not left my wrist. My skx is officially retired now, thank you for content sir , great video
I own the NY086 Pepsi Fugu . Mine has the 8204 movement and hacks . I also own the Seiko SKX009 and thank goodness I have no alignment issues on my SKX . I absolutely love my NY086 but I can’t help but cherish my SKX009. Both are amazing in their own right and to me it’s pointless as to which is better because they both are outstanding.
Like you I own both an SKX and two Promasters. I love my SKX013 but it took me seven years to find a straight and true one. It also keeps decent time. I don't agree that it's pointless to compare as there are so many biased reviews saying the SKX is better...which isn't true. Both of my Promasters are more accurate and both can be hand wound. One has the newer movement so also hacks. Both have Lume that is as good as the Seiko. They don't bobble on the wrist so also wear better. I love my SKX but it simply is not as good as the Citizen Promasters but it is iconic...like the Promasters! Thx for your comment. I do appreciate it 🙏
I have a Fugu diver, a 009j and a 007j. I love all of them. The Fugu is much better in most areas. Inexplicably though, the 007 gets the most wrist time out of the three.
My old vintage 0040 does suffer from age though, and the bezel click has decayed, buI I'm no diver so it won't ever be a problem. But yes, the precision in the new ones are just amazing.I laugh whenever I get the 120 vs 60 argument.
Years (maybe 10) ago I bought the SKX007 and the Seiko Orange Monster. I was not aware of CItizen Promaster. All teh watch sites and forums pished Seiko. I liked the Monster, 1st gen. But I felt the SKX was overrated. I did not like the flat matte, printed dial. I sold both, although I regret selling the Monster. Now I have several Citizen Promasters. I like them a lot better than the SKX. Hacking, handwinding, better proportions. If the 803 movement is more accurate than the 804, it does not matter, a sin real life a hacking movement will most of the time be more accurately and easily synchronized to a computer, satellite or atomic clock
The internet fluffed the skx. I own a few of these and some seikos. My miyota movements destroy my seikos when it comes to time keeping. Plus with the position of the crown on these citizens makes it wear way better on wrist all day.
I used to own a black and silver 43mm seiko PYH018 150 m - skx style but quartz and accurate, the lume was brilliant when planting explosives on night diving exercises as a navy diver in the 1980s. After I discharged it was stolen from my car. Back into diving these says so I bought a Casio MDV106 duo as a workhorse diving watch while cleaning my yacht's hull, but lumes no good. I like night diving and I like the lumes feedback on this and other videos, so I will be adding this Citizen NY 040 to my collection. Prefer the black and silver with a NATO strap.
Just bought this in the 50W full lume version. Absolutely love it! I had a Seiko Pepsi Turtle a cpl years back that was HORRENDOUS at time keeping! It was losing 45 seconds to two minutes per day! I returned it after about a week and swore I’d never purchase an automatic again. Fast forward to three weeks ago and I found the NY0040-50W full lume on Jomashop under $200. So I pulled the trigger after seeing many reviews on it, including this one. WOW, was I wrong! I have had this watch on every day now and take it off every night to sleep. I tested it for one week without any reset. Came in at a loss of -12 seconds! That’s -12 seconds out from internet time synchronization for ONE FULL WEEK! That Myota 8204 engine is incredible!
Good video thanks, I'm in need of a watch my orient ray crapped out I got 7 years out of it, not bad but I thought it would last a lot longer. I'm torn between the lime color and the blue citizen?
I AGREE with you about TGV's review, he rigged it. I have the NY 0040 in blue. I don't have the skx, but I have a really nice Turtle, they both get equal Wrist time. I always wanted the NY, one day, recently, I saw it on Amazon for $166 I snapped it up!
I have a seiko SKX n I’M an old SKX fan bit it’s overpriced now. I’ve bought the promaster sunburst version. This Watch is amazing! The sunburst dial is delicious. For this price no one Beats it. Now I’m a citizen promaster fan too 😂😂😂
Great video. I've got the Kermit version w/ the 8203 and love it. Although this is the one watch I'd recommend not getting it on the steel bracelet. It's absolutely awful.
I share you're love/your appreciation for the NY0040 series, IMHO a better watch than the venerable 'SKX' etc, BUT/However, I think the SKX is/has a better and classically recognisable face, just without the better movement of the NY0040-???
They are both recognisable and great to look at but the ny0040 is the better watch. I finally found a straight and true skx013 this year and will keep it in my collection with the Promaster, but the Promaster is the one I prefer to wear as it is just....better?!
I had the chance to get the black version of this a while back. By the time I made up my mind, I'd missed out and it wasn't available. Instead I bought a Promaster 300m diver albeit Eco Drive. Love it. That being said, the original NY0040 is available again and I'm tempted to get one to compliment the Promaster I already own. Can decide which colour though. 🤔 Great video 👍
Oh no...this time next year you will have a black one, a blue one and a full lumed version, plus a coke version on a bracelet and a Fugu and.....Been there and still doing it. 7 years later and still cannot get enough of them ;)
I own both SKX007 and Citizen. Both are good, but I prefer the Promaster on a jubilee bracelet. BTW I am a certified diver and helicopter pilot.. for whatever it’s worth..
I like the NY 0040 better than the SKX. The one issue with the all lume dial and hands is that: when the lume fades in darkness, it is difficult to see the hands due to lack of contrast. The hands need to be all black to widen the contrast.
I bought mine imported in 2022. It was 55 seconds a day fast. I sent it in for service and now it averages about plus 5 seconds. Better then my Drills and has become my favorite. You're right about the lumens. Seiko does use the good stuff but if that was all I cared about I'd spend $300 on a tritium watch.
I did think so too but that has not proved to be the case. With Citizen constantly expanding this range we are finding the opposite just now. I sold a full Lume version 18 months ago for £335 but now they are only £200. Black and blue versions are now available on eBay and Amazon for around £170. Great value :)
Nice review good or great value per dollar. Is it just me or the comment everything lines up perfectly. Not quite. The 12 o clock marker is set right of the 12 marker on the chapter ring . Yes or no?Just like the Seiko's and I love Seiko but it's a fact?
SKX007J version insanely at over €600 now with honestly more inferior 7S26 mechanics vs NY0040 (miyota 8204 - much better accuracy+hacking+handwinding),arguably better build quality at less than half the price. I would be so happy getting 2 new citizens now, wearing one while keeping another one unworn as my collection.
I can see from here your chapter ring is not aligned with the dial, which is normal seeing how this watch is built, the movement being held by a very basic plastic ring inside. I sold my ny0040 because of that. It's a cool looking watch but what you say there is just wrong. The dial on mine was even moving under the chapter ring when I was adjusting the time, just operating the crown 😅
Erm. What can I say but it is a fraction off but nothing compared the Seikos I have handled over the years. Miniscule and you really have to look for it :)
I have the black version along with this but finally managed to get a straight Seiko SKX013...(yes one exists) after SEVEN attempts over the years. I love both and believe it or not the 7s26 in this one is also very accurate when worn regularly. Both great watches but it should not be this difficult to get a common or garden SKX that is straight and times well. Seiko are so frustrating and do not do themselves any favours :)
@@johnswatchjoint like you said, getting a straight one is just luck. I had the 007 and the chapter ring (which is supposed to be pressed between the case and the crystal) was actually floating between the case and the crystal. So depending on your movement and position, once it was aligned, once not. Like kids toys 😅 It drove me mad. The 7s26 is a very robust movement. Very stable when regulated correctly which is barely the case out of the factory. I had to regulate all mine myself but never complained about them afterwards. Same for the miyota in the Ny0040. For the money, it does the job very well.
@@johnswatchjoint I just reordered this watch *duh*, I just came to know that it was updated with new lume and a new movement recently (8204 with hacking). That's the first time in my life that I re-order a watch that I sold :D It has flaws... but I just miss the look of it; I confess ;)
I have to say that I’m in “camp”promaster, but you can’t really say that one is better than the other when it comes to accuracy. I’ve had a couple of Promasters and a 009 and my SKX had significantly better accuracy than the promasters. So, it all depends on the individual watch. That being said, I do prefer the Promaster, hands down.
I can only go by my experience. I have had many SKX variants and Seiko 5's with the 7s26. All but a couple ran very inaccurately. I've had a dozen or so Promasters including fugu's with the newer hacking 8204 movement, all of which have been significantly more accurate. In this case I can truly say that the Promasters are definitely more accurate. It doesn't take away from the fact that one of my favourite watches was my most accurate 7s26 watch ....an SKX013 which had been tweaked by a watchmaker before I purchased it :)
@@johnswatchjoint well, I think you can definitely say that, based on your experience but in absolute terms, I don’t think that they are very different. I’ve also owned half a dozen Seikos with the 7s26 and a couple of promasters and the accuracy was on par. Expect for my SKX that ran spot on. That being said, I have 2 more promasters on the way. :)
Yes, I like mine a great deal, it's only irritation is their failure to have a White background for its Day Date Complication the Black makes it almost impossible to read unless you turn it into the light just right. I'd have sent it back were it not for loving it's overall design.
ISO rating requires that you see lume on the second hand. You knew that right? Lollipop counter is the most legible way of doing it as there is more surface area. Handy for skindiving in twilight. Seiko SKX the same.
The reason why seiko always wins over citizen in TGV reviews, simply is because he's bias ! He's a Seiko Fan boy!!😂😂😂 Citizen Promaster ny0040 is simply the best diver for around 200 £,€ or$ ! And always will be !
You watchmatized me into buying the Seestern 62 MAS. After discounts and taxes, I was in at $121, which isn't too bad. I still want the Seiko SPB143, although this may scratch that itch. Great job!!
I love this. Someone finally pushing back against the 007. Hacking, hand winding, build quality and 20mm lug. All plus points that get ignored due to icon status of the 007. I love Seiko but do not own one 007.
Cheers Paul :)
The early lefty's didn't have hacking because they had the 8203 movement. The one's that hack have the 8204 movement. Not sure when citizen started using the hacking movement.
Yes, the NY0040 is definitely worth the money. Get 2 (+better specs)for the price of 1 SKX which is ridiculously overpriced
This one has no Hacking as well. Only the fugu version has hacking.
@@johnswatchjointCitizen is overlooked despite them creating the first properly water resistant watch in Japan and possibly first Japanese diver, the eco drive watches in 1976, atomic watches in the 1990’s and in 2019 the most accurate non atomic watch an eco drive quartz subject to plus or minus one second a year.
I knew I was not crazy. The promaster and specially the Fugu version with the Miyota 8204 is the better watch when compared to the Seiko option. Just the fit and finish by Citizen has always been of higher quality. Thanks for proving I am not crazy.
NY0040 vs skx007 - 1. Better looking 2. Better movement 3. Cheaper
I would say this is by far your best expressed and knowledgeable review. You have called out the Seiko bias by most channels to Seiko watch products over Citizen. I too am a convert to Citizen from Seiko. Your points on quality control are valid. My SKX was overhyped, no hacking, poor bracelet and actually not good value. It sits in my watch drawer now ignored. I love Citizen divers they are a true tool watch. Well done my friend you hit it out of the park this time. Go Citizen!
Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment. Please remembering to subscribe :)
Not only a better watch than the 007, but I must admit I love this “underdoginess” of the 0040, icon icon!
I agree with your review. I started buying citizens a few years back after getting a bit fed up with seikos price hikes and qc issues. I own the ny0040 and the skx and I like them both in their own way. The citizen is more of the quirky underdog, which has always appealed to me. Plus you've got better qc and a 5 year warranty. Win-win for the price you pay.
Spot on :)
The Watch of the Marina Militare ! 💪😍
Absolutely!
Great review. I have two skxs, an orient kamasu, an orient triton, and a vostok amphibia scuba. But this is the watch I wear everyday. I can't take it off. Just got the new bracelet Mark from Long Island Watch, the o-style, and it is awesome. My ny0040 is usually around +7s per day.
Good man and a fellow Promaster nut ;)
I got the jubilee from Long Island watch. My cousin thought I was wearing a blue Rolex. Lolz.
I bought my brand new NY0040-50E from a reseller for £230 and I couldn't be happier. I has all the yellow scuba tank, papers and all those s**t. My first automatik watch was the SKX but im loving this NY probably because its new but really... It looks better than the SKX which I bought for £150 in 2020 during the pandemic. But hey, prices of everything went up now. I still love both watches.
John, i bought a black version of the NY0040 on rubber in 2005/6 and it was the first mechanical watch i’d ever bought. I bought it as it didn’t need batteries and the seal would remain intact as i was training to be a diver. It lasted 6 years as my only watch worn every day and on over 200 dives. Great watch though the 8203a movement wasn’t very reliable after about 4 years, it kept stopping even though i never took it off, sending it back to citizen after 4 years under the 5 year warranty didn’t really fix it and i stopped wearing it at that point.
Good to hear real-life diver reports. Thanks for sharing :)
Citizen could just swap the movement with a 804.
It's like a memory of looking through jeweler's windows as a child, in the 90s. I've just bought one from a private seller and this review has helped. Thanks.
Received this beauty over the weekend. I bought it based on your review and I must say it's a beauty. I only discovered your channel last week, and it's great to see some quality watches at bargain prices. Thanks John 👍.
Welcome aboard! And thanks for the comment 😊
So right. I've loved this watch for ten years and have many iterations including this one. I've even got a few tucked away for the future. You're probably aware that Citizen have uprated (upsized, better bracelet version, sapphire crystal, and hacking 8204 movement, though you will find the 8204 in later models of these) this watch and pushed the price up to £400. There are still plenty of the older lefties around but they won't be here for ever. Time to grab one while you can. The Italian Navy connection said it all for me. They used it with no modification though the issued ones were marked accordingly. Originals are worth a few quid.
Thanks buddy. Once you get hooked…that’s it! :)
These are absolutely superb watches & with a whole range of colours & strap/bracelet options & imo far superior to the old skx.
It's pretty much the only Citizen that I really like.😊
Cheers Adrian. My favourite watch.
John, I totally agree with you on the NY0040, I have two, a well used/worn 8203 with black dial & bezel etc, that could do with a service/movement change and a much more recent '8204 '17LE in blue that is almost factory fresh, I have the Promaster air tank case etc, I love them both.
I also have 3 'SKX's a very late mint '009, an 013 and a modified '009 and I like/love them all.
I also have several Citizen Eco-Drives and several other Seikos too, including an SLA023J1, so I think I maybe able to give a fairly representative overall view?
The Citizens are better watches overall, but the Seikos design of dials and cases are probably more appealing overall, certainly more classic, but I think Citizen/Miyota get a bad rep for their movements, which I find tend to be at least as stable if not more than their Seiko counter parts?
Many people seem to mention the rotor noise on the 8000 series automatics, I must admit I don't hear it in normal everyday usage.
Thanks for you're reviews, keep up the good work!
Hi buddy and good to hear your perspective. I must admit that I prefer the Miyota movements to the NH35's and especially 7S26 of Seiko. Miyotas in my experience are very accurate...more so the 8203. As far as Seiko are concerned I love my SKX013 but it took me years and repeated buying and disappointment before I got my straight one. A minter from 2019 with die straight dial and chapter ring plus straight bezel and very well regulated. It's great but Still prefer my NY0040's. I just wish people would actually put one on their wrist and try it. Like you I never hear any rotor noise when it is on the wrist. But it is loud if you put it on a wooden desk after taking it off and it is spinning...but it's cool as you can hear that efficiency! 😆
I prefer Citizen Promaster versus Seoko. Brilliant with tapering the bezel versus the high shoulders of the seiko bezel.
Good video. I paid about £100 for a lightly used one of these lume versions about 7 years ago. They started to become a bit thin on the ground around 3 years ago as I believe they were discontinued for a while. As a result the prices went a bit mad and I sold mine on for £300! I always regretted selling that watch then came across the reissues on Amazon a couple of weeks ago and snapped one up again. It's as good as I remember it and the hacking movement is a nice upgrade. I currently have mine on a strapcode super engineer which I had on my old one. They do look good on the original strap but it's just a shame it's so stiff. One thing I did notice on mine is that there is a bit of play between the bezel and the case. I read somewhere that this is a deliberate design feature but who knows. I never owned an skx, even 10 years ago they were getting too pricey. I have however recently bought a ssk GMT which I believe is pretty much the same case and I have to agree the NY 0040s wear better.
I love them as you can tell :)
This Citizen and the Orient Kamasu are the best $200 automatic divers right now. Seiko doesn't have anything to compete at that mark, specially the discontinued and inferior SKX.
Well John, you sold me. In fact, my last watch purchase of 2023 was this watch. Today it arrived and I've been enjoying it on wrist all day. You nailed it in your review. This piece is just great! Looks, specs, dimensions, bezel action and that lume! I got into horology after the SKX craze so don't have one to compare, but from what I see online this watch has it beat hands down. Cheers!
Enjoy!
I bought an NY-0040 and I am getting +6.5 Seconds Per Day. It has the 84 Movement. I Love it!
The case design of this watch is more manly than the skx..I have three fugu watches, I don’t have an skx. Always have second thoughts about buying skx .. I would think, man I want an skx on my rotation but then I remember how some fans complain about qc issues, misalignment and 7s26 movement being “duh” so instead I bought an islander watch.. but then like I said the case design of the fugu Is more spikey, tooly and that’s just how I prefer it to be..
You made the right choice. I had 3 SKXs but they were at reasonable prices back then. They look cool but that’s it…not worth the hyped prices!
I bought this watch a few days ago as a gift for myself and I also bought the strap that is shown here. Can't wait for both of them to come to my door soon!
Hope you enjoy it! 🤗🎊
Love that watch! Bought mine just a few days ago but as the coke version.
Great Choice :)
Felt like you were calling me out with that thumbnail. 😂
As an SKX fan, I agree that this is objectively a better watch. I got so close to buying one so many times but never went through with it. I think I’ll need to give the NY0040 another look.
Hi buddy. Don't get me wrong, the SKX is a nice looking watch, when you get a straight one, but it just doesn't wear as well nor keep decent time, a prerequisite for a watch... especially at the new higher prices! Thanks for watching:)
@@johnswatchjoint Completely agree mate. I got very lucky with mine. Perfect alignment and keeps great time even 5 years later, but I know a lot of people have the opposite experience. That kind of QC is unacceptable for a big brand like Seiko. Haven’t worn it much in the past few years because I prefer smaller watches, but it’s my go to ‘beach watch’ during the summer. Thanks for the good take on this topic! 🙂
Thank you for the honest review. I am picking up one of these watches today, super excited. I was thinking of a shark mesh bracelet, however, after seeing your bracelet with the watch. That is the one I’m getting.
The promaster titanium is also an excellent watch😮
i have a ny0040-LE and a ny0100-50 love them both blue dials...
Exactly my opinion...SKX is not as solidity perfection as this Citizen. I have the same one with a newer caliber...I love it...and of course I bought two NATO straps in black and green (matches the number plate)...as well as a metal bracelet...but now in the summer at sea - of course worn with the original diving urethane strap.
You have a new subscriber... greetings from Slovenia😃👍🇸🇮
Thank you my friend ;)
I've had a Promaster for years the blue with Pepsi bezel $189 bucks. Makes me wonder why i even look at micro brands . I just bought a Timex & Hodinkee Skindiver another great watch $220 . I put mine on a Engineer strapsco .
Nice one!
I have owned the NY040 since 1997! Loved the look of it then and still do now. My original one is still working perfectly, and it's still on the original rubber ND limits strap! I also managed to get a couple Italian Navy surplus ones way back that are basically the same, but for the writing in the dial and it was rated at 500m, and that's impressive by any standards? It even says so on the dial! All are still working as good as the day they were made! And as of 2024 they are still made! 27 years can't say that about seiko skx ! There current versions are Not iso and only 100m total crap for the £300 price tag?
They have released some newer high street versions but the venerable NY0040 is still for sale at around $225 with the original ISO rating and a new 8204 hacking movement. I have one. If the versions you have say Marine Militare on them and are 500m ...please hang on to them...they are worth a fortune now 😯
@johnswatchjoint
I have them and I think I paid about £30 each at the time for them ?
Wow. Do some digging. You could have a couple of nice heirlooms there! 😉
@johnswatchjoint
I wish I had bought more at the time they had a box full of them in various condition! I had five originally, sold off three to friends years ago ,I'll will have to see if they still have them if they are worth 💰 🤑
I love my Promaster diver eco drive I did not know they came in automatics, awesome! I am going to (eventually) compare it to my Seiko padi solar watch, it punches well above its price point, other than the terrible plastic strap although even it has grown on me a little to the point I am wearing mine on it. The bezel on these are really great though I would like the gnurling to cover the entire bezel. I got an engineer style bracelet for mine and it is awesome with it! I do prefer my crown on the right hand side. I think for what you get one of the main reasons this is a contender to be better than skx is the price, that along with the bezel which is near perfect on the citizen….that lume is also comparable if not better than the skx, I think the lume on mine is better than the padi prospex I have. Great review John!
Hey Chris. This is my most important watch. Regarding your Promaster strap...little known tip I have used for years...boil a kettle, wait a minute, then place both pieces of the strap into a normal cup so they wrap around it inside. Pour in the nearly boiling water. Leave for 4 to 5 mins max. Pour out warm water, fill cup with cold water. Leave strap for 5 mins. Take out and dry. Strap will wear into your wrist better. Only do this if you don't have ND Limits printed on strap! Thanks for watching buddy :)
And any dive watch collector has to appreciate a fully lumed dial .i know I do .walking indoors from outside on a bright sunny day is the best .the only thing I don't care for on the citizen promaster divers are the resin straps they come on .but u can always swap them out. Easy peasy japeneasy
Did you know there is a technique with these straps to make them super comfortable? Remove both pieces from watch and lay them in a cup so they curl round the bottom of the cup. Pour in just boiled water. Leave for 5 mins. Empty warm water pour in cold water for a few mins. Voila, the strap will now conform to your wrist and you won't even feel it. ;)
@@johnswatchjoint yes i have seen that technique done in a video .im a bracelet kind of guy with watches .but I ordered 2 FMK rubber straps ,one in 22mm and another in 20mm lug width. This way if i want I can throw a rubber strap on anyone of my divers that i wear in rotation
I just took the strap off my Seiko that I hardly wore and put it on. 20mm is 20mm. I finally got a nice mil spec dress band and it is my daily driver.
I actually have both my SKX and Promaster, but I prefer my Promaster because it keeps better time and I just feel I do not have headaches with its caliber to be calibrated again because the hairspring has a problem. Compared with my SKX I had experience a lot problems which remained no choice but to just buy a new caliber for my SKX.
Great revue, my skx got me into watches, love it, super tough and reliable, had to swap it as my beater for a g shock, just because I didn't think it was fair to subject it to such abuse. I also thought TGV was a little biased in his revue, due to the fame of the SKX but with the scores on the doors you make up your own mind. Promaster is my next diver, just got to chose which one. Thanks for the revue.
Hi there. I still have two Promasters. Full Lume and the original only black...but I did find a straight and true SKX013 from 2019, the last production year. Love it, but the Promasters are superior.
I've been wanting to add a watch with a fully lumed dial to my collection, this could be the one. I like the military connection too.
I'll definitely be picking up one of those bracelets though, looks good. Will remember to do it via your link.
Hi Gary. Fantastic watches. The link I have is non affiliated. This one will be for sale by tomorrow with the bracelet as I have the black and the blue also...cannot keep them all. If you are interested and you live in the UK give me a shout on my email. Bought this for the review only and it is unworn otherwise :)
Great video. Couldn't agree more. Have two of these myself. Awesome watches! 👍
Thanks for watching!
Cheers for the review John, excellent content on the channel. I decided to purchase this watch after watching your review… I’m very impressed! Fantastic watch for the price and I shall be purchasing that Ali Express strap as I think it compliments the watch very nicely!
Thanks Jake.
A skx 007 j version is a more refined watch that doesn't hack or handwind 😂, i just got this promaster and it has not left my wrist. My skx is officially retired now, thank you for content sir , great video
Thank YOU for watching 🤗
I own the NY086 Pepsi Fugu . Mine has the 8204 movement and hacks . I also own the Seiko SKX009 and thank goodness I have no alignment issues on my SKX . I absolutely love my NY086 but I can’t help but cherish my SKX009. Both are amazing in their own right and to me it’s pointless as to which is better because they both are outstanding.
Like you I own both an SKX and two Promasters. I love my SKX013 but it took me seven years to find a straight and true one. It also keeps decent time. I don't agree that it's pointless to compare as there are so many biased reviews saying the SKX is better...which isn't true. Both of my Promasters are more accurate and both can be hand wound. One has the newer movement so also hacks. Both have Lume that is as good as the Seiko. They don't bobble on the wrist so also wear better. I love my SKX but it simply is not as good as the Citizen Promasters but it is iconic...like the Promasters! Thx for your comment. I do appreciate it 🙏
I have a Fugu diver, a 009j and a 007j. I love all of them. The Fugu is much better in most areas. Inexplicably though, the 007 gets the most wrist time out of the three.
My old vintage 0040 does suffer from age though, and the bezel click has decayed, buI I'm no diver so it won't ever be a problem. But yes, the precision in the new ones are just amazing.I laugh whenever I get the 120 vs 60 argument.
Years (maybe 10) ago I bought the SKX007 and the Seiko Orange Monster. I was not aware of CItizen Promaster. All teh watch sites and forums pished Seiko. I liked the Monster, 1st gen. But I felt the SKX was overrated. I did not like the flat matte, printed dial. I sold both, although I regret selling the Monster. Now I have several Citizen Promasters. I like them a lot better than the SKX. Hacking, handwinding, better proportions.
If the 803 movement is more accurate than the 804, it does not matter, a sin real life a hacking movement will most of the time be more accurately and easily synchronized to a computer, satellite or atomic clock
The internet fluffed the skx. I own a few of these and some seikos. My miyota movements destroy my seikos when it comes to time keeping. Plus with the position of the crown on these citizens makes it wear way better on wrist all day.
Agreed 👍
I used to own a black and silver 43mm seiko PYH018 150 m - skx style but quartz and accurate, the lume was brilliant when planting explosives on night diving exercises as a navy diver in the 1980s. After I discharged it was stolen from my car. Back into diving these says so I bought a Casio MDV106 duo as a workhorse diving watch while cleaning my yacht's hull, but lumes no good. I like night diving and I like the lumes feedback on this and other videos, so I will be adding this Citizen NY 040 to my collection. Prefer the black and silver with a NATO strap.
Nice one. Sounds like you are a handy guy to know!
Just bought this in the 50W full lume version. Absolutely love it! I had a Seiko Pepsi Turtle a cpl years back that was HORRENDOUS at time keeping! It was losing 45 seconds to two minutes per day! I returned it after about a week and swore I’d never purchase an automatic again. Fast forward to three weeks ago and I found the NY0040-50W full lume on Jomashop under $200. So I pulled the trigger after seeing many reviews on it, including this one. WOW, was I wrong! I have had this watch on every day now and take it off every night to sleep. I tested it for one week without any reset. Came in at a loss of -12 seconds! That’s -12 seconds out from internet time synchronization for ONE FULL WEEK! That Myota 8204 engine is incredible!
They are very accurate and robust. Well done ✅
@@johnswatchjointcheers Mate! Keep up the great reviews!
Good video thanks, I'm in need of a watch my orient ray crapped out I got 7 years out of it, not bad but I thought it would last a lot longer. I'm torn between the lime color and the blue citizen?
Both beautiful
I have this lumens version and the coke, both with black nato straps, the lumens looks great with the black, I love them both.
Great choices!
I AGREE with you about TGV's review, he rigged it.
I have the NY 0040 in blue. I don't have the skx, but I have a really nice Turtle, they both get equal
Wrist time. I always wanted the NY, one day, recently, I saw it on Amazon for $166 I snapped it up!
👍
I have a seiko SKX n I’M an old SKX fan bit it’s overpriced now. I’ve bought the promaster sunburst version. This Watch is amazing! The sunburst dial is delicious. For this price no one Beats it. Now I’m a citizen promaster fan too 😂😂😂
Thanks for the video! Do you notice any vertical play with the bezel? Mine has just under 1mm of play and if I push down, it will "tap" the case.
Nope.
Great video. I've got the Kermit version w/ the 8203 and love it. Although this is the one watch I'd recommend not getting it on the steel bracelet. It's absolutely awful.
You are right. The rubber is ok though if you shape it in boiling water at the bottom of a cup for 5 mins ;)
That 12 O'clock index is pants.
Haha….finally an SKX fan. That the best you got? I think it’s a football top! ;)
I share you're love/your appreciation for the NY0040 series, IMHO a better watch than the venerable 'SKX' etc, BUT/However, I think the SKX is/has a better and classically recognisable face, just without the better movement of the NY0040-???
They are both recognisable and great to look at but the ny0040 is the better watch. I finally found a straight and true skx013 this year and will keep it in my collection with the Promaster, but the Promaster is the one I prefer to wear as it is just....better?!
I had the chance to get the black version of this a while back. By the time I made up my mind, I'd missed out and it wasn't available. Instead I bought a Promaster 300m diver albeit Eco Drive. Love it. That being said, the original NY0040 is available again and I'm tempted to get one to compliment the Promaster I already own. Can decide which colour though. 🤔 Great video 👍
Oh no...this time next year you will have a black one, a blue one and a full lumed version, plus a coke version on a bracelet and a Fugu and.....Been there and still doing it. 7 years later and still cannot get enough of them ;)
@@johnswatchjoint Just thinking of a good excuse why I "need" another watch to tell my other half 🤣
Simple...blue one for Monday's, black for Tuesday's....you need total of seven to maintain Harmony on Planet Earth....see? Easy peasy :)!
@@johnswatchjoint Good plan 👍
I own both SKX007 and Citizen. Both are good, but I prefer the Promaster on a jubilee bracelet. BTW I am a certified diver and helicopter pilot.. for whatever it’s worth..
Nice...thanks for the input :)
I like the NY 0040 better than the SKX. The one issue with the all lume dial and hands is that: when the lume fades in darkness, it is difficult to see the hands due to lack of contrast. The hands need to be all black to widen the contrast.
I bought mine imported in 2022. It was 55 seconds a day fast. I sent it in for service and now it averages about plus 5 seconds. Better then my Drills and has become my favorite. You're right about the lumens. Seiko does use the good stuff but if that was all I cared about I'd spend $300 on a tritium watch.
I have both I find both remarkable watches ⌚
Well i managed to buy the old version but new watch .I believe the price will just keep going up
I did think so too but that has not proved to be the case. With Citizen constantly expanding this range we are finding the opposite just now. I sold a full Lume version 18 months ago for £335 but now they are only £200. Black and blue versions are now available on eBay and Amazon for around £170. Great value :)
Big fan of these promasters, such a good watch. Heimdallr do a fugu homage which I keep thinking about, if only just to compare to the citizen.
The Heimdallr is decent. You get what you pay for but the WR is always a big question. The Promaster is a long way ahead :)
Nice review good or great value per dollar. Is it just me or the comment everything lines up perfectly. Not quite. The 12 o clock marker is set right of the 12 marker on the chapter ring . Yes or no?Just like the Seiko's and I love Seiko but it's a fact?
Everything lines up perfectly. Remember the Google pixel offset with the lens being slightly to the side.
SKX007J version insanely at over €600 now with honestly more inferior 7S26 mechanics vs NY0040 (miyota 8204 - much better accuracy+hacking+handwinding),arguably better build quality at less than half the price. I would be so happy getting 2 new citizens now, wearing one while keeping another one unworn as my collection.
Good man. At last, a fellow Promaster nut :)
A true historically iconic diver
It is indeed ! 😉
Nice review. I liked the watch. do you Think the eco drive version wears too big in a wrist like yours?
Unfortunately it does :(
@@johnswatchjoint Thank you.
I can see from here your chapter ring is not aligned with the dial, which is normal seeing how this watch is built, the movement being held by a very basic plastic ring inside. I sold my ny0040 because of that. It's a cool looking watch but what you say there is just wrong.
The dial on mine was even moving under the chapter ring when I was adjusting the time, just operating the crown 😅
Erm. What can I say but it is a fraction off but nothing compared the Seikos I have handled over the years. Miniscule and you really have to look for it :)
@@johnswatchjoint I agree. It's better than the skx anyway (My skx is also gone). But still far from perfect like you tend to say 😉
I have the black version along with this but finally managed to get a straight Seiko SKX013...(yes one exists) after SEVEN attempts over the years. I love both and believe it or not the 7s26 in this one is also very accurate when worn regularly. Both great watches but it should not be this difficult to get a common or garden SKX that is straight and times well. Seiko are so frustrating and do not do themselves any favours :)
@@johnswatchjoint like you said, getting a straight one is just luck. I had the 007 and the chapter ring (which is supposed to be pressed between the case and the crystal) was actually floating between the case and the crystal. So depending on your movement and position, once it was aligned, once not. Like kids toys 😅
It drove me mad.
The 7s26 is a very robust movement. Very stable when regulated correctly which is barely the case out of the factory. I had to regulate all mine myself but never complained about them afterwards. Same for the miyota in the Ny0040. For the money, it does the job very well.
@@johnswatchjoint I just reordered this watch *duh*, I just came to know that it was updated with new lume and a new movement recently (8204 with hacking). That's the first time in my life that I re-order a watch that I sold :D
It has flaws... but I just miss the look of it; I confess ;)
I have to say that I’m in “camp”promaster, but you can’t really say that one is better than the other when it comes to accuracy. I’ve had a couple of Promasters and a 009 and my SKX had significantly better accuracy than the promasters. So, it all depends on the individual watch. That being said, I do prefer the Promaster, hands down.
I can only go by my experience. I have had many SKX variants and Seiko 5's with the 7s26. All but a couple ran very inaccurately. I've had a dozen or so Promasters including fugu's with the newer hacking 8204 movement, all of which have been significantly more accurate. In this case I can truly say that the Promasters are definitely more accurate. It doesn't take away from the fact that one of my favourite watches was my most accurate 7s26 watch ....an SKX013 which had been tweaked by a watchmaker before I purchased it :)
@@johnswatchjoint well, I think you can definitely say that, based on your experience but in absolute terms, I don’t think that they are very different. I’ve also owned half a dozen Seikos with the 7s26 and a couple of promasters and the accuracy was on par. Expect for my SKX that ran spot on.
That being said, I have 2 more promasters on the way. :)
...it is an affliction haha 😆
@@johnswatchjoint it sure is!
Yes, I like mine a great deal, it's only irritation is their failure to have a White background for its Day Date Complication the Black makes it almost impossible to read unless you turn it into the light just right. I'd have sent it back were it not for loving it's overall design.
It needs a magnifier over the date.. Id pay.A extra $30 for that.
I'm going to get one but it'll cost me $500
On eBay they are $250
www.chrono24.co.uk/citizen/citizen-promaster-divers-42mm-yellow-dial-black-rubber-strap-ny0040-09w--id7404429.htm?noDesc=true&
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/226437070735?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=f33cl64ttiw&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=_DwIhilvQxG&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Second hands with lume at the wrong end, never a good idea?
ISO rating requires that you see lume on the second hand. You knew that right?
Lollipop counter is the most legible way of doing it as there is more surface area. Handy for skindiving in twilight. Seiko SKX the same.
Hello John, thanks i agree; it's just on the wrong end for when it is dark (Inc. underwater) 'i much prefer' lume on the tip end of the second-hand
Seiko killer.😁
I love mine, but I want my air bottle!!!!
If you buy from Registered dealer the Full lume one should come with it but it depends on availability and location.
What a great video. Your Scottish tones are very relaxing aswell 😊
Thank you. I usually get people making fun of the accent ha ha:)
It’s even a better accent than Mike Myers’😂
@@clontstable1I Dunno if you are complimenting or insulting me ? :/
For honest
I think the whole dial is very odd
The reason why seiko always wins over citizen in TGV reviews, simply is because he's bias ! He's a Seiko Fan boy!!😂😂😂
Citizen Promaster ny0040 is simply the best diver for around 200 £,€ or$ !
And always will be !
I totally agree sir 😉
THE NY0040 MODEL ARE NOT IN PHILLIPINES SAD TO SAY
??..neither am I??
You
You watchmatized me into buying the Seestern 62 MAS. After discounts and taxes, I was in at $121, which isn't too bad. I still want the Seiko SPB143, although this may scratch that itch. Great job!!
That's a very good deal. When I bought my first one last year it was $189. Nice.