Citizen watch company was founded in 1930. Over the years, they’ve introduced various new and exciting timepieces. In 1995, they introduced the Eco-Drive, which uses electrical power converted from any light source, eliminating the need for replaceable batteries in their watches.
A badass, overbuilt watch with a knife of the same caliber (Strider GB). A match made in heaven!
Specifications for the Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster include:
-The case diameter measures 48mm.
-Case thickness 18.6mm.
-Suitable for mixed-gas diving.
-Uni-directional rotating bezel.
-Titanium Case.
-Black face.
-Date window.
-Luminous hands and hour markers.
-Water-resistant to 300 meters (990 feet).
-6mm thick mineral crystal.
-Quartz Movement.
-The reserve battery, when fully charged, will power the watch for six months without recharging in the light.
Every sharp-dressed man needs a smart looking watch.
Those who love massive, overbuilt watches will love this particular model. There are two versions: the Titanium model (which I have) and the Stainless Steel model (which weighs slightly more).
Despite the immense size, the watch is not uncomfortably heavy for me. The nickname “Eco-Zilla,” derives its name from its massive size, equating it to the giant lizard with a bad temper, Godzilla. It does sit high on the wrist, and I won’t deny that. As such, the watch does tend to bang against things as I’m walking around. Fortunately, the crystal is supremely durable, and there have been no issues.
The Thickness is apparent here. This thing is built sturdy!
Typically, the Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster comes with a thick rubber band that is comfortable and durable. The watch I purchased was on the secondary market from a friend who had discarded the rubber band and installed adapters and a nylon NATO band. This type of band works very well, and the bands can be changed out quickly, so overall, I like it.
The luminosity on the hour and minute hands is spectacular in that it is very bright and lasts for quite a long time. Also, the hour marks on the face of the watch have the same luminosity. They’re also huge, so it’s easy to see them, which is a thoughtful aspect. Finally, the luminescence color on the watch hands and hour marks is a pleasing blue color.
The design on the back is even cool!
The finish on the metal of the Titanium version is a gun-metal, matte type. On the Stainless versions, it’s more of a shiny finish. Both look attractive, but I like the matte finish slightly better.
The Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster features a matte finish, date window, and stellar illumination.
As is the case with most dive watches, the bezel only rotates one way so that, when diving, the wearer can’t accidentally add time onto his dive, which could prove to be a fatal mistake. As such, the bezel only rotates clockwise. There is one click for each minute of rotation, and the clicks are positive.
The screw-down crown can be seen here.
In summary, you get a bodaciously overbuilt watch that catches peoples’ eye wherever you wear it (I’m always having people ask me what it is and where to get one). It is robust and supremely durable and will function well for a long time. Considering that it is water-resistant to 300 meters, it will suffice for most diving expeditions that any remotely sane person would attempt. If you’re in the woods being attacked by a bear and left your rifle at home, you can smack the bear in the head with the watch and kill him.
Part of an EDC (Everyday Carry) ensemble. Citizen Promaster, Strider GB, and Glock 19X. It doesn’t get any better than that!
At the time of this writing, I’m not sure that the Titanium version of the Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster is available, it may have been discontinued. Indeed, they’re available on the secondary market. However, the Stainless model is available, and you can get them for around $295 if you shop around. This is a great watch, especially for the money!
A very good review
It is because of you that I have realized the essence of friendship. To be loved by the one you love is the greatest blessing of all time. Thank you for being my friend, for accepting me the way I am, and for loving me without any conditions. Thank you so much, best friend.
When the storm of the future comes to test our bond, the road seems rocky, and the distance threatens to tear us apart, I am sure the memories we build together now will be strong enough to help us win over these challenges and keep our friendship strong forever.
Thanks for your friend’s article will apply it. I think this is a useful article for people like us
Nice review but this watch is just for the view to me, since it’s hard to get them to Vietnam (in Vietnam rightnow).
My wind-up Timex issue watch from Viet Nam is still working……a heck of alot better than me, anymore. K.I.S.S. My picture would not have an electronic watch, a Glock and a flip knife but an issue Timex, a 1911 and a Buck 110. 😬 Boy, tempus sure do fugit!
To be completely honest, the statement of “eliminating the need for replaceable batteries in their watches.” is not entirely accurate. I have two of their EcoDrive watches, one of them the original Promaster, and both have needed their “power cell” replaced when they stopped storing the converted solar power. The “power cell” is a capacitor inside the watch that acts like a battery. So, yes, it doesn’t have a battery, but it does have parts that need to be replaced if the watch is to keep working.
Thanks for the kind words, I appreciate it! I definitely recommend this watch!
Sexy beast there. I have never seen these before, but then again, I am not as aggressive a collector as I once was. That is a lot of watch for that price point.
Nice review!