Poor Citizen, they're attractive, loyal, and posses every quality we claim we're looking for, but instead we choose high- maintenance, financially draining, unreliable options because they're popular and "exciting." Wonder if that might apply to anything else in life? 🤔
Citizen is true Japanese spirit from the past, when Japan product were peak functionality and quality, super high quality for the price, great QA, experimenting with materials and the dedicato solar. Their pro diver are bargains for the quality and 5 years local warranties. Can't believe they still keep at it.
Honestly,I'm happy to die on his hill,the citizen ny00 series is arguably the best divers watches ever made at any price point, anyone hating on the miyota movement has literally no idea what they're talking about!
I fell in love with this watch at first sight, and when I saw all its features (GMT, diver, ISO 6425, titanium, solar, Citizen,...) I bought it immediately. It is now my number one watch for diving trips abroad.
Hey Jody, I think the GMT hand was made that way to preserve the ISO 6425 standard. The GMT hand cannot block the visibility of the dial if used for diving. Anyway, my two cents. Hope all is well. Mark
@@funkmon Thanks. If you like blue dials, check out the BJ7111-86L. Dial and bezel are blue, the rehaut is white and the accents are orange. That one actually appealed to me.
Citizen's "super titanium" is a proprietary coating that they claim is several times harder than steel. I have had the pro diver in super titanium for 3 years,and there are no noticable scratches after regular wear so far.
@@mybrainlikesthings I think the comparison between stainless and titanium is baloney. if you bang or scratch your watch against something hard enough to damage titanium, chances are it will damage stainless as well, especially polish surfaces.
@@galacticcaveman4045 Incorrect. I can show you plenty of snailtrails on knives I own with titanium handle scales that were made by things that did nothing to scratch the steel. Titanium, specifically Ti-6Al-4V which is commonly used, hits about a 36ish on the Rockwell scale. Ti is far more likely to deform in the event of a ding against any number of things.
Harder than what steel specifically? They're using a median of unhardened steel for their baseline. What's more is that they refer to "Super titanium" as though it's a characteristic of the titanium, but it's not. It's a copolymer coating that goes over the titanium. They could just as easily apply it to stainless steel.
@@galacticcaveman4045 That wasn't your assertion though. This was: "if you bang or scratch your watch against something hard enough to damage titanium, chances are it will damage stainless as well, especially polish surfaces." That statement is false.
the cyclops being slightly lower actualy helps when reading the date while wearing the watch since you are always looking at the watch at a slight angle from the bottom rather than straight on. i don't know if it's intentional or not but it is better this way while in use.
I am a big fan of Citizen. I have 4 of them, one that is over 15yrs old, has been beaten half to death, has never been serviced and and is still going strong. I do have to agree with you on this particular model however, just doesn't excite me enough to plunk down my $$$. Citizen has a huge catalog of watches in just about every style, size, design, material and technology imaginable, so there is something to fit anyone. They have watches from $50 - to the Citizen One at $3k+
I recently bought a Citizen Promaster Titanium BN0201-02M Blue dial, bezel & silicone strap. It cost me around £160 with a 5+1yeat warranty. It's an eco drive movement and 44mm (which maybe a little large for some). I bought it as a summer 'beater' and I am really enjoying it. Was never overly convinced with Citizen but feel this may sway me in the future (when buying on the more 'affordable' end of the scale)
I bought this watch because I wanted a grab and go TRUE GMT as opposed to a caller GMT. It is also one of the few GMT watches with a dive bezel. It is super light and I feel it is tough as nails for a daily beater. Mine came from the JDM so the warranty is void in the USA. One thing to note...when the battery gets low it ticks every 2 secs until you charge it in any light. However after recharging you must pull the crown out for 30 secs and then push it back in to reset the watch. Anyway even without a warranty I love it and feel it is a bargain at less than $400
I bought the only Citizen that really appealed to me and I have loved it for many months so far. It’s an older smaller style Automatic Promaster Fugu, the green bezel NY0084. Perfect size, classic timeless style with a bit of color, and you can’t quite feel the Miyota wobble. Cost me about $280 last year which I think is a great value (about what SKXs used to cost). I’m wearing it right now🥰
I have the ny0085 absolutely LOVE it it's put everything else I own into storage and it puts pretty much all of it to shame, genuinely incredible classic watch
I own an NY0040 diver which I think does have some personality, not to mention heritage, having been used by Italian navy specialist divers. I wouldn't say it moves me emotionally but it has my utmost respect for functionality, durability and reliability - just like the watch you're reviewing here. If that's Citizen's niche there's certainly a market for it.
I have a Promaster GMT in stainless and it’s just my favorite boating watch ever. Tough as nails, looks great, and it’s a Citizen so it feels good knowing I have quality without ego on my wrist.
I love Citizen and their eco drive movements. The qc on their watches are far better than other Japanese companies in the same price range. I have two of them, a brycen chrono and a promaster diver. The only problem I have with them is the dial size. Nowadays companies are moving towards smaller dials, below 40mm, but Citizen has no option in that area. But they are making some bold moves with their top tier automatics, everything is spot on on those models, the quality, the dial colors, the tech, the size, but the prices are out of my league and they're trying to compete with GS, I suppose.
I have several Citizens, including the Promaster (non-GMT) Diver and one of the ana-digi Blue Angel titanium pieces. And I get it... they check a lot of boxes, are actually very well-made and feature-filled at their price and in the case of the Blue Angel piece have a real connection to my life and yet I wish they lit me up more than they did. It's strange as I always thought I tended to focus on specs. These are the exception to my rule I suppose. Cheers mate!
You need to try out the Retrozilla BN0220! definitely has that x factor but very much a love/hate watch. I've had my eye on this BJ7110 for ages and now more so after selling my nighthawk. I do wish it was a touch smaller but I have a feeling that this could be the one for me since i love titanium but that 21mm lug width is super irritating. Fingers crossed that the bracelet is unbelievably comfy!
I like the unobtrusive gmt hand , a bit like the Oris Aquis GMT, you don’t really want to large hours hands it makes the watch look odd and confusing. But something in Citizens styling is just a bit Marks and Spencer’s. Value function but not to wear out with you mates.
I bought Citizen CA7047-86E, sort of chrono flieger homage in gun metal pvd coating. It's quite basic but looks the part and eco-drive is surely a huge plus.
$300 is an amazing deal for this watch. I saw the Blue/white version in a store and it felt like an AMAZING watch. Price there was over $700 though. This watch is super nice. Finish is great. It feels great. Bezel rotation is great. The only thing I didn't like is that adjusting the GMT time felt a bit... Janky. It's the only GMT I ever adjusted so I don't know if that's how they all are. I felt entirely different than his conclusion about not liking/bonding with it. For me this watch was a love at first touch. I have and really like their other cheaper Promasters eco drive dive watch and this one feels like a significant step up. I don't need/want GMT, so if they made a non-GMT version for less money, I'd be trying to buy one.
@@certainly2509 no. This was at a store in Asia. They have some import taxes so I think it's tough/impossible for them to have prices as low as the U.S.
Made me smile Jody, I feel exactly the same about Citizen, I've got one , an auto Promaster diver, but even there, it's got high polish silver hands and indices and it just doesn't quite do it for me, a quick look in the watch box to wear a diver and my hand is drawn to the SKX!! Great vid as always, thanks
What do you do with all these watches? Do you wear all of them? I have a few watches and found it a pain to switch off. Constantly setting the time and date. I decided to wear the same watch every day.
Thing is Citizen doesn't market its watches or makes countless limited editions like Seiko. This is why maybe some people don't find them special enough. QC and price will always be better compared to Seikos, Orients, etc
I only have one citizen but absolutely love it. It's the Brycen. It's the ego drive chrono with the cream dial and brown leather rally strap. Maybe I like it because it's a Dayton homage though xD
This is the perfect holiday watch. Being quartz you know the time will be accurate but the battery wont run out mid holiday. The gmt will be useful as will the water resistance. But I think it would just replace my current holiday watch and not be used until the next holiday. Nothing wrong, just no charm.
I reckon had you picked up the blue colourway, your opinions as to the watches aesthetic appeal might have been different. I have the blue one which I got in May and it's barely been off of my wrist.
Aside from being a bit wonky on this model, for me, Citizen should implement the cyclops on more of their models or remove the date as they are typically ridiculously small (for my old eyes). I’m looking forward to checking out the Citizen NB6021 that is launching later this month.
That section of the video you've added semi-recently where the watch sits to the side while the specs appear as you say them using animated text is fantastic! I love that section.
I like it! "Super Titanium" is a process that Citizen uses to make their titanium watches much more scratch resistant. I have a Super Titanium watch and it really does prevent most scratches.
I agree this watch lacks the wow factor and I would never wear it. I'll be curious to see if you find any emotional connection to Citizen's 41mm mechanical divers being released in a couple of weeks, the NB6021-68L and the NB6021-17E.
I got a crazy deal on two of these watches a few years ago. I picked them up at Marshall’s for $150/watch! I was able to sell each of them for $300. I made money and the buyer got a great deal. Everybody wins! Great watch!
I bought this but with the blue face and orange trim. I absolutely love it, especially the blue colour. I searched for a quality but still slightly affordable watch that could be a stop watch, timer, and show two times. With the bezel This fits the bill! 18 months on I’m still enjoying it. But I am spying the Omega Speedmaster second gen Skywalker. Just need to find the cash….
I agree. Every Citizen I've owned, I've ended up selling or gifting it after a while. I will say this, however, the Citizen Tsuyosa caught my eye... What are your thoughts on it? Any chance of a review?
I had this watch for a while and to be honest, that "misplaced" cyclop did not seem misplaced at all. When you have the watch on the wrist, you can actually see the date that way so it seems intentional rather than misplaced.
Hey Jody, if this doesn't float your boat, check it the citizen bj7128 i have the bj7128-59g version, it's just a little different for a citizen gmt (lumed gmt hand) promaster diver. And don't be fooled by the dimensions on paper, it wears really good.
I have the same feeling towards Citizen. It has solar goodness, very legible dial, good lume, very functional as dive watch or GMT. I think the missing X-factor is aesthetic. The watch is just not beautiful enough. It is like a very rugged Casio with all the good function but miss the aesthetic.
Reminds me of my Mido GMT. Love it but the lume of these two are the same. The hands fade out and the rest is still there. The powermatic 80 is good but I’d prefer the higher beat rate vs a few more hours off wrist. For me that’s what I want a smooth seconds hand. I got plenty of seiko autos that I love but just don’t wear because of its “tick” and my desire for my Mido lost its check off box due to that. This watch and my Mido have the ultimate in a do all with the divers bezel and GMT on the inside. The added plus is you can use the GMT for out of water decompression timer. Set it to the hour you get out of the water for the last dive. A poor mans reminder per se. Love the channel.
As a guy who used to swear by Citizen, when I was a "non-watch guy", and just wanted a watch that worked.....I must admit I share your assessment about the lack of warm fuzzy feelings about the brand. They work! The Eco-Drive creates a nearly completely hands off experience! Get an atomic time version, (and live where it works), and it IS completely hands off!! But I haven't gone back after buying some micro-brands, sleek Seikos, and other watches that caught my eye. The Citizens work....but sometimes, that's the best you can say about them.
Hey J, have you had a chance to put the CITIZEN AUTOMATIC NJ0150-81 series on wrist? These are similar in appearance to the Tissot PRX. Although the PRX did not move me, I had to have one of these Citizens (I have the CITIZEN NJ0150-81X green dial). This series is a cooler and sportier version of the typical Citizen watch lines...would love to see you review them. Thanks for the great review!
eerie, I had one of these on my wrist just today in a big mall jeweller in Melbourne, the sort of place I never thought I'd buy a watch. Was the all blue version at a good price, not as good as your price though. Same as you, I wanted to love it as it has all the functionality I have been searching for as a "travel to the tropics" watch; GMT, genuine diver, sapphire, solar so never needs resetting after not wearing any watch for a few days. The titanium is a bonus. No divers extension though. Size was just OK, female end links would have been much better to reduce the hefty lug to lug. This one had a misaligned bezel which I wasn't expecting in a Citizen and once I saw that I could not unsee it (of course the shop assistant couldn't see it in the first place!). The shop is bringing in another one for me to look at but your video is a 2nd opinion on what my heart said today.. the head says yes but the heart just isn't following. Any other value suggestions for a genuine diver with GMT, I find it odd this combo is pretty rare in the sub $500 space. Why do GMTs almost always have bidirectional bezels, rules them out from going underwater.....
I love the Citizen watches for their tech and finish, but I always find their designs too busy. I still love my titanium Altichron though. Fantastic watch imho.
Here i am, thinking i'm the only one with an engagement problem towards Citizen. Thanks for being my +1 Jody! 😎 I have a Citizen that i got from my parents in 1986 for graduation that i really love. It's amazingly small, only 32 or 34 mm but it features a calender hand going from 1 to 31 around the outer edge of the dial. I hadn't seen that before in '86 so i picked it and i'd still wear it, had i not ruined the movement by shearing of the crown on a steel doorlid ripping out the stem and thus destroying the movement. I haven't been able to find a replacement ever since so it's sitting in a box reminding me of the good times (80s).
I agree with your points, Citizen almost never sparks desire despite being perfect on paper. I received 4 as gifts in the past, only bonded with the Blue Angels which is stunning.
Great looking watch, love the depth utilisation and handset. The inverted cyclops alignment is a big quality faux pas. I don't think it's a wrist time monster though. But a holiday swimming pool companion it does tick a box.
It's a good looking watch. Too large for my wrist but I can still appreciate a big chunky watch. I wish the GMT hand was more visible though. It also needs some lume. Great video as always. Take care.
For a slightly less boring/typical offering from Citizen, maybe look at the Chandler/Garrison BU2055 that sells for less than $300. It's a Pilot/Field style that has the Eco-Drive Ring configuration rather than a semi-transparent face, so it also has 3 small-hand complications (day/date/24hr). Comes in a couple of color variants.
Don't write them off just yet Jody! There's the Challenge diver NB6021-68L coming up, and could be worth getting your hands on a NB1050, which could give the SARB a run for it's money?
Jody, you need to get your hands on a historic JP2000 Aqualand. I just bought the latest 67L version and I reckon it’s one if the most overshadowed watch in the entire watch industry. Proper heritage, proper tool applications. Absolutely fascinating history.
I have never really noticed the rotor on my ny0040 lume dial diver. I love it just as much if not perhaps a little more than my skx. It has a super unique design and the same ruggedness you get from a seiko.
The 24-hour hand cannot be illuminated because it is an ISO 6425 certified diving watch, which does not allow any illuminated hands other than the hour and minute hands, apart from the end of the seconds hand, to verify that the watch works, and the luminous dot at 12 o'clock on the unidirectional rotating bezel. The bracelet has a width of 22 mm, not 21.
That's a nice looking watch, I think the only thing I would change is making the crown coin edge to match the bezel. I also think maybe a bit more hints of yellow could have brought some life to it. Maybe on the square maskers by each number on the gmt or even just the 12,3,6,9 like the orange on the dawn grey samurai. Also I'm assuming the bezel isn't ceramic? I might have missed it.
Hi Jody! Any chance you’ll be reviewing any of the Wise watches (Adamascus or Hitman)? They look great, but I only buy my watches after I see your evaluations on them!
I know 21mm lugs get a lot of hate, but honestly as a guy with large wrists, I really appreciate this size. 20mm appears just a bit too delicate on my wrist for my liking, and 22 is just a bit too much. My Tissot Gentleman is one of my favorite watches, and the 21mm lug width is one of the reasons I enjoy it so much. It's perfect for my larger than average wrist without being too bulky. Just my input :)
I have 3 Citizen dive watches Jodie; My old auto diver 8200 (the one with the No Stop times on the strap) is a watch I have owned for nearly 22 years and I still rank it as one of my faves (I dont dive it any more after a ..er minor flooding incident and a new regulator. The other two are, however, eco drive and just daily wear watches and have dings and scratches - but dont miss a beat.
My first real watch was a Citizen. It’s a great first watch. Solid, attractive, decent price and value. I never wear it. My go-to watches are a green Steeldive with great looks and accuracy and the classic Pagani “planet ocean” homage also with remarkable accuracy.
Although I only own one Citizen, an Eco Drive Titanium Promaster Diver, I have always thought highly of this brand. I absolutely love my watch. My only complaint is the very tiny crown. If you want a trouble free Titanium watch, they are a great value.
I have an ancient Seiko dress watch('90s?)with an internal cyclops. It is the only time I've seen it done in person, and it works very well. I'm surprised it isn't done more.
Hey Jody, wonderful Video as ever! Please try to get a Citizen Chronomaster in for review. I have one and it definitely has that “do not take me off the wrist” feel - even greater so than my Grand Seiko.
Just got back from a beach holiday swimming and diving in the cold North Atlantic and I'm pleased to report my 175€ Citizen Pro-diver 200m Eco-Drive functioned perfectly. And still is. Which is something my expensive Swiss 200m and 300m automatics have only been capable of after a 300-400€ four-week sort-out at the repair center of the authorised dealer.
I love Citizen as a brand, but I totally agree that I can't even find 1 watch that excites me. The first watch I got that excited me was a Citizen - it was a quartz "homage" of a day-date and I was 14 years old, having just discovered that the day-date was my favorite watch. So maybe my loyalty to them is just nostalgia. BTW I still have that Citizen, it still works and looks sharp AF.
Give the PMD-56, Promaster land a look. It's a JDM model. I've had it over 6 months and still love it to bits. Simple (ish), 39mm, duratect titanium and 200m wr
Citizen is one of the best underrated japanese watchmaker. I hope they produce more automatic watches. Not a fan of eco drive. Previously i own a citizen eagle 7 a good watch for its price
I think you nailed it. I never hate on Citizen really but I also never reach for the ones I own to actually wear. I bought a citizen in Ireland on my first trip out of the states, and it holds a place in my heart. I bought a Fin and a Promaster that look fantastic but I never wear. I've had my eye on models to buy but I never pull the trigger because I figure it will end up in the watch box pile. I bought my wife a Citizen so she could have a dressy looking brown dial, and a month later I bought her an Islander watch from Mark/Long Island watch and it's that one she never takes off. So even she put the Citizen down to never be touched again lol.
Jody I have a question for you or anyone else. I just purchased the Pagani Design 1672 from the Pagani Design AliExpress official store for 81$. My concern is that it's shipped in the regular box not the new bigger box. Should I have any reason to be concerned? I don't really care about the box. Just don't know why it's in the smaller regular PD box. So if you or anyone else could answer this I'd appreciate it. Love the channel as always.
Hi Jody, I have quite a few watches with Cyclops'es'es on them (what is the collective noun for Cyclops?) and apart from my 16710, they are all a little 'south' when looked at from above. But when on wrist, voila, you look at it from a sort of squinty south up kind of direction (maybe just my wrist then🙂). So there you go, your next challenge, 'Cyclops Wars for squinty eyed Poms like me😊
Hi Jody. I think that a common characteristic of the reviewed citizen watches is that they all featured many (maybe too many) complications and functions. I own an Eco Drive flieger with only date complication (no Cyclops) and I think that it has more personality and is way more atractive than the showed watches. Greetings!
I like the look and the idea of this watch. I like the GMT chapter ring plus the dive bezel. I love that it's solar. I love the Ti. The sapphire gets the big tick, but the size is prohibitive. I used to like big watches but after wearing smaller dials and my classy Aquis 39mm, I can't like them like I want to.
It's unfortunate that the second hand alignment doesn't look right in some sections. And I think it would be better if there was a scene where the crown was manipulated!
When I was younger, Citizen had the best design, imo. As I grew up, Citizen didn't change much design wise, but I did. And that might be a problem. It is still kinda youngish, wildish design that we grew over. That said, there are some vintage inspired models that are great looking. First one on my list is Eco-Drive Chronograph CA7090. Beautiful panda dial. And the second is funky yellow automatic NJ0150-81Z. Check them out, please.
Jody please check out the Citizen NB6021-17E that releases this month. It’s a reissue of a 1970s dive watch but upgraded to titanium case and Miyota 9,000 series movement. I think it will do well as a watch that people want to hang onto.
Hello Jody, another great video. I see what you mean about making an emotional connection. If I might suggest, try the surprising citizen bm8180-03e. I have it and have gone for weeks at a time on wrist. I put it on a nato and for me it cancelled the need for a Hamilton Khaki Field. You should try it, I'm curious for your feedback.
Hi Jody, I have had the BJ7111-86L model someone mentioned below, with the really cool (to me at least) Blue-White-Orange color scheme, for several years now, and it's a great travel watch. My only complaint is that although the hour hand can be moved independently like a "Traveler's" true GMT, it only goes in one direction so depending on the direction and how far you are traveling, you need to fiddle with the date after setting to the new time zone since the hour hand links to the date change. Anyway, I have tons of watches that I keep and wear only from time to time, to me I only worry about bonding to my wife, not my watch per se! 🙂
I have been shopping this GMT for a couple of months. It comes in two other color schemes. I cannot touch it for less than 350 USD. I will acquire one soon.
With regards to the non uniform lume application. I've had the same issue with both my gen 1 Lume Dial Fugu's hands, and my 2020 Citizen Dive Watch too. ):
Poor Citizen, they're attractive, loyal, and posses every quality we claim we're looking for, but instead we choose high- maintenance, financially draining, unreliable options because they're popular and "exciting." Wonder if that might apply to anything else in life? 🤔
Citizen is true Japanese spirit from the past, when Japan product were peak functionality and quality, super high quality for the price, great QA, experimenting with materials and the dedicato solar. Their pro diver are bargains for the quality and 5 years local warranties. Can't believe they still keep at it.
I own a few. I love them
Honestly,I'm happy to die on his hill,the citizen ny00 series is arguably the best divers watches ever made at any price point, anyone hating on the miyota movement has literally no idea what they're talking about!
Speak for yourself. I have three citizens and no other watches.
I fell in love with this watch at first sight, and when I saw all its features (GMT, diver, ISO 6425, titanium, solar, Citizen,...) I bought it immediately. It is now my number one watch for diving trips abroad.
Hey Jody, I think the GMT hand was made that way to preserve the ISO 6425 standard. The GMT hand cannot block the visibility of the dial if used for diving. Anyway, my two cents. Hope all is well. Mark
Well that makes sense
@@funkmon Thanks. If you like blue dials, check out the BJ7111-86L. Dial and bezel are blue, the rehaut is white and the accents are orange. That one actually appealed to me.
That blue and white one is much more characterful indeed, and interesting note about the GMT hand
@@brian_belanger unless you are an under water spelunker.😝
Citizen's "super titanium" is a proprietary coating that they claim is several times harder than steel. I have had the pro diver in super titanium for 3 years,and there are no noticable scratches after regular wear so far.
@@mybrainlikesthings I think the comparison between stainless and titanium is baloney. if you bang or scratch your watch against something hard enough to damage titanium, chances are it will damage stainless as well, especially polish surfaces.
@@galacticcaveman4045 Incorrect. I can show you plenty of snailtrails on knives I own with titanium handle scales that were made by things that did nothing to scratch the steel. Titanium, specifically Ti-6Al-4V which is commonly used, hits about a 36ish on the Rockwell scale. Ti is far more likely to deform in the event of a ding against any number of things.
Harder than what steel specifically? They're using a median of unhardened steel for their baseline. What's more is that they refer to "Super titanium" as though it's a characteristic of the titanium, but it's not. It's a copolymer coating that goes over the titanium. They could just as easily apply it to stainless steel.
@@jaykwonzzz The point still remains. If you bang your watch around enough it's going to get scratched or break no matter what it's made of.
@@galacticcaveman4045 That wasn't your assertion though. This was: "if you bang or scratch your watch against something hard enough to damage titanium, chances are it will damage stainless as well, especially polish surfaces." That statement is false.
the cyclops being slightly lower actualy helps when reading the date while wearing the watch since you are always looking at the watch at a slight angle from the bottom rather than straight on. i don't know if it's intentional or not but it is better this way while in use.
Agree, that was my thought as well!
I have heard, and this may be bullshit, that this is by design from some companies. I have a tag like this.
Came to say the same thing.
Was thinking the same thing when he said it was off. It does look odd while looking at a watch off wrist, but on wrist it is extremely helpful.
Consider the camera angle, if it’s not centered above the cyclops it will look off.
I am a big fan of Citizen. I have 4 of them, one that is over 15yrs old, has been beaten half to death, has never been serviced and and is still going strong. I do have to agree with you on this particular model however, just doesn't excite me enough to plunk down my $$$. Citizen has a huge catalog of watches in just about every style, size, design, material and technology imaginable, so there is something to fit anyone. They have watches from $50 - to the Citizen One at $3k+
I recently bought a Citizen Promaster Titanium BN0201-02M Blue dial, bezel & silicone strap. It cost me around £160 with a 5+1yeat warranty. It's an eco drive movement and 44mm (which maybe a little large for some). I bought it as a summer 'beater' and I am really enjoying it. Was never overly convinced with Citizen but feel this may sway me in the future (when buying on the more 'affordable' end of the scale)
Hey Jody should review these Ray Mears recommended Citizens, I have the black one BN0118-55E Not been off my wrist since purchase.
I bought this watch because I wanted a grab and go TRUE GMT as opposed to a caller GMT. It is also one of the few GMT watches with a dive bezel. It is super light and I feel it is tough as nails for a daily beater. Mine came from the JDM so the warranty is void in the USA. One thing to note...when the battery gets low it ticks every 2 secs until you charge it in any light. However after recharging you must pull the crown out for 30 secs and then push it back in to reset the watch. Anyway even without a warranty I love it and feel it is a bargain at less than $400
I bought the only Citizen that really appealed to me and I have loved it for many months so far. It’s an older smaller style Automatic Promaster Fugu, the green bezel NY0084. Perfect size, classic timeless style with a bit of color, and you can’t quite feel the Miyota wobble. Cost me about $280 last year which I think is a great value (about what SKXs used to cost). I’m wearing it right now🥰
I have the ny0085 absolutely LOVE it it's put everything else I own into storage and it puts pretty much all of it to shame, genuinely incredible classic watch
I own an NY0040 diver which I think does have some personality, not to mention heritage, having been used by Italian navy specialist divers. I wouldn't say it moves me emotionally but it has my utmost respect for functionality, durability and reliability - just like the watch you're reviewing here. If that's Citizen's niche there's certainly a market for it.
I have a Promaster GMT in stainless and it’s just my favorite boating watch ever. Tough as nails, looks great, and it’s a Citizen so it feels good knowing I have quality without ego on my wrist.
Just picked up one of these and I love it. Looks great, wears beautifully, 2nd surface cyclops, nice bezel action and the indexes align.
I love Citizen and their eco drive movements. The qc on their watches are far better than other Japanese companies in the same price range. I have two of them, a brycen chrono and a promaster diver. The only problem I have with them is the dial size. Nowadays companies are moving towards smaller dials, below 40mm, but Citizen has no option in that area. But they are making some bold moves with their top tier automatics, everything is spot on on those models, the quality, the dial colors, the tech, the size, but the prices are out of my league and they're trying to compete with GS, I suppose.
Seiko, Citizen & Casio are all great watches.
I have several Citizens, including the Promaster (non-GMT) Diver and one of the ana-digi Blue Angel titanium pieces. And I get it... they check a lot of boxes, are actually very well-made and feature-filled at their price and in the case of the Blue Angel piece have a real connection to my life and yet I wish they lit me up more than they did. It's strange as I always thought I tended to focus on specs. These are the exception to my rule I suppose. Cheers mate!
You need to try out the Retrozilla BN0220! definitely has that x factor but very much a love/hate watch. I've had my eye on this BJ7110 for ages and now more so after selling my nighthawk. I do wish it was a touch smaller but I have a feeling that this could be the one for me since i love titanium but that 21mm lug width is super irritating. Fingers crossed that the bracelet is unbelievably comfy!
I like the unobtrusive gmt hand , a bit like the Oris Aquis GMT, you don’t really want to large hours hands it makes the watch look odd and confusing.
But something in Citizens styling is just a bit Marks and Spencer’s. Value function but not to wear out with you mates.
Instead of the GMT you review, what about the Citizen BJ7111-86L. Same watch but a white dial. I find it easy to sinfully covet that one!
I bought Citizen CA7047-86E, sort of chrono flieger homage in gun metal pvd coating. It's quite basic but looks the part and eco-drive is surely a huge plus.
$300 is an amazing deal for this watch. I saw the Blue/white version in a store and it felt like an AMAZING watch. Price there was over $700 though.
This watch is super nice. Finish is great. It feels great. Bezel rotation is great. The only thing I didn't like is that adjusting the GMT time felt a bit... Janky. It's the only GMT I ever adjusted so I don't know if that's how they all are.
I felt entirely different than his conclusion about not liking/bonding with it. For me this watch was a love at first touch. I have and really like their other cheaper Promasters eco drive dive watch and this one feels like a significant step up. I don't need/want GMT, so if they made a non-GMT version for less money, I'd be trying to buy one.
$700? You must be from Canada lol.
Does Citizen make a smaller GMT, around 40mm, maybe? Only thing I don't about this is the size.
@@certainly2509 no. This was at a store in Asia. They have some import taxes so I think it's tough/impossible for them to have prices as low as the U.S.
@@toddsmith8608 yeah I think so, but they might only be automatics
Made me smile Jody, I feel exactly the same about Citizen, I've got one , an auto Promaster diver, but even there, it's got high polish silver hands and indices and it just doesn't quite do it for me, a quick look in the watch box to wear a diver and my hand is drawn to the SKX!! Great vid as always, thanks
I like the eco drives, that watch is good value, looks like a proper diver.
What do you do with all these watches? Do you wear all of them? I have a few watches and found it a pain to switch off. Constantly setting the time and date. I decided to wear the same watch every day.
Thing is Citizen doesn't market its watches or makes countless limited editions like Seiko. This is why maybe some people don't find them special enough. QC and price will always be better compared to Seikos, Orients, etc
That has nothing to do with it. It’s the aesthetic. They’re just too sterile.
I only have one citizen but absolutely love it. It's the Brycen. It's the ego drive chrono with the cream dial and brown leather rally strap. Maybe I like it because it's a Dayton homage though xD
This is the perfect holiday watch. Being quartz you know the time will be accurate but the battery wont run out mid holiday. The gmt will be useful as will the water resistance. But I think it would just replace my current holiday watch and not be used until the next holiday. Nothing wrong, just no charm.
Great review, have you done one on the Citizen Nighthawk? Much more legible hour and minutes hands than the Blue Angels etc ones...
I reckon had you picked up the blue colourway, your opinions as to the watches aesthetic appeal might have been different. I have the blue one which I got in May and it's barely been off of my wrist.
Aside from being a bit wonky on this model, for me, Citizen should implement the cyclops on more of their models or remove the date as they are typically ridiculously small (for my old eyes). I’m looking forward to checking out the Citizen NB6021 that is launching later this month.
Possibly buy reading glasses rather than attempt to have the world's largest watch manufacturer to change their design protocols!
Eco-Drive means the date wheel is further set back from the dial, it needs to sit beneath the Solar Panel. They tend to appear small as a result.
That section of the video you've added semi-recently where the watch sits to the side while the specs appear as you say them using animated text is fantastic! I love that section.
I like it! "Super Titanium" is a process that Citizen uses to make their titanium watches much more scratch resistant. I have a Super Titanium watch and it really does prevent most scratches.
Can the bezel inserts be replaced? This would be a perfect gmt watch if I could get a 24 hour scale on the bezel.
I agree this watch lacks the wow factor and I would never wear it. I'll be curious to see if you find any emotional connection to Citizen's 41mm mechanical divers being released in a couple of weeks, the NB6021-68L and the NB6021-17E.
blue version with white chapter ring looks way cooler mate :)
I got a crazy deal on two of these watches a few years ago. I picked them up at Marshall’s for $150/watch! I was able to sell each of them for $300. I made money and the buyer got a great deal. Everybody wins! Great watch!
Utility is the key word when one thinks of Citizen. They are the hammers of the watch world.
I think you'd like the citizen NB1050 series - very classically styled and a gorgeous finished JDM automatic beauty!
I bought this but with the blue face and orange trim. I absolutely love it, especially the blue colour. I searched for a quality but still slightly affordable watch that could be a stop watch, timer, and show two times. With the bezel This fits the bill! 18 months on I’m still enjoying it. But I am spying the Omega Speedmaster second gen Skywalker. Just need to find the cash….
I got the blue one! Absolutely awesome piece.
I agree. Every Citizen I've owned, I've ended up selling or gifting it after a while. I will say this, however, the Citizen Tsuyosa caught my eye... What are your thoughts on it? Any chance of a review?
I have a couple of Citizen titanium Watches and eco Watches and I very much enjoy them.
I had this watch for a while and to be honest, that "misplaced" cyclop did not seem misplaced at all. When you have the watch on the wrist, you can actually see the date that way so it seems intentional rather than misplaced.
Hey Jody, if this doesn't float your boat, check it the citizen bj7128 i have the bj7128-59g version, it's just a little different for a citizen gmt (lumed gmt hand) promaster diver. And don't be fooled by the dimensions on paper, it wears really good.
Great value again from Citizen. Would be a definite for me if I could get it at that price!
I have the same feeling towards Citizen. It has solar goodness, very legible dial, good lume, very functional as dive watch or GMT.
I think the missing X-factor is aesthetic. The watch is just not beautiful enough. It is like a very rugged Casio with all the good function but miss the aesthetic.
Got an ISO dive watch and field watch, both Eco drive. They keep on ticking.
Reminds me of my Mido GMT. Love it but the lume of these two are the same. The hands fade out and the rest is still there. The powermatic 80 is good but I’d prefer the higher beat rate vs a few more hours off wrist. For me that’s what I want a smooth seconds hand. I got plenty of seiko autos that I love but just don’t wear because of its “tick” and my desire for my Mido lost its check off box due to that. This watch and my Mido have the ultimate in a do all with the divers bezel and GMT on the inside. The added plus is you can use the GMT for out of water decompression timer. Set it to the hour you get out of the water for the last dive. A poor mans reminder per se. Love the channel.
As a guy who used to swear by Citizen, when I was a "non-watch guy", and just wanted a watch that worked.....I must admit I share your assessment about the lack of warm fuzzy feelings about the brand. They work! The Eco-Drive creates a nearly completely hands off experience! Get an atomic time version, (and live where it works), and it IS completely hands off!! But I haven't gone back after buying some micro-brands, sleek Seikos, and other watches that caught my eye. The Citizens work....but sometimes, that's the best you can say about them.
Hey J, have you had a chance to put the CITIZEN AUTOMATIC NJ0150-81 series on wrist? These are similar in appearance to the Tissot PRX. Although the PRX did not move me, I had to have one of these Citizens (I have the CITIZEN NJ0150-81X green dial). This series is a cooler and sportier version of the typical Citizen watch lines...would love to see you review them. Thanks for the great review!
Hi Jody ! Can you update your Jomashop recommendations ? Because half of the list is out of stock at the moment. Thank you for the hard work !!
eerie, I had one of these on my wrist just today in a big mall jeweller in Melbourne, the sort of place I never thought I'd buy a watch. Was the all blue version at a good price, not as good as your price though. Same as you, I wanted to love it as it has all the functionality I have been searching for as a "travel to the tropics" watch; GMT, genuine diver, sapphire, solar so never needs resetting after not wearing any watch for a few days. The titanium is a bonus. No divers extension though. Size was just OK, female end links would have been much better to reduce the hefty lug to lug. This one had a misaligned bezel which I wasn't expecting in a Citizen and once I saw that I could not unsee it (of course the shop assistant couldn't see it in the first place!). The shop is bringing in another one for me to look at but your video is a 2nd opinion on what my heart said today.. the head says yes but the heart just isn't following. Any other value suggestions for a genuine diver with GMT, I find it odd this combo is pretty rare in the sub $500 space. Why do GMTs almost always have bidirectional bezels, rules them out from going underwater.....
I love the Citizen watches for their tech and finish, but I always find their designs too busy. I still love my titanium Altichron though. Fantastic watch imho.
Here i am, thinking i'm the only one with an engagement problem towards Citizen. Thanks for being my +1 Jody! 😎
I have a Citizen that i got from my parents in 1986 for graduation that i really love. It's amazingly small, only 32 or 34 mm but it features a calender hand going from 1 to 31 around the outer edge of the dial. I hadn't seen that before in '86 so i picked it and i'd still wear it, had i not ruined the movement by shearing of the crown on a steel doorlid ripping out the stem and thus destroying the movement. I haven't been able to find a replacement ever since so it's sitting in a box reminding me of the good times (80s).
Must say I agree with you, it's an excellent watch that I could happily reccomend but I don't really want one.....it's the GMT5 for me!
I feel the same way about citizen. I keep trying to find one that I connect with. But can’t seem to find one.
I agree with your points, Citizen almost never sparks desire despite being perfect on paper. I received 4 as gifts in the past, only bonded with the Blue Angels which is stunning.
Great looking watch, love the depth utilisation and handset. The inverted cyclops alignment is a big quality faux pas. I don't think it's a wrist time monster though. But a holiday swimming pool companion it does tick a box.
It's a good looking watch. Too large for my wrist but I can still appreciate a big chunky watch. I wish the GMT hand was more visible though. It also needs some lume. Great video as always. Take care.
Any watch with a GMT function AND a diver's bezel gets a tick from me. Maximum functionality.
What was that model number again?
For a slightly less boring/typical offering from Citizen, maybe look at the Chandler/Garrison BU2055 that sells for less than $300. It's a Pilot/Field style that has the Eco-Drive Ring configuration rather than a semi-transparent face, so it also has 3 small-hand complications (day/date/24hr). Comes in a couple of color variants.
Don't write them off just yet Jody! There's the Challenge diver NB6021-68L coming up, and could be worth getting your hands on a NB1050, which could give the SARB a run for it's money?
Love a quality quartz watch, solar/eco-drive is even better. This one from Citizen just missed the boat 😭
Have a great weekend 🏴
Jody, you need to get your hands on a historic JP2000 Aqualand. I just bought the latest 67L version and I reckon it’s one if the most overshadowed watch in the entire watch industry. Proper heritage, proper tool applications. Absolutely fascinating history.
Would a slightly better hand set improve it? Those look slightly unfinished at the edges to me.
I have never really noticed the rotor on my ny0040 lume dial diver. I love it just as much if not perhaps a little more than my skx. It has a super unique design and the same ruggedness you get from a seiko.
Hi Jody, my Promaster GMT is a 7128 Pepsi. I paid I horrendous amount of money for it, but I love it and it makes a great dress watch.
The 24-hour hand cannot be illuminated because it is an ISO 6425 certified diving watch, which does not allow any illuminated hands other than the hour and minute hands, apart from the end of the seconds hand, to verify that the watch works, and the luminous dot at 12 o'clock on the unidirectional rotating bezel.
The bracelet has a width of 22 mm, not 21.
That's a nice looking watch, I think the only thing I would change is making the crown coin edge to match the bezel. I also think maybe a bit more hints of yellow could have brought some life to it. Maybe on the square maskers by each number on the gmt or even just the 12,3,6,9 like the orange on the dawn grey samurai. Also I'm assuming the bezel isn't ceramic? I might have missed it.
Hi Jody! Any chance you’ll be reviewing any of the Wise watches (Adamascus or Hitman)? They look great, but I only buy my watches after I see your evaluations on them!
I know 21mm lugs get a lot of hate, but honestly as a guy with large wrists, I really appreciate this size. 20mm appears just a bit too delicate on my wrist for my liking, and 22 is just a bit too much. My Tissot Gentleman is one of my favorite watches, and the 21mm lug width is one of the reasons I enjoy it so much. It's perfect for my larger than average wrist without being too bulky. Just my input :)
I have 3 Citizen dive watches Jodie; My old auto diver 8200 (the one with the No Stop times on the strap) is a watch I have owned for nearly 22 years and I still rank it as one of my faves (I dont dive it any more after a ..er minor flooding incident and a new regulator.
The other two are, however, eco drive and just daily wear watches and have dings and scratches - but dont miss a beat.
My first real watch was a Citizen. It’s a great first watch. Solid, attractive, decent price and value. I never wear it. My go-to watches are a green Steeldive with great looks and accuracy and the classic Pagani “planet ocean” homage also with remarkable accuracy.
Although I only own one Citizen, an Eco Drive Titanium Promaster Diver, I have always thought highly of this brand. I absolutely love my watch. My only complaint is the very tiny crown. If you want a trouble free Titanium watch, they are a great value.
I have an ancient Seiko dress watch('90s?)with an internal cyclops. It is the only time I've seen it done in person, and it works very well. I'm surprised it isn't done more.
Hey Jody, wonderful Video as ever! Please try to get a Citizen Chronomaster in for review. I have one and it definitely has that “do not take me off the wrist” feel - even greater so than my Grand Seiko.
if you want a more distinct citizen try promaster aqualand. I also think the BN0201-02M is quite appealing.
Appreciate that “jeans shot” of the watch. Good to see what it looks like from a distance!
Just got back from a beach holiday swimming and diving in the cold North Atlantic and I'm pleased to report my 175€ Citizen Pro-diver 200m Eco-Drive functioned perfectly. And still is. Which is something my expensive Swiss 200m and 300m automatics have only been capable of after a 300-400€ four-week sort-out at the repair center of the authorised dealer.
I love Citizen as a brand, but I totally agree that I can't even find 1 watch that excites me.
The first watch I got that excited me was a Citizen - it was a quartz "homage" of a day-date and I was 14 years old, having just discovered that the day-date was my favorite watch. So maybe my loyalty to them is just nostalgia. BTW I still have that Citizen, it still works and looks sharp AF.
Citizen is a best-buy beater. Especially the EcoDrive Diver's - that's what i wear nonstop p. much.
Have you seen the Citizen Tsuyosa automatics?
Give the PMD-56, Promaster land a look. It's a JDM model. I've had it over 6 months and still love it to bits. Simple (ish), 39mm, duratect titanium and 200m wr
Citizen is one of the best underrated japanese watchmaker. I hope they produce more automatic watches. Not a fan of eco drive. Previously i own a citizen eagle 7 a good watch for its price
I think you nailed it. I never hate on Citizen really but I also never reach for the ones I own to actually wear. I bought a citizen in Ireland on my first trip out of the states, and it holds a place in my heart. I bought a Fin and a Promaster that look fantastic but I never wear. I've had my eye on models to buy but I never pull the trigger because I figure it will end up in the watch box pile. I bought my wife a Citizen so she could have a dressy looking brown dial, and a month later I bought her an Islander watch from Mark/Long Island watch and it's that one she never takes off. So even she put the Citizen down to never be touched again lol.
Thanks Jody. Is it a true GMT?
You're right: why did I went for the Seiko Flyghtmaster and not the better speced Citizen Nighthawk🤔
Hi Jody, are you sure about that 21mm lug width? I have the blue and white version and the lug width is definitely 22mm. Keep up the great work!
Hey Jody, do u reckon you could check out the pd 1712? In a big fan of the aquaterra, mecaquartz and chrono so this ticks all of my boxes!
Jody I have a question for you or anyone else. I just purchased the Pagani Design 1672 from the Pagani Design AliExpress official store for 81$. My concern is that it's shipped in the regular box not the new bigger box. Should I have any reason to be concerned? I don't really care about the box. Just don't know why it's in the smaller regular PD box. So if you or anyone else could answer this I'd appreciate it. Love the channel as always.
Nice watch, Citizen is underrated IMHO.
Hi Jody, I have quite a few watches with Cyclops'es'es on them (what is the collective noun for Cyclops?) and apart from my 16710, they are all a little 'south' when looked at from above. But when on wrist, voila, you look at it from a sort of squinty south up kind of direction (maybe just my wrist then🙂). So there you go, your next challenge, 'Cyclops Wars for squinty eyed Poms like me😊
Hi Jody. I think that a common characteristic of the reviewed citizen watches is that they all featured many (maybe too many) complications and functions. I own an Eco Drive flieger with only date complication (no Cyclops) and I think that it has more personality and is way more atractive than the showed watches. Greetings!
Like you, Citizen hasn't really done it for me. I'd like to have an Eco-Drive watch, but can't find one that grabs my attention.
I like the look and the idea of this watch. I like the GMT chapter ring plus the dive bezel. I love that it's solar. I love the Ti. The sapphire gets the big tick, but the size is prohibitive. I used to like big watches but after wearing smaller dials and my classy Aquis 39mm, I can't like them like I want to.
It's unfortunate that the second hand alignment doesn't look right in some sections. And I think it would be better if there was a scene where the crown was manipulated!
When I was younger, Citizen had the best design, imo. As I grew up, Citizen didn't change much design wise, but I did. And that might be a problem. It is still kinda youngish, wildish design that we grew over. That said, there are some vintage inspired models that are great looking. First one on my list is Eco-Drive Chronograph CA7090. Beautiful panda dial. And the second is funky yellow automatic NJ0150-81Z. Check them out, please.
Jody please check out the Citizen NB6021-17E that releases this month. It’s a reissue of a 1970s dive watch but upgraded to titanium case and Miyota 9,000 series movement. I think it will do well as a watch that people want to hang onto.
Citizen is a great brand for daily wear
Hello Jody, another great video. I see what you mean about making an emotional connection. If I might suggest, try the surprising citizen bm8180-03e. I have it and have gone for weeks at a time on wrist. I put it on a nato and for me it cancelled the need for a Hamilton Khaki Field. You should try it, I'm curious for your feedback.
You need to review the Citizen Tough
Hi Jody, I have had the BJ7111-86L model someone mentioned below, with the really cool (to me at least) Blue-White-Orange color scheme, for several years now, and it's a great travel watch. My only complaint is that although the hour hand can be moved independently like a "Traveler's" true GMT, it only goes in one direction so depending on the direction and how far you are traveling, you need to fiddle with the date after setting to the new time zone since the hour hand links to the date change. Anyway, I have tons of watches that I keep and wear only from time to time, to me I only worry about bonding to my wife, not my watch per se! 🙂
I have been shopping this GMT for a couple of months. It comes in two other color schemes. I cannot touch it for less than 350 USD. I will acquire one soon.
With regards to the non uniform lume application. I've had the same issue with both my gen 1 Lume Dial Fugu's hands, and my 2020 Citizen Dive Watch too. ):