Review of Citizen's mechanical diver's watch, the Promaster Mechanical Diver 200m

Citizen announced the Promaster Mechanical Diver 200m in 2021. This model, featuring a unique lightweight and durable titanium material and a new, highly anti-magnetic automatic movement, also embodies Citizen's long-standing diver's watch design philosophy. Here's a review by the WatchTime editorial team, who have actually worn this watch.

High functionality with 200m water resistance and Class 2 magnetic resistance.

　In March 2021, Citizen announced the Promaster Mechanical Diver 200m, a watch that continues the tradition of mechanical diver's watches. While the watch industry is seeing many similar-looking diver's watches, this model stands out with its distinctive character. Of the three colorways available, we chose the Ref. NB6004-08E, which features a monochrome design with red accents, for this review.

　The case is a two-piece construction, measuring 46mm in diameter, 15.3mm thick, and approximately 50mm long from lug to lug. It makes a striking presence on the wrist. The case is made of Citizen's proprietary "Super Titanium," which utilizes titanium processing and surface hardening technologies. This material is 40% lighter than stainless steel, making the watch feel lighter to wear despite its apparent size.

　This model exudes a rugged, industrial feel. This is due not only to its size, but also to its design elements. The bezel and dial feature a fine, stud-like pyramid pattern. The dial also features a gradient that changes shade depending on the angle from which it is viewed. The large, uneven shape around the edge of the bezel is another distinctive feature of this watch, making it easier to grip and improving operability. These details establish the watch's individuality while also conveying Citizen's design philosophy of pursuing functional beauty.

　As an aside, one of the important archives of Citizen's diver's watches is the "Professional Diver," released in 1982. This model held the world's highest pressure resistance rating of 1300m at the time, and featured an original case shape. One of its distinctive features was its large, rugged rotating bezel. It feels as though this DNA lives on in the Promaster Mechanical Diver 200m. (Note that the "Eco-Drive Diver 200m," equipped with a light-powered movement, was also released at the same time as the "Promaster Mechanical Diver 200m" as a homage model to the "Professional Diver.")

　Of particular note is that Citizen has equipped this watch with the Caliber 9051 (a derivative of the Miyota Caliber 9015). This is a new automatic movement introduced in the revamped Series Eight collection, featuring a center second and date display. Some of the movement's components, including the balance spring, are made of antimagnetic materials. According to Citizen, "it can maintain its performance even when placed within 1 cm of a device emitting a magnetic field of 16,000 A/m." In addition to being antimagnetic, the movement has a power reserve of approximately 42 hours and maintains accuracy within -10 to +20 seconds per day.

　There's room for improvement in terms of legibility. The indices on the bezel don't contrast well with the background, and the pyramid pattern doesn't help (interestingly, the bezel is more visible underwater than on land). However, the dial is highly legible. The large hour hand, the minute hand with a red outline, and the large indices are generously coated with luminous material, making them easy to read even in the dark.

　
There's a lot more to say about the Promaster Mechanical Diver 200m. Its 200m ISO-certified water resistance will be more than enough for most divers. It also comes with a convenient, extendable diver's strap. The finish and quality are excellent for the ¥132,000 price tag, and elements like the domed sapphire crystal and gradient dial give it a futuristic feel.

　While many similar diver's watches are being released in the watch industry, the Promaster Mechanical Diver 200m has plenty of unique features that will appeal to many collectors. Yet, this model is crafted to be a versatile watch. It beautifully blends Citizen's historical visual aspects with modern materials to create a diver's watch that is both unexpected and fresh.