This thread is dedicated to the Citizen NY0040-09W ("09W") luminous dial automatic diver. I want to draw attention to this particular model and hope to see postings from others who also enjoy this unique watch.
For those unfamiliar with the NY0040 line of divers, it has been around for some time, introduced originally in 1997. I think it is fair to say that it does not get a lot of attention nowadays. It is a conventional sized diver with a vintage look. Here is a summary of the key features that I have been able to glean:
That's a pretty strong statement, and for the first time, I looked closely at his avatar. In that moment, it was as if the planets started to align. After doing a little research, I became hooked. Even though I have way too many divers (my special addiction), the purchase was easily rationalized due to the relatively low investment ($125 delivered) and the opportunity to add a luminous dial watch to my collection. Also, there have been rumors circulating that Citizen is dropping the NY0040 line so no time to delay...at least that's what I told myself.
I have had the watch for one week now and my enthusiasm is undiminished. I wanted something different and the 09W definitely meets that criteria. The watch is truly striking without going over the top. Build quality and fit/finish is very good for this price point from a major watch maker. (Note: As I continue to collect watches, my respect deepens for watch makers, especially those that make their own movements, as opposed to "brands" that are merely in the watch business, i.e., outsourcing manufacture, and sometimes even service/support.)
I like watches that are subtly different, the type that draw you in initially and can continue to hold your interest when you begin to appreciate how well the design was thought out. The 09W is a prime example. When you first glance at the watch, you immediately recognize it is "different" but doesn't hit you all at once. Then, as you look closer, you realize there is a lot going on here. I think the designer carefully walked the line between subtle and bold. It is a very deliberate design that operates on two levels, giving the watch a split personality.
Under normal lighting, the designer opted for a "reversed" look on the watch using a combination of solid black dots and slate grey outlined hour markers to contrast the off white / greenish tint of the dial. This theme is extended to the slate grey outline of the lumed hands. The printing on the dial and chapter ring is all black except for the very small Promaster insignia and "200M" which are red. The overall effect gives an almost eerie ghostly appearance.
However, turn off the lights and the NY0040-09W's other personality emerges. When fully charged, the luminous dial and hands glow brightly in the dark reminding me of a small green lantern. It just beams!
In addition, I am amazed at the accuracy. The watch has varied from +/- 1-3 SPD but at the end of one week, it is dead on accurate to the second! That is a level of accuracy that exceeds many quartz watches. I don't know how long that will last but, for now, it is truly remarkable.
Even if the timekeeping was less than stellar, at this writing, I feel this is a watch that I will always keep. It has that intangible factor for me. I would go so far as to say that I think the 09W could become a classic if it received more attention.
All is not perfect, though. The lume on both the dial and hands will last through the night but for someone like me who wears glasses, it becomes almost unusable. After a few hours, the lume between the dial and hands become rather muddled together, making it difficult to read the time in the wee hours unless you have excellent vision, but who does at 4am???
The day/date is difficult to read except under good lighting. The background is black with silver lettering. I am assuming this choice was made to be consistent with the overall look rather than to enhance the functional readability.
Another problem, at least for me, the watch appears to only be offered on rubber strap. Finding a suitable bracelet at a reasonable price is not simple. You can still source through ebay both Citizen OEM folded link and solid link versions but, IMO, they are relatively expensive for what is provided. Fortunately, this is not one of those Citizen cases that is overly problematic. There is sufficient clearance between the case and spring bars that will work with many 3rd party bracelets with straight end pieces. For the present, I have swapped out the rubber strap for a budget stainless bracelet while I look for other reasonably priced options.
As you can tell by now, like the earlier poster, I too have become passionate about this watch. Indeed, I finally put up an avatar, and sure enough, it is an 09W lume shot that I captured. If you also like this watch and want to "join the club", please feel free to copy the image and use it as your avatar, too.
One final thought, if others agree, I would like to propose we come up with a name for the 09W and would welcome suggestions. After all, there are Seiko "Monsters", Orient "OSD", Omega "Speedys" and the like. Based upon my earlier comments, here are my two suggestions: the "Ghost Diver" or perhaps, the "Green Lantern". I don't know how to set up a poll, but if there is sufficient interest, I will go research, or better yet, ask that another fan set one up.
One other unexpected result from my encounter with the 09W, I have started looking at other Citizen NYXXXX divers. I still like my Seikos and Orients, but see these Citizens as quality watches that deserve to be in everyone's collection. What an underappreciated example of the classic no-frills all-business rugged auto diver. I hope Citizen continues to build this line of watches for a long time.
In closing, I hope you have enjoyed reading this and will post your thoughts and photos, too.
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For those unfamiliar with the NY0040 line of divers, it has been around for some time, introduced originally in 1997. I think it is fair to say that it does not get a lot of attention nowadays. It is a conventional sized diver with a vintage look. Here is a summary of the key features that I have been able to glean:
- Miyota 8203a Automatic Movement - Non-hacking, hand windable, 21 Jewels, 43 hour reserve, uni-directional auto wind with day/date complication. From what I have read, it is a very robust and reliable movement.
- Case - 41.5mm diameter, 44mm with crown, 13mm thick, 47mm lug-to-lug tip, 20mm lug width (all my measurements)
- 200M water resistance - ISO diver certified for scuba. The watch has been used by different military agencies and has been reportedly pressure tested to 500M without failure.
- Screw down crown at 8 o'clock
- Bezel - 60 click uni-directional with luminous pip
- Crystal - There is no mention on the case back so assume it is mineral glass (to be expected at this price). However, the surface is slightly recessed below the edge of bezel for protection.
- Excellent lume - will last thru the night but there are caveats
- Available in several dial and bezel colors though becoming more limited
"...is a daily wearer for me on a thick brushed engineer bracelet.,, And I love it to bits." and "... Watch in question is in my avatar. It's no surprise I'm passionate about this model 
".
". That's a pretty strong statement, and for the first time, I looked closely at his avatar. In that moment, it was as if the planets started to align. After doing a little research, I became hooked. Even though I have way too many divers (my special addiction), the purchase was easily rationalized due to the relatively low investment ($125 delivered) and the opportunity to add a luminous dial watch to my collection. Also, there have been rumors circulating that Citizen is dropping the NY0040 line so no time to delay...at least that's what I told myself.
I have had the watch for one week now and my enthusiasm is undiminished. I wanted something different and the 09W definitely meets that criteria. The watch is truly striking without going over the top. Build quality and fit/finish is very good for this price point from a major watch maker. (Note: As I continue to collect watches, my respect deepens for watch makers, especially those that make their own movements, as opposed to "brands" that are merely in the watch business, i.e., outsourcing manufacture, and sometimes even service/support.)
I like watches that are subtly different, the type that draw you in initially and can continue to hold your interest when you begin to appreciate how well the design was thought out. The 09W is a prime example. When you first glance at the watch, you immediately recognize it is "different" but doesn't hit you all at once. Then, as you look closer, you realize there is a lot going on here. I think the designer carefully walked the line between subtle and bold. It is a very deliberate design that operates on two levels, giving the watch a split personality.
Under normal lighting, the designer opted for a "reversed" look on the watch using a combination of solid black dots and slate grey outlined hour markers to contrast the off white / greenish tint of the dial. This theme is extended to the slate grey outline of the lumed hands. The printing on the dial and chapter ring is all black except for the very small Promaster insignia and "200M" which are red. The overall effect gives an almost eerie ghostly appearance.
However, turn off the lights and the NY0040-09W's other personality emerges. When fully charged, the luminous dial and hands glow brightly in the dark reminding me of a small green lantern. It just beams!
In addition, I am amazed at the accuracy. The watch has varied from +/- 1-3 SPD but at the end of one week, it is dead on accurate to the second! That is a level of accuracy that exceeds many quartz watches. I don't know how long that will last but, for now, it is truly remarkable.
Even if the timekeeping was less than stellar, at this writing, I feel this is a watch that I will always keep. It has that intangible factor for me. I would go so far as to say that I think the 09W could become a classic if it received more attention.
All is not perfect, though. The lume on both the dial and hands will last through the night but for someone like me who wears glasses, it becomes almost unusable. After a few hours, the lume between the dial and hands become rather muddled together, making it difficult to read the time in the wee hours unless you have excellent vision, but who does at 4am???
The day/date is difficult to read except under good lighting. The background is black with silver lettering. I am assuming this choice was made to be consistent with the overall look rather than to enhance the functional readability.
Another problem, at least for me, the watch appears to only be offered on rubber strap. Finding a suitable bracelet at a reasonable price is not simple. You can still source through ebay both Citizen OEM folded link and solid link versions but, IMO, they are relatively expensive for what is provided. Fortunately, this is not one of those Citizen cases that is overly problematic. There is sufficient clearance between the case and spring bars that will work with many 3rd party bracelets with straight end pieces. For the present, I have swapped out the rubber strap for a budget stainless bracelet while I look for other reasonably priced options.
As you can tell by now, like the earlier poster, I too have become passionate about this watch. Indeed, I finally put up an avatar, and sure enough, it is an 09W lume shot that I captured. If you also like this watch and want to "join the club", please feel free to copy the image and use it as your avatar, too.
One final thought, if others agree, I would like to propose we come up with a name for the 09W and would welcome suggestions. After all, there are Seiko "Monsters", Orient "OSD", Omega "Speedys" and the like. Based upon my earlier comments, here are my two suggestions: the "Ghost Diver" or perhaps, the "Green Lantern". I don't know how to set up a poll, but if there is sufficient interest, I will go research, or better yet, ask that another fan set one up.
One other unexpected result from my encounter with the 09W, I have started looking at other Citizen NYXXXX divers. I still like my Seikos and Orients, but see these Citizens as quality watches that deserve to be in everyone's collection. What an underappreciated example of the classic no-frills all-business rugged auto diver. I hope Citizen continues to build this line of watches for a long time.
In closing, I hope you have enjoyed reading this and will post your thoughts and photos, too.
