There’s one thing endlessly charming a few strong, inexpensive dive watch. When executed nicely, entry-level divers can ship a mix of fashion, performance, sturdiness, and a stress-free carrying expertise (there’s so much much less stress concerned in damaging a sub-$1000 diver than there may be with banging up a $10,000 luxurious showpiece) that makes them ideally suited candidates for every day put on and strenuous use. Within the present market, few manufacturers have performed to this area of interest extra successfully than Citizen, and among the many Japanese large’s myriad inexpensive dive choices, the “Fugu” line stands as some of the enduring automated choices. For summer season 2023, Citizen seems to develop this versatile assortment with an array of latest kinds, unified by an intricately textured dial impressed by the seabed imprint left by male fugu pufferfish attracting mates. The brand new Citizen Promaster Dive Automated “Fugu” NY0137-09A is undoubtedly essentially the most putting of the bunch, twisting the traditional “evening diver” idea right into a putting black and blue colorway whereas providing all the sturdiness and efficiency followers have come to like from the sequence.
As with earlier variations, the black ion-plated chrome steel case of the Citizen Promaster Dive Automated “Fugu” could be misleading on paper. Though nominally measuring in at 44mm-wide, a sequence of intelligent case design choices assist this watch to put on extra like a 42mm and even 41mm watch on the wrist. The primary of those parts is the dramatically rounded case facet undercut. The “Fugu” opts for a excessive visible beltline alongside the case sides, rendering all the pieces under the higher fringe of the case facet in a sloping polished floor. Due to this bowl-like slope, the precise footprint of the case on the wrist is way smaller than a traditional 44mm-wide design, and the polished floor helps to visually masks the general width and thickness. As well as, the brief, gently curving lugs assist to attenuate the lug-to-lug size of the “Fugu,” additional emphasizing the compact really feel. Lastly, there’s the slimming energy of black at play right here, working to attenuate the obvious dimension of the case in the identical approach black clothes does. Like the remainder of the “Fugu” line, although, this case can also be full of unorthodox visible touches. The knurled 8 o’clock crown is essentially the most instantly apparent of those love-it-or-hate-it parts, positioned out of the way in which to attenuate the prospect of unintended affect on the wrist. It’s a transfer that takes the extra frequent 4 o’clock crown’s design idea to its logical conclusion, and there’s one thing charming about its uncompromising practicality, even when it may make winding and setting a bit extra of a chore than a regular 3 o’clock crown.
In fact, the bezel design is the spine of the “Fugu” line, however this rounded, partially toothed dive bezel structure is prone to be the watch’s most divisive level. The combination of easily rounded surfaces and broad-toothed edges is what provides the “Fugu” its title (due to its alleged resemblance to the rounded physique and spines of a pufferfish), however in apply, the bezel is a combined bag. It’s exceptionally simple to grip and function, with a light-weight, clean rotating motion, and 0 again play. Nonetheless, the extra-light brushing doesn’t go away a lot of a visible impression on the wrist, significantly beneath the black ion plating. This leaves the bezel meeting with a considerably under-finished look on the wrist. Likewise, the deep navy blue bezel insert is the place the watch’s worth level really shines by. The sheen and anodized hues of aluminum bezel inserts can provide a design an actual sense of vintage-style charisma, however right here, the tip outcome feels too shiny on the wrist, with an exaggerated shift between almost black and a brighter blue relying on the viewing angle. Round again, Citizen suits the watch with a strong caseback that includes a stylized pufferfish engraving. As befits a dive watch, Citizen charges the Promaster Dive Automated “Fugu” for an ocean-ready 200 meters of water resistance.
Though at first look the Citizen Promaster Dive Automated “Fugu” NY0137-09A might seem like different totally lumed fashions within the lineup, the dial floor is the place this mannequin really comes into its personal. The complete fundamental dial floor is given over to a pale inexperienced, subtly ribbed radiating sample impressed by the sand patterns made by male pufferfish throughout mating season. It’s a nuanced, detailed texture with clear marine undertones, meshing nicely with the dive watch styling and calling to thoughts sea urchins and sand {dollars} as nicely. As well as, this sample is totally inlaid with luminous paint, giving this piece a putting type as soon as the lights exit. The remainder of the dial structure is carried over from the remainder of the “Fugu” line, with broad needle-tipped sword-and-arrow arms paired to vast printed trapezoidal indices for optimum legibility in any circumstances. Like different “Fugu” fashions, nevertheless, the day/date show at 3 o’clock may show contentious amongst fans. With its easy cutout design and an absence of framing, this aspect can come throughout as considerably abrupt and disruptive.
Citizen powers the Promaster Dive Automated “Fugu” NY0137-09A with its in-house Caliber 8204 automated motion. As a stalwart presence in Citizen’s steady because the ‘70s, the Caliber 8204 is a strong, dependable entry-level platform that may be readily repaired and serviced with ease. On condition that that is an older powerplant, although, it’s comprehensible that its 21,600 bph beat fee and 42-hour energy reserve will not be fairly innovative within the present watch market. Throughout our testing interval, the Caliber acquitted itself nicely, averaging out to +8 seconds per day in accuracy.
To finish the design, Citizen suits the Promaster Dive Automated “Fugu” NY0137-09A with a vented accordion-style rubber strap in deep matte navy blue. Accordion straps are a fixture amongst trendy Japanese divers, and this one stands above the competitors due to its smooth flexibility, sturdy thickness, and breathable consolation. It is a design that will lend itself to quite a lot of strap choices, although, so if utilitarian accordion straps aren’t to your style there may be a straightforward treatment.
The entry-level dive watch class is among the most hotly contested areas within the present marketplace for an excellent motive – the mix of utility, reliability, and magnificence on this nook of the watch business is undeniably compelling, and Citizen presently stands as one of many leaders on this aggressive race. The “Fugu” line has constructed a cult following for itself over time, and it’s simple to see why. The brand new Citizen Promaster Dive Automated “Fugu” NY0137-09A pushes this fan-favorite assortment into new visible territory, all whereas delivering a strong mix of reliability and performance. The Citizen Promaster Dive Automated “Fugu” NY0137-09A is out there now by licensed sellers. MSRP for this watch stands at $650 USD as of press time. For extra particulars, please go to the brand’s website.
Mandatory Information
>Model: Citizen
>Mannequin: Promaster Dive Automated “Fugu” NY0137-09A
>Worth: $650 USD
>Measurement: 44mm-wide
>When reviewer would personally put on it: When swimming, diving, or on the seashore, or as a sports activities look ahead to extra rugged purposes.
>Good friend we’d advocate it to first: Diver followers in search of an inexpensive however distinctive possibility for normal put on.
>Greatest attribute of watch: Intriguing dial texture, deceptively compact carrying expertise, and dependable in-house motion.
>Worst attribute of watch: Uninspiring case ending; simplistic aluminum bezel insert.
