When evaluating a diver's watch, we tend to focus on its specifications. However, even a diver's watch is something that should be used in everyday life. This time, we focused on the overall "wearing experience" of the watch, focusing on comfort. We wore the Citizen Promaster CC5006-06L for two weeks to gauge its capabilities as a companion for everyday life.
Text & Photographs by Shinichi Sato
Article published on September 30, 2022
When Citizen creates high-spec tool watches, it's standard to combine a surface-treated titanium case with the light-powered Eco-Drive technology. In some cases, a GPS satellite signal reception function is also added. The Promaster CC5006-06L, which I'll be reviewing today, is a diver's watch that truly encompasses all of these features, making it a model that is typical of Citizen. While it's inevitable to focus on the specs when it comes to models like this, I'd like to provide an impression this time focusing on the wearability and other aspects of use. So, how good is Citizen, a company that has been making tool watches for many years?
The Golden Ratio of Citizen's High-Spec Tool Watch
This model is the world's first light-powered GPS satellite-synchronized diver's watch, 200m water resistant and ISO 6425 compliant. More specifically, the light-powered Eco-Drive technology prevents the timing function from stopping during diving. It not only displays accurate time as long as the GPS is detected, but also automatically adjusts the time anywhere in the world without any manual intervention, making it a truly authentic diver's watch. The power reserve is approximately two years with the hands operating, and approximately seven years in power save mode.
Light-powered radio-controlled quartz movement (Cal. F158). Power reserve: approximately 2 years under normal operation (approximately 7 years under power save mode). Super Titanium + Duratect DLC + Duratect MRK + DLC (diameter 47.0 mm, thickness 15.6 mm). 200m water resistant. Price: 165,000 yen (tax included).
The case is made from Citizen's specialty Super Titanium, treated with Duratect MRK, a material that hardens the surface of the titanium by allowing gas to penetrate through the surface, and then layered with Duratect DLC to create a glossy black finish. This combination results in a lightweight, scratch-resistant case that is smooth and resistant to scratches.
The combination of Eco-Drive, titanium case, and Duratect, along with the addition of GPS satellite signal reception, is the golden ratio for Citizen's high-spec models. While it's easy to overlook the many features, materials, and surface finishes, as in this model, I believe that a tool watch's comfort, including its wearability, is crucial. How good is it?
Excellent wearability considering the very large case
This model is quite large, measuring 47.0mm in diameter and 15.6mm thick. Though crafted from lightweight titanium, its weight of 101g combined with the thick rubber strap gives it a substantial presence in the hand. Having previously heard it was made from titanium, I found it rather heavy for its material. Given that the case diameter was necessary to widen the dial for improved legibility and to increase the power generation area, it remains to be seen whether this thickness was necessary.
Once you put it on your wrist and adjust the strap to a tight fit, the impression is slightly different from when you first hold it in your hand. On my wrist, which is 17.5cm in circumference, this model is large, but the lugs are short and don't protrude much, so it fits well on the wrist. The thickness and protrusion of the case back, which can be a concern, are also well-controlled by the lug shape and strap. With this fit, it may suit people with slightly thinner wrists than mine, so I recommend trying it on rather than just relying on the numbers or the impression it gives you in your hand. However, once you wear it, you'll quickly realize that it's rude to talk about how this model fits on your sleeve.
Also, once you wear it, the weight isn't noticeable, giving it a light feel. The case back protrudes significantly and is thick, which tends to give it a high center of gravity, but the titanium construction keeps it lightweight for its size, minimizing movement when worn. The wearability might have been compromised if it had been made from stainless steel, so the titanium construction is a welcome change.
The surface of the strap is engraved with a wave pattern reminiscent of the ocean and is made of thick urethane. It is soft, firm, and comfortable to wear. The buckle is also made of titanium, which looks and feels good to the touch. The strap is a little long, and there is some excess on my wrist, but as this is a model for serious diving, it is likely long enough to fit when wearing a wetsuit. After researching this, I found that an extension band is also included. It is probably intended for use with extremely thick clothing, such as those needed for diving in Arctic waters.
The strap also has a high grip. This has the advantage of preventing slipping when worn, but it also causes the strap to fit tightly and get caught on the keeper. By the same principle, it also makes it difficult to come off. I believe this is a necessary feature from the perspective of preventing accidents while diving.
