A couple of years ago, I asked for advice in a thread on which watch to buy. I much prefer analog mechanical watches, but wanted something rugged, zero-maintenance, water-resistant, with screw-down crown and sapphire crystal, preferably in a simple layout as a backup. I received a bunch of great suggestions, but in the end stumbled across the Citizen Promaster Tough in black and bought it. As a disclaimer, I should say that besides some knowledge of Rolex watches and having owned a few other brands, I am hardly an expert and I don't know much about of the inner workings of the Eco-Drive that powers this watch. However, there is a description here, which seems quite informed. Also, I obviously have no association with Citizen.
The good: Construction seems great, built like a tank. The case is made of stainless steel that is coated in titanium. Much of my work is from an office but I also perform procedures and have banged it into equipment on occasion. There is nothing to show for it. The case is moreover remarkable in that there is no case back. It is a two piece case that the drive is inserted into. The sapphire crystal must be of decent quality as well and still looks like the day I received the watch from the dealer. The screw-down crown likewise has a solid feel to it an setting the watch is smooth. I try to remember to leave it in the window sill for some hours once a month. On this, the watch has run for a year without interruption regardless of whether I have worn it or not. It is not a dive watch and I would not dive with anything but a computer anyway, but it has been immersed in water on several occasions and nothing has happened. I would not hesitate wearing it for snorkeling, but that would require a vacation, so it will have to wait. The lume is crazy strong, albeit two-color, both green and blue, which is hardly stylish but completely in keeping with the utilitarian nature of the beast. Taken together, In terms of sheer functionality and bang for the buck, it must be pretty near impossible to beat.
The bad: Apparently, battery life is limited to 10 years, but I cannot comment on this, as I have only owned the watch for one year. Given that the case of the watch is constructed to last a 100 years, I suppose it would be nice if the battery and solar cells were replaceable, but probably cost prohibitive given that the watch retailed for 2-300 USD. There are plenty of other minor criticisms. The date window is really small and I would imagine so even for individuals with better eyesight than mine. I also think that the watch would look much better with some Roman numerals at 3, 6, 9 and 12 (and skip the date window). I also don't particularly care for that the ends of the hands are blunt. Moreover, with a black dial, the CITIZEN name stamped out in white lettering is something that I do not particularly care for. All of this is down to personal preference obviously and petty to complain about at this price point.
The ugly: The strap! It isn't just ugly in aesthetics but awful to wear. However, with a 22-mm lug width, it is rather affordable to acquire a NATO strap instead, which works and looks great with this watch.
Conclusion: The Citizen Promaster Tough lives fully up to its name. It is a tough watch that is tough if not impossible to beat at what it represents: a tool to tell time.
Pics of the watch from the website below. They accurately depict the watch.
Happy New Year!
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![15628804]( "15628804")
The good: Construction seems great, built like a tank. The case is made of stainless steel that is coated in titanium. Much of my work is from an office but I also perform procedures and have banged it into equipment on occasion. There is nothing to show for it. The case is moreover remarkable in that there is no case back. It is a two piece case that the drive is inserted into. The sapphire crystal must be of decent quality as well and still looks like the day I received the watch from the dealer. The screw-down crown likewise has a solid feel to it an setting the watch is smooth. I try to remember to leave it in the window sill for some hours once a month. On this, the watch has run for a year without interruption regardless of whether I have worn it or not. It is not a dive watch and I would not dive with anything but a computer anyway, but it has been immersed in water on several occasions and nothing has happened. I would not hesitate wearing it for snorkeling, but that would require a vacation, so it will have to wait. The lume is crazy strong, albeit two-color, both green and blue, which is hardly stylish but completely in keeping with the utilitarian nature of the beast. Taken together, In terms of sheer functionality and bang for the buck, it must be pretty near impossible to beat.
The bad: Apparently, battery life is limited to 10 years, but I cannot comment on this, as I have only owned the watch for one year. Given that the case of the watch is constructed to last a 100 years, I suppose it would be nice if the battery and solar cells were replaceable, but probably cost prohibitive given that the watch retailed for 2-300 USD. There are plenty of other minor criticisms. The date window is really small and I would imagine so even for individuals with better eyesight than mine. I also think that the watch would look much better with some Roman numerals at 3, 6, 9 and 12 (and skip the date window). I also don't particularly care for that the ends of the hands are blunt. Moreover, with a black dial, the CITIZEN name stamped out in white lettering is something that I do not particularly care for. All of this is down to personal preference obviously and petty to complain about at this price point.
The ugly: The strap! It isn't just ugly in aesthetics but awful to wear. However, with a 22-mm lug width, it is rather affordable to acquire a NATO strap instead, which works and looks great with this watch.
Conclusion: The Citizen Promaster Tough lives fully up to its name. It is a tough watch that is tough if not impossible to beat at what it represents: a tool to tell time.
Pics of the watch from the website below. They accurately depict the watch.
Happy New Year!
