Glad to hear so many people appreciate the Nighthawk! After about a year I've still got it (actually on my wrist right now) and is still one of my favorite watches. I did pick a new grail that I'm sort of starting to save up for, slightly more expensive than the Nighthawk. If you're curious I just released a video talking about it, you can view it here: ua-cam.com/video/xzvIQbEKyC0/v-deo.html
Let me tell you something, most folk have either smart watches, fashion watches or £50 watches. To most (non-watch) folk £200+ for a watch is huge!!! Also, you can get some amazing watches in that range. Please do do yourself a disservice... most people do not own Rolexes or ever Tudors etc your quest for affordable watches is brilliant. Please continue friend :)
Very good review. I think a grail watch is whatever you want it to be. Actually, this is refreshing to have a practical, affordable tool watch as a grail. Makes perfect sense.
I have had Citizens for over three decades and always leaned toward the Digital Analog readouts, and the eco drive is a winner for sure. I recently got two titanium digital analogs watches , one a discontinued Blue Angels ( blue get and yellow highlights like the Blue Angels) and another an identical with black with orange highlights. I put a nice black 22mm strap from another watch to put on the black orange model, and also ordered a black leather strap from Citizen. Both bands have the slide on and off link pin. I was worried about the sliding pin and may move over to a permanent one of I wear everyday. I do not wear the one blackband orange every day and the other stays in the box. I have a 2001 eco titanium similar in features with a glass some face (battery died after 18+ years and need to send back to Citizen USA for battery replacement) These are lifetime watches and Citizen is the best...enjoy. PS Which models do you have or like? I saw the newest Blue Angels type however the band looks proprietary and I was concerned I could not change the band or swap with more universal old school type of band. Aloha.
I really dig this review it weighed heavily on my decision to buy one. I was able to pick up one with a blue dial at costco! I really appreciate your take on it.
It’s a great conversation piece & like you stated: “serves a purpose”. I love mine. It’s regularly worn in my rotation. Purchased it back in 2014 on Amazon & had no issues whatsoever with it. Went swimming with it many times in Lake Erie here in Northern Ohio, and never had a water leak with it doing so (even showering etc). What I consider to be one of my realistic grail watches (I’m a regular Joe like yourself), will be the Seiko “SBBN031” aka (The Tuna). Price tag runs around 1300 U.S. dollars. A dream grail watch of mine (Incase I hit the lottery as well) would be the Omega Seamaster Professional 300 Blue Dial on Blue Bezel. Real beauty 😍
I just bought a gently-used Nighthawk after having bought and sold two previously... and there are a lot of factors/reasons (mostly covered on this channel) that keep me coming back to this watch, even as I'm buying and selling and collecting watches from Hamilton, Squale, Seiko and a bunch of other "attainable" brands. It's the only watch I've bought, worn, then sold and regretted parting with it - the reliability and the solid wrist presence just do it for me. I don't want to jinx anything, but I think this time around I'll keep the Nighthawk for good.
I have this model as well. Great piece for the price. A reliable, hassle free watch that you can grab any time and it's ready to go. It's cool that you chose it as your grail. It makes more sense to me to chose something that's attainable. I know several people that own them. A few have the Blue Angel variant . They all swear by them
Reliable watch. Bought the Promaster Sky Titan H461 in 2007. Still working. Changed the special battery after 12 years. The calculation bezel is almost the same like calculation in Pre-electronic times. Thanks for the video!
I'm with you, I won't spend over $600 on a watch ... my entire watch collecting goal and pursuit is to find, enjoy and appreciate excellent spec watches under that amount ... and there are many of them ... Seiko & Citizen! I don't need to spend a deposit for a house on knowing what time it is .... a fool and his money!
You have never owned a luxury watch so you don't understand. Once you own one you will understand. Not saying a $600 is not good but not in the same league as a luxury watch.
My grail watch was/is the Omega Speedmaster Moon Watch. I finally got mine, used on eBay with box and papers, several years ago when I came into a good sized inheritance. I love it to pieces, but no mechanical watch can compare in accuracy to a radio controlled watch. A few days ago I used my Amazon points to pick up a Citizen AT8020-03L Blue Angels watch. It took me a day and a half to figure out how to get it to set correctly - the manual is 73 pages long, and I'm a rheumy-eyed geezer by now - and I love it. I notice that the slide rule bezel on mine traded the hour indices on the innermost ring for cities. No matter, I need magnification to see the slide rule anyway, but having an engineering degree, I still enjoy playing with it. Hope you're still enjoying this watch!
Really like your approach to collecting watches, I find myself in the same situation. Couldn’t really ever justify spending thousands on a watch, let alone afford it! Keep making vids mate, thanks for the great content 👍🏼
I’ve had my one for years and just getting back to it again and just remember it being a great watch. Don’t know why I stopped using it I think you see other watches and move on. But I’m back with it and staying put.
I have bought the Nighthawk after many years of looking at it as a very attractive watch, and I am happy that I did! I fell in love with the watch twice with some years in between. And I like its finesse, and absolute precision. After looking at a wide range of pilot watches, this has something of an intriguing timeless design that somehow makes it one of the most attractive dials out there. I think 10/10!
Fantastic watch - my father gave my his in 2017 after owning for 10+ years and wearing often. I wear it all the time and it’s one of my favorites even though my box has filled up with nicer pieces
Great review of the Nighthawk! I actually ordered one after watching this video. Very nice looking watch and I’m really looking forward to using the slide rule for currency conversions when i take it to Europe in about a week.
I went with the pro master air Skyhawk cb0241. It’s a bit more than the $200 limit you said you had but I felt getting the sapphire crystal was worth it.
Did you pick it up while it was on sale on Amazon by chance? I just snagged that model (CB0241-00L) for like half price at $320 maybe a week before returning to $650! I bought the classic Nighthawk in 2013 for ~$300 and still love the thing and wear it just about every other day. The thing's been a freaking tank and the only thing that shows any wear 9 years later is the mineral crystal. So when I saw the Skyhawk's resemblance to the Nighthawk but with the radio controlled A/T, perpetual calendar & sapphire crystal I couldn't help myself. I must admit though, my only qualm is the use of dark green lume instead of the Nighthawk's light blue. If you ever end up getting one of these Nighthawks, the bracelet's interchangeable which I'm stoked about. Good luck with your Skyhawk, fellow Citizen! 😄
You might change your view on the bracelet once you look at it from the side. Each link is in the shape of an aerofoil which is a pretty cool touch on a pilot's watch.
Dave- I remember the time that $50 was too much for a watch, I am impressed on how you have been in this hobby for so long and don’t have a stupidly expense watch. 👍🏻
J Johnson Was Seiko user for years, bought this one, it is ok, but in my opinion Seiko have better finish… I found some mistakes in finish with this watch, and also change it 2 times… just my expirience
Great watch. One common fear I hear about it is the life of the eco drive its self. In reality when the capacitor fails, replacing it is as simple as a battery change with a parts cost of under $20. It has a lot in common with the Seiko SNA411 but is more subtle in appearance and has nicer fit and finish imho. Not crazy about a rather unprotected crystal and would consider an eventual sapphire replacement a must when the original gets beat up. All and all...great watch and really nice factory bracelet.
Great review. I had this watch for almost 9 years now. I have not had the battery changed or serviced. Maybe soon, just to have it checked. It's an eye catcher, a statement, it defines the wearer of the watch. I never had problems with it and I'm loving it! But since I've heard things about this NightHawk regarding being a collectible, I bought me a Blue Angels inspired SkyHawk AT8020-54L as my alternative watch. Both are really good looking watches, very good looking watches. 👍🏼
Vaughan I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I was looking at the flighty a lot too, but I really wanted a GMT complication. I like your taste in aviation style watches, those are the most interesting to me right now. I'd like to get something more simple like a flieger to contrast with the busier dial on my Nighthawk.
Just the Watch Just got my new w/tags 'flighty' from a seller in California through Ebay! It looks so nice next to the Citizen! Not on my wrist of course, 'cause wearing two watches just looks weird 😆
I'm actually a pilot training on my instrument rating right now. Nobody but student pilots use the E6B slide rule anymore. There are too many great electronic versions and apps now that have pretty much done away with the manual E6B calculator. Although we all learn how to use it and it collects dust in our flight bags. It's actually kind of neat how it works. Sometimes I will pull it out and give it a spin for kicks.
Really like this watch. Looks good with great functionality. Because of this it reminds me of the Seiko Flightmaster sna 411 which I own. Both definitely watches cut from the same quality Japanese cloth.
The lume is incredible on the nighthawk. Great video, yes I would consider it an affordable grail. I have inherited a couple of real grails. A 1952 Omega Geneva and a 1977 Rolex submariner. The omega was left to me by my grandfather and the Rolex was a close friend left me one and his son the other one. And have been fortunate enough to come upon deals for other Rolex and Tag and other nice watches. I deal in used BMWS and I have traded cars and repairs for watches mainly because I was ended up with a better deal and here in the past few years prices have gone crazy. 15 years ago I could get a brand new solid gold presidential for $5k and 10 years ago those watches were only worth 2-3k 3k was for a nice one used, so yeah I have traded watches and cash for cars. Those same watches are 9+k now and they get more expensive over time. I have always liked watches and have been collecting for 30 years as long as I have been dealing with cars. The 2 named grails arnt ever going anywhere but those others. I have been doing pretty well trading watches around with people I meet. One of my friends runs a shop and they only work on exotic cars. That’s where I have met people and done a lot of trading. I have a 7 figure watch collection now and don’t have anything close to that in them. Looking through my books I have about 50k in well over triple that in watches. Just got my nighthawk or mine is the blue angles edition but it’s the identical watch except the color scheme blue dial with yellow markers on the slide rule. The thing I like about the citizens is the eco drive. It’s really awesome and it dosent have to be serviced like those high dollar watches. I never wear those expensive ones except special occasions. It’s a great way to hide liquid assets in plain sight especially since I’m always wearing a seiko or citizen all the time.
Thanks for the video.This is a 11:51 minutes long video titled “ How to Use Bezel...” It was not until the 8:56 mark did I see a demonstration of how to convert from Km to Miles and then it was for one minute.The rest of the video was spent on the beauty of the watch. It will be less distracting and more useful to see more functions of the watch like multiplication, addition, distance calculation etc , described . Thanks for your effort.
I know it's about 3 years late, but I just recently found your channel and have been greatly enjoying it. Just got this watch Today and I love it! My personal Grail watch is the Casio Oceanus S100 in Titanium. It's around $500 so it's going to be quite a few saved paychecks before I get it, but I'm taking my time and enjoying this new obsession we all share. Cheers!
This has been on my grail list of watches for a few years now. I just bought an open box with a "scratch on the bezel" for 52% off. The photo shows a scratch on the crystal. I hope it is on the crystal because then I can swap it to sapphire. If not it should still be okay if it has a small scratch on the bezel. For $189 I think it's a steal!
I'm new to the watch addiction hobby at the grand old age of really old and have found a couple of tubers that I really like. You are one of them. Great job and thank you. I have the Nighthawk on my wish list at JomaShop now. First watch just ordered is a Hamilton automatic field watch. Grail is like yours, The Rolex Explorer II, and also the Grand Seiko Spring Drive. The Rolex I would never buy. The Grand Seiko, mmm, maybe. ;-)
May be because of your upper limit, I could connect with you. Even i don't have much money for spending but i have recently fell in love with watches. Nice that you made a honest video mate
I have this watch and its cousin, the Blue Angel. Both watches have the blue and yellow straps. For me, the Blue Angel is worth the extra $100 or so. They are both great watches, however, and enjoyable to wear. Great video!
I’d love to see the strap option vid. Just bought my first watch yesterday, same exact one with the blue face. I am in love but want a leather strap for it. Great video
I just got the citizen pro master 200m and I love it. My 1st solar and it’s really a go to movement. I buy a lot of watches based on movement and this is a nice addition.
Yeah it's a great quartz movement, really innovative and useful. I just picked up a Bulova Lunar Pilot which has their high frequency quartz movement inside, and that one is really cool too.
Just bought a motor 360 smart watch ed 1,got every watch face available from citizen night hawk to rolex eplorer for free they all look great.and real.i can't afford to keep buying watches every year. every day I have a new face.happy days.let me know if you want instructions all u need is a moto 360 1st gen and a tablet
This is my grail as well, sort of....they made a full titanium version of the same watch but it was discontinued in 2006... that one is my full on Holy Grail watch!! Nice video sir!
Check out a Timex Allied THREE GMT. I wanted the one with the black coated case, which turned out the only one where the hands have NO lume at all. Dang. The other two options with a steel case have lumed hands. All have Indiglo, so no biggie, but still annoying to have no lume. Another annoyance is the bezel has 72 clicks, not 48 or 96. So it's impossible to set a time zone that is 30 minutes off precisely. The GMT hand points either to hh:20 or hh:40. However, you can keep track of two additional time zones, not only one, because the watch has a 24 hour scale on the inner wall and one on the bezel that can be rotated (only unidirectional for no reason on a GMT bezel). Aside the little quirks, the watch is fun.
A magnificent watch, most definitely on my bucket list. My grail watch is the Omega Speedmaster, but I will never be able to afford that! I just purchased the Seiko “mini” Speedmaster (SND253) and I am very excited to receive it later this week.
I have the exact same watch, but mine is very scratched as it's my main watch. The metal strap is very comfy and the only time I take the Nighthawk off is for chopping wood.
This affordable watch is doing something many insanely expensive watches don’t. It is accurate, but more important it hits the damn markings with the second hand.
yes, like you I probably have money to buy a Tudor and possibly even a Rolex but I just wouldn't. :) My grail is the Blue Angels Nighthawk or a Seiko Tuna (STBR007) probably both over time. My favorite watch from my collection is the Orient Blue Ray II. It's dial is an amazing color. I see you have the black dial version in your wish list. You can't beat it for around $125
Nice looking watch dude! A bit too complicated for me though 😳 My Grail Watch would be the Chinese Seagull Military 1963 reissue Chromatograph and my ultimate Grail Watch would be the Rolex Batman GMT 🤤 I like your reviews & I’m a new subscriber to your channel. Keep up the good work dude
8 years later and still going - this is one of my favorite watches. Throw it on a black leather strap and you can wear this everyday without a care in the world.
I'm cheap and bought the solar GShock in the limited edition Tokyo Neon colors. I love it, just wish the hands had lume on them. Otherwise I love it. My grail is a Mido Multifort DualTime Blue Dial. At $900 though (chrono24 or eBay, otherwise $1150), I would only buy it for something special or hope for it as a gift. My affordable grail is probably the Nighthawk. However, my unicorn watch is the Citizen Nighthawk model BJ7000-52L (the all blue dial). I think the red is much better looking accent than the Blue Angels edition yellow.
Awesome review- thanks for sharing. I also own this watch and love it too. The only thing that would improve it is a more durable crystal- ie: sapphire. Subbed!
I just don't need a GMT as I don't travel much and coordinating different times zones is not an issue. A busy dial so you have to really want those functions for it to make sense. I do like Citizen Eco Drives.
Good review, anyone got any videos showing use of the slide rule whilst in the wrist? Seems like it'd be an awkward position to rotate on a left wrtist.
It very much is awkward, you have to flip your arm around to get a good spin going (even then it’s 1/16th of a turn). But I wouldn’t let that stop you. My father purchased mine in 2005 and gave it to me in 17 and it’s one of my favorites
I am lucky and got Nighthawk as a gift from my brother whan I was desperatelly wanted to get smart watch (Suunto exactly). As my brother in that time (2016.) was working in Finland he searched it for me and he niticed that there are no Suunto watches in Finland to buy, he wisited few shops in few cities and nothing. So he bought me a Skyhawk and I love it. Mine is a bit different it is made of titanium and has sapphire glass, so basically indestructable for normal use. And it is truth. Only thing I hate about it is setting the time. It is so complicated and I am starting locket lounch.
It’s a total strap beast. NATO straps don’t fit well because of how tight the spring bars are to the case, but any leather strap looks great! I have mine on a distressed leather strap from watchgecko
I just love my Nighthawk it's perfect for my job Woking outdoors . Recently had a Sapphire crystal on mine so a tough watch just got even tougher great bang for buck .
I think I'm a very realistic or bore person, although people around get on so well with me, everything belong to me all about affordable that with out any burden; house, cars, clothes or jewelry... On the wall people can see all the family photo hanging instead of some famous painting like " Mona Lisa smile ".... My daily watch is a partical eco drive watch, thinking about a "grail watch ",and the night hawk shows in this video may be is the one I'm looking for.
thinking of getting this OG. i don't like the newer release. seems to be watered down version of the gen 1. btw, any idea why some watches of this model have nighthawks emblazoned on the dial while others do not.
@@JusttheWatchNo problem! I cannot find that watch here in the Canadian Amazon store. Seriously one of the most beautiful watches I have ever seen. I'm in awe. I know Seiko makes a similar version as well as Casio but that Citizen sure looks the best.
I am not sure what a Grail is, but I don't care. If it is a good timepiece and affordable I will consider it. Just after the Seiko Flightmaster 411 I learned of the Nighthawk. It will arrive Monday. I do like and use the slide rule and the Nighthawk is easier to read with a larger dial. Citizen acquired Bulova a few years ago. Bulova developed the UHF quartz movement which is extremely accurate offering 10 seconds a year. In collaboration, Citizen is now working on the AT cut quartz crystal yielding accuracy of 1 sec/year. Should be available soon. I looked through the Bulova lineup after being attracted to the Moonwatch Chronograph. Just too large a watch, but the Precisionist 96B158 is a slender beauty with a uniquely detailed face. This is a wonderful watch with its only downfall being weak lume quality. Everything else is spot on and I ware it often. On a dark green cordura strap this watch is a stunner. Enjoy your channel.
I’m just getting back into watches 20 years after I stopped wearing one because I got this new thing called a “cellular telephone.” So nice to see a reasonable grail (under $1000, or preferably under anyone given person’s car payment). I’m definitely more on your end of the spending scale. My grail was kind of the new age version of this (calculates Mayan calendar date, useless but fun), and not even from a respected brand, but it is mine and I love it. It’s also my first watch with an interior bezel, and I love that. Having used one, I’d definitely prefer your Citizen flight watch over the Seiko, or anything with an exterior bezel. Maybe you need it on a diver, but not with ungloved hands. Thanks again for showing this watch off!
Nice watch. I might pick one up! Everyone's frail watch is different and that's ok. YOU have to like it and who cares if someone else doesn't. Lol Nice review.
I've had mine for about 1.5 years though (2d Citizen Eco) oddly, I developed a small skin burn under the capacitor. It just came back from Citizen today stating all is fine so we'll see. I hope so cause I really like it. Any pointers on how to set the GMT (2d time zone)? I must've missed that. Like some other commentors, I, too, enjoy seeing a grail watch that's actually affordable. I'm really hard pressed to see added value for most any watch once you go over, say $500.
I like that you call this “one of your grail watches” because you love it and it has nothing to do with price. On most UA-cam reviews the grail watch always have to be an expensive luxury watches. Good for you and enjoy your grail watch. By the way, it is a very nice watch and reputable company. If taken care of you should get just as many years out of it as you would a $10,000 watch.
I have seen blue face models with yellow hands. I would buy one but could go another $250 for a simmilar watch with a bigger case. I ware the skx seiko orange monster and have 2 and am used to the bigger cases.
Beautiful watch. Japanese watches are the way to go if you're looking for a proper piece for a great price. For luxury watches German offer great value at a far lower price than Swiss, FYI.
For unit conversion, another way is to match the outer ring unit to the inner ring unit. Then you can use the matching numbers to easily convert. I think it's a bit easier to remember.
This might be a long shot but where is your wedding ring from? I absolutely love that style and am wanting to source one before my wedding in September! Great content as always on the Nighthawk, but the ring caught my eye!!
Oh man I'm trying to remember the name of the Jeweler I got it from. The guy was an alumni from my college, and so everyone at my school got wedding rings and engagement rings from him.
Glad to hear so many people appreciate the Nighthawk! After about a year I've still got it (actually on my wrist right now) and is still one of my favorite watches. I did pick a new grail that I'm sort of starting to save up for, slightly more expensive than the Nighthawk. If you're curious I just released a video talking about it, you can view it here:
ua-cam.com/video/xzvIQbEKyC0/v-deo.html
Let me tell you something, most folk have either smart watches, fashion watches or £50 watches. To most (non-watch) folk £200+ for a watch is huge!!! Also, you can get some amazing watches in that range. Please do do yourself a disservice... most people do not own Rolexes or ever Tudors etc your quest for affordable watches is brilliant. Please continue friend :)
Having obtainable grails, related to genuine passion rather than social standards and money, sounds like happinness to me.
Very good review. I think a grail watch is whatever you want it to be. Actually, this is refreshing to have a practical, affordable tool watch as a grail. Makes perfect sense.
The water resistance is for pilots who don't know how to use the slide-rule. 🛩️ 😮 ⏏️ 🏊
Hahahahaha
And Sully
Nice….
This is one of the finest Aviator watches ever made. Both of mine are keeping excellent, flawless time every month.
I have had Citizens for over three decades and always leaned toward the Digital Analog readouts, and the eco drive is a winner for sure. I recently got two titanium digital analogs watches , one a discontinued Blue Angels ( blue get and yellow highlights like the Blue Angels) and another an identical with black with orange highlights. I put a nice black 22mm strap from another watch to put on the black orange model, and also ordered a black leather strap from Citizen. Both bands have the slide on and off link pin. I was worried about the sliding pin and may move over to a permanent one of I wear everyday. I do not wear the one blackband orange every day and the other stays in the box. I have a 2001 eco titanium similar in features with a glass some face (battery died after 18+ years and need to send back to Citizen USA for battery replacement) These are lifetime watches and Citizen is the best...enjoy. PS Which models do you have or like? I saw the newest Blue Angels type however the band looks proprietary and I was concerned I could not change the band or swap with more universal old school type of band. Aloha.
I really dig this review it weighed heavily on my decision to buy one. I was able to pick up one with a blue dial at costco! I really appreciate your take on it.
Wearing mine right now!
My grail too and I got one! The Blue Angels edition and love it. Had the Captain Blue Angel #1 sign back of it at Beaufort SC airshow.
That's awesome! I remember watching the Blue Angels a few times when I was a kid, and the blue angles edition of the Nighthawk is amazing.
I was stationed there in the Marines 95-99 and got to ride in fat albert during an air show one year.
It’s a great conversation piece & like you stated: “serves a purpose”. I love mine. It’s regularly worn in my rotation. Purchased it back in 2014 on Amazon & had no issues whatsoever with it. Went swimming with it many times in Lake Erie here in Northern Ohio, and never had a water leak with it doing so (even showering etc).
What I consider to be one of my realistic grail watches (I’m a regular Joe like yourself), will be the Seiko “SBBN031” aka (The Tuna). Price tag runs around 1300 U.S. dollars.
A dream grail watch of mine (Incase I hit the lottery as well) would be the Omega Seamaster Professional 300 Blue Dial on Blue Bezel. Real beauty 😍
I love this nighthawk eco-drive citizen watch! I like it"s simplicity look but gorgeously designed and attractive!
I just bought a gently-used Nighthawk after having bought and sold two previously... and there are a lot of factors/reasons (mostly covered on this channel) that keep me coming back to this watch, even as I'm buying and selling and collecting watches from Hamilton, Squale, Seiko and a bunch of other "attainable" brands. It's the only watch I've bought, worn, then sold and regretted parting with it - the reliability and the solid wrist presence just do it for me. I don't want to jinx anything, but I think this time around I'll keep the Nighthawk for good.
I have this model as well. Great piece for the price. A reliable, hassle free watch that you can grab any time and it's ready to go. It's cool that you chose it as your grail. It makes more sense to me to chose something that's attainable. I know several people that own them. A few have the Blue Angel variant . They all swear by them
i bought this watch 4 years ago and i can say!no regrets!! just perfect!!!
I've had mine for a little over a year, still one of my favorites!
Reliable watch. Bought the Promaster Sky Titan H461 in 2007. Still working. Changed the special battery after 12 years. The calculation bezel is almost the same like calculation in Pre-electronic times. Thanks for the video!
I'm with you, I won't spend over $600 on a watch ... my entire watch collecting goal and pursuit is to find, enjoy and appreciate excellent spec watches under that amount ... and there are many of them ... Seiko & Citizen! I don't need to spend a deposit for a house on knowing what time it is .... a fool and his money!
You have never owned a luxury watch so you don't understand. Once you own one you will understand. Not saying a $600 is not good but not in the same league as a luxury watch.
My grail watch was/is the Omega Speedmaster Moon Watch. I finally got mine, used on eBay with box and papers, several years ago when I came into a good sized inheritance. I love it to pieces, but no mechanical watch can compare in accuracy to a radio controlled watch. A few days ago I used my Amazon points to pick up a Citizen AT8020-03L Blue Angels watch. It took me a day and a half to figure out how to get it to set correctly - the manual is 73 pages long, and I'm a rheumy-eyed geezer by now - and I love it. I notice that the slide rule bezel on mine traded the hour indices on the innermost ring for cities. No matter, I need magnification to see the slide rule anyway, but having an engineering degree, I still enjoy playing with it. Hope you're still enjoying this watch!
Really like your approach to collecting watches, I find myself in the same situation. Couldn’t really ever justify spending thousands on a watch, let alone afford it! Keep making vids mate, thanks for the great content 👍🏼
I’ve had my one for years and just getting back to it again and just remember it being a great watch. Don’t know why I stopped using it I think you see other watches and move on. But I’m back with it and staying put.
I have bought the Nighthawk after many years of looking at it as a very attractive watch, and I am happy that I did! I fell in love with the watch twice with some years in between. And I like its finesse, and absolute precision. After looking at a wide range of pilot watches, this has something of an intriguing timeless design that somehow makes it one of the most attractive dials out there. I think 10/10!
Fantastic watch - my father gave my his in 2017 after owning for 10+ years and wearing often. I wear it all the time and it’s one of my favorites even though my box has filled up with nicer pieces
I own one, it's one of 13 Citizen watches I own. I really like this watch for a casual watch love the way it lights up. Love the bezel.
Great review of the Nighthawk! I actually ordered one after watching this video. Very nice looking watch and I’m really looking forward to using the slide rule for currency conversions when i take it to Europe in about a week.
I went with the pro master air Skyhawk cb0241. It’s a bit more than the $200 limit you said you had but I felt getting the sapphire crystal was worth it.
Did you pick it up while it was on sale on Amazon by chance? I just snagged that model (CB0241-00L) for like half price at $320 maybe a week before returning to $650! I bought the classic Nighthawk in 2013 for ~$300 and still love the thing and wear it just about every other day. The thing's been a freaking tank and the only thing that shows any wear 9 years later is the mineral crystal. So when I saw the Skyhawk's resemblance to the Nighthawk but with the radio controlled A/T, perpetual calendar & sapphire crystal I couldn't help myself. I must admit though, my only qualm is the use of dark green lume instead of the Nighthawk's light blue. If you ever end up getting one of these Nighthawks, the bracelet's interchangeable which I'm stoked about.
Good luck with your Skyhawk, fellow Citizen! 😄
You might change your view on the bracelet once you look at it from the side. Each link is in the shape of an aerofoil which is a pretty cool touch on a pilot's watch.
Dave- I remember the time that $50 was too much for a watch, I am impressed on how you have been in this hobby for so long and don’t have a stupidly expense watch. 👍🏻
I've been seriously considering this watch. I've had very good luck with Citizen timepieces, in general, so the Nighthawk caught my attention.
J Johnson Was Seiko user for years, bought this one, it is ok, but in my opinion Seiko have better finish… I found some mistakes in finish with this watch, and also change it 2 times… just my expirience
Great watch. One common fear I hear about it is the life of the eco drive its self. In reality when the capacitor fails, replacing it is as simple as a battery change with a parts cost of under $20.
It has a lot in common with the Seiko SNA411 but is more subtle in appearance and has nicer fit and finish imho.
Not crazy about a rather unprotected crystal and would consider an eventual sapphire replacement a must when the original gets beat up.
All and all...great watch and really nice factory bracelet.
Great review. I had this watch for almost 9 years now. I have not had the battery changed or serviced. Maybe soon, just to have it checked. It's an eye catcher, a statement, it defines the wearer of the watch. I never had problems with it and I'm loving it! But since I've heard things about this NightHawk regarding being a collectible, I bought me a Blue Angels inspired SkyHawk AT8020-54L as my alternative watch. Both are really good looking watches, very good looking watches. 👍🏼
Re-watched in 2021, always enjoy this video.
Just ordered my Citizen BJ7000-52E Eco-Drive Nighthawk. Can't wait for it to come in! However, my 'grail' would be the Seiko SNA411 'flighty'.
Vaughan I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I was looking at the flighty a lot too, but I really wanted a GMT complication. I like your taste in aviation style watches, those are the most interesting to me right now. I'd like to get something more simple like a flieger to contrast with the busier dial on my Nighthawk.
Just the Watch Just got my new w/tags 'flighty' from a seller in California through Ebay! It looks so nice next to the Citizen! Not on my wrist of course, 'cause wearing two watches just looks weird 😆
I've had both, I prefer the citizen. The flighty is harder to read and the nighthawk is just awesome.
I'm actually a pilot training on my instrument rating right now. Nobody but student pilots use the E6B slide rule anymore. There are too many great electronic versions and apps now that have pretty much done away with the manual E6B calculator. Although we all learn how to use it and it collects dust in our flight bags. It's actually kind of neat how it works. Sometimes I will pull it out and give it a spin for kicks.
Really like this watch. Looks good with great functionality. Because of this it reminds me of the Seiko Flightmaster sna 411 which I own. Both definitely watches cut from the same quality Japanese cloth.
The lume is incredible on the nighthawk. Great video, yes I would consider it an affordable grail. I have inherited a couple of real grails. A 1952 Omega Geneva and a 1977 Rolex submariner. The omega was left to me by my grandfather and the Rolex was a close friend left me one and his son the other one. And have been fortunate enough to come upon deals for other Rolex and Tag and other nice watches. I deal in used BMWS and I have traded cars and repairs for watches mainly because I was ended up with a better deal and here in the past few years prices have gone crazy. 15 years ago I could get a brand new solid gold presidential for $5k and 10 years ago those watches were only worth 2-3k 3k was for a nice one used, so yeah I have traded watches and cash for cars. Those same watches are 9+k now and they get more expensive over time. I have always liked watches and have been collecting for 30 years as long as I have been dealing with cars. The 2 named grails arnt ever going anywhere but those others. I have been doing pretty well trading watches around with people I meet. One of my friends runs a shop and they only work on exotic cars. That’s where I have met people and done a lot of trading. I have a 7 figure watch collection now and don’t have anything close to that in them. Looking through my books I have about 50k in well over triple that in watches.
Just got my nighthawk or mine is the blue angles edition but it’s the identical watch except the color scheme blue dial with yellow markers on the slide rule. The thing I like about the citizens is the eco drive. It’s really awesome and it dosent have to be serviced like those high dollar watches. I never wear those expensive ones except special occasions. It’s a great way to hide liquid assets in plain sight especially since I’m always wearing a seiko or citizen all the time.
Thanks for the video.This is a 11:51 minutes long video titled “ How to Use Bezel...” It was not until the 8:56 mark did I see a demonstration of how to convert from Km to Miles and then it was for one minute.The rest of the video was spent on the beauty of the watch. It will be less distracting and more useful to see more functions of the watch like multiplication, addition, distance calculation etc , described . Thanks for your effort.
This went on sale and I grabbed it cant wait for it to come
I saw one in person and I’m officially interested
It's nice to come back down to earth sometimes
I know it's about 3 years late, but I just recently found your channel and have been greatly enjoying it. Just got this watch Today and I love it! My personal Grail watch is the Casio Oceanus S100 in Titanium. It's around $500 so it's going to be quite a few saved paychecks before I get it, but I'm taking my time and enjoying this new obsession we all share. Cheers!
I really want to pick up one of those Casio Oceanus models too! Not sure when I'll have the extra cash to grab it though.
I ve had one and it stands on it's own merit....its a fantastic watch that looks good and is basically indestructible!!
This has been on my grail list of watches for a few years now. I just bought an open box with a "scratch on the bezel" for 52% off. The photo shows a scratch on the crystal. I hope it is on the crystal because then I can swap it to sapphire. If not it should still be okay if it has a small scratch on the bezel. For $189 I think it's a steal!
I'm new to the watch addiction hobby at the grand old age of really old and have found a couple of tubers that I really like. You are one of them. Great job and thank you. I have the Nighthawk on my wish list at JomaShop now. First watch just ordered is a Hamilton automatic field watch. Grail is like yours, The Rolex Explorer II, and also the Grand
Seiko Spring Drive. The Rolex I would never buy. The Grand Seiko, mmm, maybe. ;-)
You've got good tastes!
I have the E650 nignthawk limited edition and it came with a black leather band. This band is sharp.
May be because of your upper limit, I could connect with you. Even i don't have much money for spending but i have recently fell in love with watches. Nice that you made a honest video mate
Excellent review.
I have this watch and its cousin, the Blue Angel. Both watches have the blue and yellow straps. For me, the Blue Angel is worth the extra $100 or so. They are both great watches, however, and enjoyable to wear. Great video!
I’d love to see the strap option vid. Just bought my first watch yesterday, same exact one with the blue face. I am in love but want a leather strap for it. Great video
I actually did one awhile back! Need to do a new one but Mayne this will give you some ideas. ua-cam.com/video/0IExzo9RGAs/v-deo.html
Forgot to add...really enjoyed the review. Nicely done. Its refreshing in this day and age of garbage pompous watch reviews.
I’ve had mine for over 15 years now and it’s still ticking. I wear it more than any other of my watches. Mine glows green though.
I just got the citizen pro master 200m and I love it. My 1st solar and it’s really a go to movement. I buy a lot of watches based on movement and this is a nice addition.
Yeah it's a great quartz movement, really innovative and useful. I just picked up a Bulova Lunar Pilot which has their high frequency quartz movement inside, and that one is really cool too.
It's a nice watch,I really like Citizen
Informative review, thanks. Unbeatable value from Citizen
Just bought a motor 360 smart watch ed 1,got every watch face available from citizen night hawk to rolex eplorer for free they all look great.and real.i can't afford to keep buying watches every year.
every day I have a new face.happy days.let me know if you want instructions all u need is a moto 360 1st gen and a tablet
I picked up one, love it.
This is my grail as well, sort of....they made a full titanium version of the same watch but it was discontinued in 2006... that one is my full on Holy Grail watch!! Nice video sir!
Check out a Timex Allied THREE GMT. I wanted the one with the black coated case, which turned out the only one where the hands have NO lume at all. Dang. The other two options with a steel case have lumed hands. All have Indiglo, so no biggie, but still annoying to have no lume.
Another annoyance is the bezel has 72 clicks, not 48 or 96. So it's impossible to set a time zone that is 30 minutes off precisely. The GMT hand points either to hh:20 or hh:40.
However, you can keep track of two additional time zones, not only one, because the watch has a 24 hour scale on the inner wall and one on the bezel that can be rotated (only unidirectional for no reason on a GMT bezel).
Aside the little quirks, the watch is fun.
A magnificent watch, most definitely on my bucket list. My grail watch is the Omega Speedmaster, but I will never be able to afford that! I just purchased the Seiko “mini” Speedmaster (SND253) and I am very excited to receive it later this week.
Well done! That's a really nice watch
I have the exact same watch, but mine is very scratched as it's my main watch. The metal strap is very comfy and the only time I take the Nighthawk off is for chopping wood.
This affordable watch is doing something many insanely expensive watches don’t. It is accurate, but more important it hits the damn markings with the second hand.
Nice review man and great start. Subscribed!
Mengelaus Thanks man! You're one of my first 10 subscribers!
I must have a slightly different run. My Nighthawk is identical, except for the applied noon and six. Mine are printed.
yes, like you I probably have money to buy a Tudor and possibly even a Rolex but I just wouldn't. :) My grail is the Blue Angels Nighthawk or a Seiko Tuna (STBR007) probably both over time. My favorite watch from my collection is the Orient Blue Ray II. It's dial is an amazing color. I see you have the black dial version in your wish list. You can't beat it for around $125
I think more about the Blue Angels edition as the grail. Same watch but probably with a better history behind it
Nice looking watch dude! A bit too complicated for me though 😳
My Grail Watch would be the Chinese Seagull Military 1963 reissue Chromatograph and my ultimate Grail Watch would be the Rolex Batman GMT 🤤
I like your reviews & I’m a new subscriber to your channel. Keep up the good work dude
I think I just found a new Grail Watch! Thank You!
Ray Seaman I think it's a great choice! It also looks great on a wide variety of straps, check out my latest video to see some nice options.
8 years later and still going - this is one of my favorite watches. Throw it on a black leather strap and you can wear this everyday without a care in the world.
I'm cheap and bought the solar GShock in the limited edition Tokyo Neon colors. I love it, just wish the hands had lume on them. Otherwise I love it. My grail is a Mido Multifort DualTime Blue Dial. At $900 though (chrono24 or eBay, otherwise $1150), I would only buy it for something special or hope for it as a gift. My affordable grail is probably the Nighthawk. However, my unicorn watch is the Citizen Nighthawk model BJ7000-52L (the all blue dial). I think the red is much better looking accent than the Blue Angels edition yellow.
Hi. I just got the blue angels night hawk. Great video. Mine was about $250 otd
One of the few desirable Citizens and a perfect travel watch - with the slide rule for currency conversion. Of course it‘s discontinued.
Just found my next watch to buy. Thanks
Awesome review- thanks for sharing. I also own this watch and love it too. The only thing that would improve it is a more durable crystal- ie: sapphire. Subbed!
I just don't need a GMT as I don't travel much and coordinating different times zones is not an issue. A busy dial so you have to really want those functions for it to make sense. I do like Citizen Eco Drives.
It’s my grail too esp w the gmt complication. Great vid!
chumbawumba797 I love the gmt on it, really unique and clever, but really easy to read at the same time.
Now that I see how that measurement bezel works... I want one
Good review, anyone got any videos showing use of the slide rule whilst in the wrist? Seems like it'd be an awkward position to rotate on a left wrtist.
It very much is awkward, you have to flip your arm around to get a good spin going (even then it’s 1/16th of a turn). But I wouldn’t let that stop you. My father purchased mine in 2005 and gave it to me in 17 and it’s one of my favorites
@@Suplarai thanks mate, need to use one in anger so might go for a more practical but vulnerable outer bezel.
I am lucky and got Nighthawk as a gift from my brother whan I was desperatelly wanted to get smart watch (Suunto exactly). As my brother in that time (2016.) was working in Finland he searched it for me and he niticed that there are no Suunto watches in Finland to buy, he wisited few shops in few cities and nothing. So he bought me a Skyhawk and I love it. Mine is a bit different it is made of titanium and has sapphire glass, so basically indestructable for normal use. And it is truth. Only thing I hate about it is setting the time. It is so complicated and I am starting locket lounch.
Just got mine yesterday thanks for showing me how to use it!
My Grail watch is the Casio F-91W
It’s a total strap beast. NATO straps don’t fit well because of how tight the spring bars are to the case, but any leather strap looks great! I have mine on a distressed leather strap from watchgecko
I just love my Nighthawk it's perfect for my job Woking outdoors . Recently had a Sapphire crystal on mine so a tough watch just got even tougher great bang for buck .
How much does it cost you the upgrade? And how you do it?
Nice useful video. I loved the sea background at the end of the video
mine should be here on monday hopefully , ordered from new york , im in UK
Ross Findlay Enjoy! What do you plan to set the second time zone to?
Just the Watch I usually put mine on New York just because I like New York lol
I love the Blue Angels colorway better. Great watch 🫡
Hi Dave, again a nice & very informative review👍🏼 This is on my list currently. Cheers
Thanks Andrew! This was one of my first videos, glad you found it helpful! I still have my Nighthawk and wear it all the time.
I have this watch in Titanium. I will never need another watch
i think a grail is more about how it makes you feel rather than the amount you spend on it
I think I'm a very realistic or bore person, although people around get on so well with me, everything belong to me all about affordable that with out any burden; house, cars, clothes or jewelry... On the wall people can see all the family photo hanging instead of some famous painting like " Mona Lisa smile "....
My daily watch is a partical eco drive watch, thinking about a "grail watch ",and the night hawk shows in this video may be is the one I'm looking for.
thinking of getting this OG. i don't like the newer release. seems to be watered down version of the gen 1.
btw, any idea why some watches of this model have nighthawks emblazoned on the dial while others do not.
Love your channel man! Keep it up with the great vids! Beautiful watch.
Thanks man, appreciate it!
@@JusttheWatchNo problem! I cannot find that watch here in the Canadian Amazon store. Seriously one of the most beautiful watches I have ever seen. I'm in awe. I know Seiko makes a similar version as well as Casio but that Citizen sure looks the best.
I am not sure what a Grail is, but I don't care. If it is a good timepiece and affordable I will consider it.
Just after the Seiko Flightmaster 411 I learned of the Nighthawk. It will arrive Monday. I do like and use the slide rule and the Nighthawk is easier to read with a larger dial. Citizen acquired Bulova a few years ago. Bulova developed the UHF quartz movement which is extremely accurate offering 10 seconds a year. In collaboration, Citizen is now working on the AT cut quartz crystal yielding accuracy of 1 sec/year. Should be available soon. I looked through the Bulova lineup after being attracted to the Moonwatch Chronograph. Just too large a watch, but the Precisionist 96B158 is a slender beauty with a uniquely detailed face. This is a wonderful watch with its only downfall being weak lume quality. Everything else is spot on and I ware it often. On a dark green cordura strap this watch is a stunner.
Enjoy your channel.
I’m just getting back into watches 20 years after I stopped wearing one because I got this new thing called a “cellular telephone.”
So nice to see a reasonable grail (under $1000, or preferably under anyone given person’s car payment). I’m definitely more on your end of the spending scale.
My grail was kind of the new age version of this (calculates Mayan calendar date, useless but fun), and not even from a respected brand, but it is mine and I love it. It’s also my first watch with an interior bezel, and I love that. Having used one, I’d definitely prefer your Citizen flight watch over the Seiko, or anything with an exterior bezel. Maybe you need it on a diver, but not with ungloved hands.
Thanks again for showing this watch off!
Nice watch. I might pick one up! Everyone's frail watch is different and that's ok. YOU have to like it and who cares if someone else doesn't. Lol Nice review.
I've had mine for about 1.5 years though (2d Citizen Eco) oddly, I developed a small skin burn under the capacitor. It just came back from Citizen today stating all is fine so we'll see. I hope so cause I really like it. Any pointers on how to set the GMT (2d time zone)? I must've missed that. Like some other commentors, I, too, enjoy seeing a grail watch that's actually affordable. I'm really hard pressed to see added value for most any watch once you go over, say $500.
Tudor pele and breitling are my grails
I like that you call this “one of your grail watches” because you love it and it has nothing to do with price. On most UA-cam reviews the grail watch always have to be an expensive luxury watches. Good for you and enjoy your grail watch. By the way, it is a very nice watch and reputable company. If taken care of you should get just as many years out of it as you would a $10,000 watch.
Hi,
Nice review, and video production quality.
Liked & Subscribed :)
I have seen blue face models with yellow hands. I would buy one but could go another $250 for a simmilar watch with a bigger case. I ware the skx seiko orange monster and have 2 and am used to the bigger cases.
Beautiful watch. Japanese watches are the way to go if you're looking for a proper piece for a great price. For luxury watches German offer great value at a far lower price than Swiss, FYI.
The epic nighthawk... 😉
For unit conversion, another way is to match the outer ring unit to the inner ring unit. Then you can use the matching numbers to easily convert. I think it's a bit easier to remember.
Tan Tran that's a great tip, gonna have to try it out.
This might be a long shot but where is your wedding ring from? I absolutely love that style and am wanting to source one before my wedding in September! Great content as always on the Nighthawk, but the ring caught my eye!!
Oh man I'm trying to remember the name of the Jeweler I got it from. The guy was an alumni from my college, and so everyone at my school got wedding rings and engagement rings from him.