Are Citizen Watches Good? A Comprehensive Review of the Legendary Brand
Citizen watches are a well-known brand in the watch industry, known for their quality, durability, and eco-friendly technology. Founded in 1924, the company has a long history of producing high-quality watches that are both stylish and functional. Citizen watches are popular among consumers of all ages and have a reputation for being a reliable and well-respected brand. With a wide range of styles and features, there is a Citizen watch for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a sporty, casual, or dress watch, Citizen has a model that will suit your needs.
In our Citizen review, we take a look at three of their most popular models to determine whether this legendary brand has still got it. We will analyze the design, quality, durability, and customer feedback of the watches to give you an idea of what to expect from the brand.
Design and Aesthetics
Citizen watches are known for their sleek and modern design. The brand’s designers pay attention to every detail, from the shape of the case to the font used on the dial, to create watches that are both functional and stylish. Overall, the design of Citizen watches is rated highly by customers and critics alike.
Citizen watches come in a variety of styles, from sporty and rugged to sophisticated and elegant. The brand offers a range of different collections, including the Promaster, Eco-Drive, and Chandler, each with its unique aesthetic. The sporty Promaster line is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities, while the Eco-Drive collection is ideal for those who want a watch that can be worn on any occasion. The Chandler collection is a great option for those looking for a classic, timeless watch.
Quality of Materials
The quality of materials used in Citizen watches is highly rated. The watches are made with high-quality stainless steel, titanium, and other durable materials that ensure their longevity. The brand also uses scratch-resistant mineral or sapphire crystal for the watch glass, which adds to its durability. Based on our experience the watches maintain their appearance and functionality even after years of use.
One of the most notable features of Citizen watches is their use of eco-drive technology. This technology allows the watches to run on light, eliminating the need for batteries. This not only makes the watches more environmentally friendly but also eliminates the need for frequent battery replacements. This technology is a true innovation and is a valuable addition to the watch industry.
Value for Money
Citizen watches are considered to have an outstanding value for money, as they offer a wide selection of watches with the most modern technology at an excellent price-performance ratio. The brand’s Eco-Drive technology and atomic time via GPS are notable highlights.
Citizen offers a variety of collections including Promaster, Super Titanium, Sports, Elegant, and Basic, each with its own set of features and at accessible price points. The Promaster series, in particular, offers a multitude of functions that mechanical movements are unable to support at a price that doesn’t break the three-figure range, making it a great value for money. Additionally, the watches in the Promaster series are divided into three categories according to their intended usage: Land, Marine, and Sky.
The Citizen Automatic Diver with a mechanical caliber from the Promaster Marine collection is a great example of a watch that offers great value for money. It’s considered one of the most affordable diving watches that are certified in accordance with the ISO 6425 standard and is waterproof up to a depth of 200m. Another model, the BJ8050-08E, is also powered by solar energy and suitable for depths up to 300m.
Citizen watches are not the cheapest on the market, but they are not the most expensive either. They offer a great balance between quality, durability, and price, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality watch without breaking the bank.
Craftsmanship and Durability
The craftsmanship and durability of Citizen watches are highly rated. The brand uses high-quality materials and pays attention to every detail in the manufacturing process to ensure that its watches are long-lasting and reliable. The brand’s Eco-Drive technology also adds to the durability of the watches as it eliminates the need for battery replacements.
Citizen offers a variety of warranties and guarantees on their watches. The brand offers a 5-year warranty on its Eco-Drive watches and a 3-year warranty on its mechanical watches. This shows the brand’s confidence in the durability and craftsmanship of its watches. Additionally, the brand also offers a free battery replacement service for their Eco-Drive watches and a free repair service for any manufacturing defects. These warranties and guarantees give customers peace of mind when purchasing a Citizen watch.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Citizen Watch
When considering purchasing a Citizen watch, there are a few factors to keep in mind. Firstly, consider the intended use of the watch. Citizen offers watches for various activities such as diving, flying, and outdoor adventures, so it’s important to choose a watch that suits your needs. Secondly, consider the features you are looking for. Citizen offers a wide range of watches with different features such as atomic time, GPS, and altimeter, so it’s important to choose a watch with the features that are important to you.
Another factor to consider is the style of the watch. Citizen offers a variety of styles, including sporty, elegant, and classic, so it’s important to choose a watch that suits your personal style. Also, consider the size and weight of the watch, as some watches can be quite heavy and large, and might not be comfortable for everyone.
Lastly, consider the budget you have set for the watch. Citizen watches vary in price, so it’s important to choose a watch that fits your budget while still offering the features and style that you’re looking for. Remember, you’re making an investment, so it’s important to choose a watch that you’ll be happy with for years to come.
Citizen Watch Reviews
The Promaster Professional Diver
This watch is frequently cited as one of the best dive or tool watches in almost every forum. It is a 48mm ISO-certified dive watch that features a quartz movement, a unidirectional bezel, a screw-down 4 o’clock crown, Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology, and a clean blue dial with minimal branding. The watch also features a date complication at the 4 o’clock position instead of the common 3 o’clock position for most dive watches and is ISO-certified. The Promaster is considered one of the best values in the dive watch market retailing at under $200.
The Eco-Drive Nighthawk
This is considered one of the best aviation watches on the market. It features a complicated dial, a dual-time display, a pilot’s slide rule with an 8 o’clock crown position, and is water-resistant to 200m. The Nighthawk is considered one of the best values in the aviation watch market retailing at about $450, the Eco-Drive Nighthawk is a versatile and stylish option.
The Eco-Drive CHANDLER or Eco-Drive Garrison
This is an iconic field watch that is compact and runs on an Eco-Drive movement. It features a day-date window, a simple three-hand movement, a black dial with white markers, and a green fabric strap. The Chandler is considered one of the most popular Citizen watches, largely because it’s the ultimate utilitarian piece. It’s also one of the few watches that look better with wear and can be had for under $200, making it an extremely affordable option.
My Thoughts on Citizen
As a long-time fan of Citizen watches, I have to say that I am impressed with their offerings. From the Promaster Professional Diver to the Eco-Drive Nighthawk, Citizen has a wide range of high-quality watches that offer excellent value for money.
One of the things I love about Citizen watches is their Eco-Drive technology. This innovative technology allows the watches to run on solar power, eliminating the need for battery changes and making them incredibly reliable. Additionally, the Eco-Drive watches are incredibly precise, making them ideal for a variety of different activities.
Another thing I appreciate about Citizen watches is their attention to detail. Each model is designed with a specific purpose in mind, whether it’s diving, aviation, or outdoor activities. This focus on functionality means that each watch is packed with features that are actually useful and easy to use.
However, one downside to Citizen watches is that they tend to be on the larger side. If you prefer smaller watches, you may find that some of their models are too big for your wrist. Additionally, some of the more advanced models can be a bit overwhelming for people who aren’t familiar with all the features and functions.
Overall, I highly recommend Citizen watches for anyone looking for a reliable, high-quality watch that offers excellent value for money. Whether you’re a diver, pilot, or outdoor enthusiast, there is a Citizen watch that is perfect for you. The pros of the brand are its Eco-Drive technology, attention to detail, and wide range of models with different functionalities. The cons are that they tend to be larger in size and some models may be too advanced for some people.
FAQs
What is Eco-Drive technology?
Eco-Drive technology is a power source used in Citizen watches. It utilizes solar energy to power the watch, eliminating the need for battery changes. The watches with Eco-Drive technology are incredibly precise and continue to function reliably even after being in the dark for months. Some watches switch to a power save mode automatically when exposed to continual darkness, and their power reserve lasts for approximately seven years.
Are Citizen watches water-resistant?
Yes, most Citizen watches are water-resistant to varying degrees. The Promaster Professional Diver, for example, is ISO-certified and suitable for diving up to 200m. The Eco-Drive Nighthawk is water-resistant to 200m, making it a great all-condition wear from traveling to the pool. The Chandler BM8180-03E has a water resistance of 100m.
Are Citizen watches durable?
Yes, Citizen watches are known for their durability. The Promaster Professional Diver, for example, is a true ‘tool’ watch with enough style to serve as a daily wearer as well. The Nighthawk series represents everything that’s cool about pilot watches and The Chandler BM8180-03E is a simple military style watch in a smaller package.
