Citizen Dive Watch Evolution and Its Recommended Models

As one of the leading Japanese watch manufacturers, Citizen has crafted many iconic pieces. One of Citizen’s renowned creations is the dive watch. True to its motto, a Citizen dive watch is a reliable timekeeping device for underwater activities sold at an affordable price for everyone everywhere.

Not entirely different from the environment-friendly Eco-Drive, Citizen adopts specific technology for dive watches. The dive watch can withstand underwater pressure from deep diving activities. In this case, Citizen ensures that the dive watches meet the relevant ISO standards.

A Citizen dive watch may be something underwater enthusiasts can rely on. To understand what capabilities the Citizen dive-capable watch technology offers, check out the following explanation.

Citizen Dive Watch Technology

More than a timekeeping device, a dive watch packs a lot more beyond style or design. Unlike a dress or field watch, a Citizen dive watch should be able to withstand deep underwater pressure. Notably, it has higher water resistance than most Citizen watches in other collections. 

Some Citizen dive watches have up to 1,000 m water resistance. These pieces are designed for deep-sea diving over prolonged periods. Such technology makes a Citizen dive watch a part of a professional diving kit as it can tell time and assist in diving necessities well beyond the sun’s reach.

Under the dive watch category, Citizen employs a different watchmaking standard. A dive watch must conform to the ISO 6425 standard, meaning it must bear a minimum of 100 m water resistance in addition to optimal readability, shock resistance, magnetic resistance, and other qualities.

For optimal durability, a Citizen dive watch must be equipped with certain technologies. Here are some of the components specifically catering to underwater exploration needs:

1. Screw-Down Crown

First and foremost, a dive watch must have a screw-down crown. Rotating a crown may seem easy on the surface, but it’s a different case underwater. Citizen employs screw-down crowns and push buttons in its dive watches for optimized water resistance. With this technology, a crown can be screwed tightly into the case.

2. Unidirectional Rotating Bezel

Bezel becomes a timer during diving activities. Before plunging into the water, divers usually pre-set the rotating bezel to the target dive time. This way, they can count the elapsed diving time. A dive watch has a unidirectional rotating bezel that only rotates in a single direction or counterclockwise.

Divers may stumble upon any matter that accidentally pushes forward the bezel during a dive. To prevent the bezel from moving clockwise, the dive watch design employs a unidirectional design. An unmoved bezel helps drivers know the accurate time they’ve been underwater and helps them stay safe.

3. Double-Folding Buckle

Safety underwater activity isn’t only assured by a screw-down crown and a unidirectional rotating bezel. Divers can safely navigate the underwater world when they have their watches securely attached to their wrists with double-folding buckles.

Citizen also ensures the safety of wear underwater by utilizing high-strength watch bands. They can wrap the wrist snugly even under 20 kg force. For easy wear, the double-folding buckle is equipped with a ratchet. The wearer can extend it as far as 20 mm over a wetsuit.

Read also: Screw Down Crown Watch: What It Is and How It Works 

4. Shock Detector

A deep dive is considered an extreme sport. Divers may never know what comes upon them—they may bang against rocks, rough surfaces, or a piece of diving kit. Hence, Citizen dive watches are built with shock detection functions. This feature helps alert divers when their hands get out of the safe position. 

5. Luminescence

The darkness of the deep sea engulfs the surroundings as soon as divers descend far down. In addition to the darkness, the moving currents can confuse the eye. Fortunately, divers can rely on Citizen dive watches as they are equipped with lume, allowing optimal readability in dim light.

Lume-applied hands and indexes can store energy and glow in the dark, helping readability in a dark space. Citizen uses nontoxic and nonradioactive lume to ensure its application doesn’t harm human wearers and the environment.

6. Helium Escape Valve

Extreme diving activities for extended periods require added protection against helium. The deeper divers descend, the risk of helium atoms driving up the interior pressure within the case and damaging the mechanism.

To avoid this problem, Citizen deep dive watches go through helium-pressure testing. In some of the Citizen dive watch models, the helium relief valve feature opens and closes automatically according to the pressure difference present. It helps release the invasive helium gas and shield the watch from potential damage during decompression.

The Evolution of Citizen Dive Watches

Citizen watches have been around since 1924, but not until 1982 that the Japanese brand released the top dive watch. The Professional Diver marked the first time Citizen manufactured a specifically designed dive watch with a powerful water resistance of 1,300 m. This iconic model had a titanium case with an ultra-airtight construction.

In 1983, a Challenge Diver landed ashore on Long Reef Beach in Australia. The watch was released in 1977 and it appeared to be heavily encrusted with barnacles due to the long exposure of sea water. Despite the external condition, the inner mechanism remained fully functional. It proved the dive watch’s durability and water resistance.

Fast forward to 2008, Citizen released the Promaster Eco-Drive Radio-Controlled with a 200 m water resistance. It was the world’s first dive watch which features atomic timekeeping. To achieve this breakthrough, Citizen went through numerous challenges to accomplish the end result of enhanced magnetic resistance, shock resistance, and high reception sensitivity.

To answer the needs of saturation diving (deep sea diving) enthusiasts, Citizen finally released the Promaster Eco-Drive Professional Diver 1,000 m in 2017. As the world’s first solar-powered deep sea dive timekeeping device, the Promaster watch conformed to the relevant ISO. It also featured a helium escape valve.

Innovation didn’t stop with the Eco-Drive dive watch. Citizen continues to push through with the Promaster Satellite Wave GPS Diver 200 in 2020. It was the first solar-powered dive watch with a GPS satellite synchronization feature conforming to the ISO 200 m standard. Working with Tripadvisor, the dial trim ring featured the location of top dive sites, allowing world travelers to find the perfect spot to dive everywhere.

Recommended Citizen Dive Watches

Every feature of Citizen dive watches present is particularly designed to fulfill diving needs. After all, a dive watch doesn’t work similarly to a dress watch. It needs to be more than a piece of accessory. While roaming underwater, the watch can tell the time-lapse during the dive, allowing accurate timekeeping for safe diving.

Watch collectors and dive enthusiasts can add Citizen dive watches to their watch collection or a list of reliable diving accompaniments. Here are some of the recommended Citizen dive watches to consider:

1. Citizen Promaster Mechanical Diver 200M “Fujitsubo” Blue

With an old-school look alluding to the original 70s timepiece, the Citizen Promaster Mechanical Diver 200M “Fujitsubo” Blue showcases promising upgrades in major areas. Updated materials and technology make this Citizen Promaster diver watch an attested diving companion.

Made of Super Titanium with Duratect hardening, the nautical blue dial dive watch ensures durability underwater. The 41 mm watch has a unidirectional bezel which may appear wider than the middle case. At 3 o’clock, the date window can be spotted with white outlines.

This dive watch is powered by a 9051 caliber. The automatic movement provides a 42-hour power reserve. It’s also magnetic resistant which means the watch can prevent time deviations from the surrounding electronic devices. The Fujitsubo blue watch also features a three-link bracelet with a folding clasp, a flat-top sapphire crystal, and luminous material in a green hue.

Price: $760.00 USD

Read also: Citizen Watches Review: An Unyielding Force of Watchmaking 

2. Citizen Promaster Titanium Diver Black 1000

The Citizen Promaster Titanium Diver Black 1000 presents a massive 52.5 mm Super Titanium case with Duratect MRK surface-hardening treatment and a DLC coating that provides reliable scratch resistance. Adding to the durability, the watch offers optimal readability with the readable numbers on the bezel insert.

For professional diving activities, Citizen applies a locking mechanism. To rotate the bezel, the wearer has to unlock the mechanism on top of the watch. Flipping the locking ring toward “FREE” can rotate the bezel counterclockwise. Once adjusted, the wearer can switch the lock ring toward “LOCK” to prevent the bezel from accidental moves.

The screw-down case back protects the in-house solar quartz movement, the Citizen J210. It has a high-accuracy quartz movement without periodic battery replacement. As for comfort, Citizen ensures it by pairing the chunky Citizen Diver automatic watch with a 29 mm black synthetic rubber strap.

Price: $1,960.00 USD

3. Citizen Promaster Mechanical Diver 200M “Fujitsubo” Full Black

With a lightweight gun-metal finished case, the Citizen Promaster Mechanical Diver 200M “Fujitsubo” Full Black has a 42 mm diameter. The stunning case has brushed finishes while the bezel has polishes. The combination of the material, finishes, and polishes results in a sleek aesthetic look.

The matte black dial is paired with lumed rectangular indices that spark in a green hue in the dark or when charged by direct sunlight. To allow better readability, the Mercedes-style hour hand, sword-shaped hand, and second hand are also lumed with the same material.

By the wound spring release, the watch is powered by the in-house 9051 caliber. It can provide a 42-hour power reserve which ensures safe timekeeping during underwater activities. The robust titanium case back allows the movement to stay secure. Overall, this Citizen dive watch has a decent 200 m water resistance.

Price: $990.00 USD

4. Citizen Promaster Mechanical Diver 200M “Fujitsubo” Black

The sleek Citizen Promaster Mechanical Diver 200M “Fujitsubo” Black watch measures 41 mm in diameter. Similarly to the previous model, the rectangular indices are covered with luminous material that shines in a retro green hue to contrast the black dial. This application also goes for the hands that help divers tell time. 

As one of the Citizen Promaster Diver 200M watches, this sleek black dial dive timekeeping device is powered by the in-house 9051 caliber. As mentioned before, the automatic movement provides a 42-hour power reserve and a 200 m water resistance. The Fujitsubo black watch is paired with a black rubber strap.

Price: $660.00 USD

Final Thought

Citizen dive watches offer improved technology with time. As one of the enduring collections, the Promaster Diver has evolved with technological advancement as seen in the latest creation. Be it the Eco-Drive and Promaster combination or the Promaster Titanium, every existing Citizen dive watch is a testament to the brand’s long-lasting prowess in the watchmaking industry.

Selecting the right Citizen dive watch is ultimately up to individual preferences. Watch collectors can pick their preferred pieces based on their favorability and budget. Meanwhile, dive enthusiasts may purchase their diving companions according to the specifications they offer.

Read also: How to Use Dive Watch Bezels: A Simple and Thorough Guide