A diver's watch with a refined "tool-like" feel. A review of the Citizen "Promaster Eco-Drive Diver 200m."

This review focuses on the Citizen "Promaster Marine Series Eco-Drive Diver 200m" model, the "BN0228-06W." This watch, which has been refined to a high level to meet the essential requirements of a tool watch, such as visibility, operability, and water resistance, is truly the type of watch that "enthusiasts will love." It's a watch that can be used daily or added to a collection for outdoor use.

The modern-day rebirth of the light "Professional Diver"

　Citizen's proud sports watch brand, "PROMASTER," consists of three series: the diver's watch "MARINE," the pilot's watch "SKY," and the field watch "LAND," each with specialized performance and functions as a professional tool.

　The watch we're reviewing this time is the "BN0228-06W" from the "MARINE" series. Its distinctive case design is a homage to the "Professional Diver" that the company released in 1982. At the time of its release, the "Professional Diver" boasted a water resistance of 1300 meters, which was said to be the world's best, and had a unique appearance with a lug-less design and protectors on all four corners of the case.

　The case of this watch is made of Super Titanium, a material developed exclusively by Citizen. This titanium is treated with the surface hardening technology Duratect, making it approximately five times harder than stainless steel. The company was the first to release a titanium-cased watch in 1970, and after more than 50 years of research, it has become possible to produce highly practical titanium cases at low cost.

　The watch is powered by Eco-Drive, a light-powered quartz movement. While regular quartz movements require battery replacement every few years, Eco-Drive is essentially maintenance-free. I own an Eco-Drive model that I purchased over 10 years ago, and the rechargeable battery doesn't seem to be deteriorating. While not requiring regular battery replacement is convenient for the user, as the "eco" in its name suggests, it also contributes to the environment by reducing battery waste, making it the first watch to be certified as an Eco Mark product. However, even if a diver's watch like this one is maintenance-free, if you plan to use it for diving, you should still inspect it regularly, regardless of its operating condition, and replace any worn gaskets.

Excellent visibility and operability

　Let's start by looking at the exterior. As mentioned above, the overall design follows that of the "Professional Diver." The middle case, which was previously split into two parts, has been integrated, and as a result, the four fixing screws on the case have been eliminated. However, the protector, knurled crown, and lug-less case have been faithfully reproduced. Diver's watches naturally tend to have similar designs due to the performance and functionality required, but this model is a design that is full of originality that is unique to Citizen.

　The sandblasted, matte Super Titanium case gives off a unique impression. When I first held it in my hands, it felt more like a tool than a watch. Its simplicity, where the intention behind each detail is clear without any explanation, is very similar to the atmosphere emanating from a tool specialized for a single function. I'm sure it will strike a chord with some people.

　The four corners of the case have protrusions that act as protectors to prevent the bezel from accidentally rotating. When it comes to protectors for diver's watches, Seiko's outer case, affectionately known as the "Tuna Can," is well-known, but the protector on this watch is more subtle.

　The dial is finished with a black and green camouflage pattern. This model is equipped with Eco-Drive, which is powered by light passing through the dial, but there is nothing on the dial that suggests the presence of a solar cell. The three hands for the hours, minutes, and seconds are mounted with ample clearance between them. Sports watches generally have a certain amount of space between them to prevent the hands from bending due to impact and interfering with each other. This model, a genuine diver's watch, also follows this rule. If the distance between the hands is large, the distance between the dial and the crystal will increase, which can lead to concerns about the watch appearing stretched out, but this model's raised chapter ring prevents this impression.

　In accordance with ISO 6425 2018: diver's watch specifications, the 12 indexes are coated with Super-LumiNova. The 3 o'clock position is cramped due to the date window, but the 6, 9, and 12 o'clock positions are triangular, while the other positions are dot-shaped, making it difficult to read. However, the date display is relatively small and the disc itself is recessed, making it somewhat difficult to read.

　The bezel has a clearly defined ridge on the outer edge, allowing for a firm grip when turning. Another feature of this watch is that it's not just easy to turn, but also requires little force to turn. While many high-end diver's watches have a precise, ticking or thumping feel, this watch has a more light, clunky feel. It gives the impression of being tough, like it will function without issue even if a little dust gets caught in it. With 60 clicks per rotation, it can be quickly set in one-minute increments, which is also practical. The bezel's scale is engraved and then filled with green paint, but the engraving is deep enough that the paint won't easily come off.

　The strap is made of urethane. It is very flexible and looks comfortable to wear. The buckle is large and custom-made, as is typical of a diver's watch. The solid texture matches the finish of the case.

　The large crown is easy to grip thanks to the knurling around it. Because it is a screw-down crown, to operate it, turn it towards 6 o'clock to release it. Pull it out one notch to adjust the date, and pull it out another notch to adjust the time. There is no catch when turning the crown, and adjustments can be made smoothly.