Nice review Till. One of the best quartz pieces,IMO.

 

Thanks. I appreciate that coming from you all the more!

However, looking at the numbers, plenty of views but not much reply reaction. I really don't understand why this watch doesn't get more attention. It's seriously exciting and not at all boring when you see it in person.

The sheer accurracy (basically world record worthy) and features such as ten year warranty, free battery changes, parts guaranteed for life, perpetual calendar, zero maintenance an independently settable hour hand for traveling combined with 100m water resistance and Duratect finish plus sapphire crystal with super nice lume put this watch in the absolute top league. Still not much reaction. I don't get it.

Till

 

That's a beauty. If I had the scratch, I'd get one myself. Consider yourself a member of a small group who can appreciate the significance of this watch. Most people don't say anything because they don't know what they are supposed to say.

Wear it with pride!

 

Classic, understated, fantastic movement, and a true watch enthusiast's kinda watch. Congrats!

 

Couldn't have said it better! A true WIS watch :-!.

 

Thanks guys, I'm indeed proud of it. If y'all have any questions I'll gladly see if I can answer them.

Till

 

Outstanding choice!

- Hiro

 

tfar,

Don't get too hung up on the lack of reaction. I have my own HEQ, but the Citizen would not be on my list of watches to get. Entirely personal, so just enjoy your top-of-the-line Citizen. I'm absolutely convinced about the quality of the watch.
:-!

 

Thanks, guys. That helps. I guess one has to be really a lost-level WIS to get into it.

Till

 

Very, very nice.

 

I think it's a great looking no BS watch. In fact, the CTQ57-0952 is probably next on my list ("next" not to be cofused with "near future"). Is it possible that folks on this board aren't as interested in higher end stuff? It seems they derive more satisfaction in getting a nice watch at a good price.

 

This is not the subforum on which this watch will receive the requisite love; the place where it would is the HEQ subforum. I've owned three Chronomasters now (sold one, so now have two), and, I think that you will find that the consensus is that it is a tossup between this watch and the GS quartz models using the 9Fxx movement as to which is the most accurate watch in the world. In my mind, there is little doubt that the Chronomaster ("The Citizen") is the most accurate out-of-the-box watch available, and various reports seem to confirm that most will stay within the ± 5 sec./year specification--but only if worn the required 12 hours a day. The GSs won't do quite as well (except for the occasional "special" anniversary model, also spec'd to ± 5 sec./year), as their general specification is ± 10 sec./year. A few HEQ specialists will prefer the GS quartzes because they have digital calibration ports, which the Chronomaster does not have. Still, if your watch is out of spec, Citizen will fix this for you at no charge.

As for aesthetics, there is again a difference of opinion centering around the Chronomaster, on the one hand, and the GS, on the other. I also own several GSs, and personally find very little, if any, difference in aesthetic quality (fit & finish, design, construction) between them, although there are others who will insist that the GS has a slight edge in these factors.

There are other ways in which the Chronomaster comes out on top: (a) longer battery life (5 yrs. vs. 3), (b) perpetual calender, (c) independently-adjustable hour hand (for DST changes), and (d) length of warranty (10 years vs. 3).

In my mind, these two Japanese top-of-the-line thermocompensated quartz watches are far nicer than any European competitor, the main one these days being Breitling.

As for straps, there a couple of things you might consider. First I'd look for straps with quick-detachable spring bars, which makes swapping straps a breeze. Second, if you want to get it really right, look into straps with curved ends so that the gap between the watch end of the strap and the watch case can be eliminated. I like your idea of having several straps to accessorize the watch for the season!

 

If we look at watches from a purely functional perspective, the chronomaster may be the highest achieving watch ever. It performs the "watch" function better than almost all others.

 

:-!

 

True, the Chronomaster has all the basic and essential watch functions covered very well. It measures time very precisely as well as over longterm, then displays it very clearly (black dial and lumed second hand would be even better). I think the ultimate would be an Eco-drive, titanium, black dial, full lume, radio-controlled multi-band watch with 200m WR, screwdown crown, monocoque case, sapphire glass with anti-reflex on inside, perpetual calendar (not really necessary if radio-controlled). But I'm not sure such a thing exists in the full measure.

South Pender outlines all the other qualities very well. Thanks for the great contribution to the thread. I placed this here on purpose to show what fantastic watches Citizen is building and attract more people over to HEQ.

I find that it is particularly important to have the hour hand and calendar adjustable without stopping the clockwork. One thing that's clear is that the 9F is prettier to look at. But since none of the watches has a display back that's a bit of a non-issue. And Breitling's B78 would win that contest anyway by a mile.

Till

 

True, the Chronomaster has all the basic and essential watch functions covered very well. It measures time very precisely as well as over longterm, then displays it very clearly (black dial and lumed second hand would be even better). I think the ultimate would be an Eco-drive, titanium, black dial, full lume, radio-controlled multi-band watch with 200m WR, screwdown crown, monocoque case, sapphire glass with anti-reflex on inside, perpetual calendar (not really necessary if radio-controlled). But I'm not sure such a thing exists in the full measure.

Several come very close. My Oceanus Manta OCW-S1050 has all of that except for the 20 BAR, and, I imagine, the monocoque case, whatever that is.

One thing that's clear is that the 9F is prettier to look at. But since none of the watches has a display back that's a bit of a non-issue.

The only quartz watch that has a display back that I know of is one of the eco-drive Campanolas, and there's hardly any point to this because the back of a quartz module reveals next to nothing. I don't understand what you mean by the 9Fs being prettier to look at, but that this is somehow irrelevant because it doesn't have a display back. Most of what makes a watch beautiful lies in the case design, the overall workmanship, and the fit and finishing. Having said that, however, let me ask whether you have held one (a Seiko 9F) side-by-side with a Chronomaster? I have, and, believe me, there's not much difference!

And Breitling's B78 would win that contest anyway by a mile.

Boy, there's no way a Breitling B78 comes close in beauty to one of the more expensive Grand Seiko models (like, for example, SBGT014 or SBGX002)--at least in my opinion. But that's the thing: beauty is in the eye of the beholder! ;-)

 

SP, unfortunately I've not held a GS 9F in my hands yet. I wish. What I meant was purely comparing the esthetics of the movement. I know there is not much to see but the nicely sun burst polished brass plates of the 9f look nicer than the A660. Just talking movements here, that's why I said the B78 beats them. It has a very nice Cotes de Geneve decoration.

After writing the thing about the ideal watch I tried to find one myself. I was thinking of the Oceanus or Citizen line (the name escapes me right now, U610 movement). But they failed (not sure for the Citizen) on the 20bar and the monocoque. Monocoque watches are also called uni-body. It is basically a watch that has no separate back. It is a hull into which the movement and dial are set. The hull is then closed with the glass and bezel. I love this design because of its simplicity, shape, thinness and comfort. It is in principle also more prone to be waterproof because there is one less seal to fail and it is overall more rigid all things equal. If the watch is solar powered and radio-controlled there is even less reason to open it in order to change the battery or regulate it. Thus an ideal candidate for a monocoque.

I do believe you just from looking at the pictures that in terms of the exterior appearance and finish there is not much difference between a The Citizen and a GS 9F at all. In fact, they look pretty similar with the Citizen being perhaps a bit more elegant and conservative and the Seiko a bit more rugged and sporty.

Till

 

Oh, I see. Yes, I agree that the Seiko 9Fxx movements themselves are very pretty, and, as you say, a little better finished (the movements) than the Citizen A660. I don't know whether it really matters in a quartz watch, but the A660 has 17 jewels, vs. 9 (I believe) in the Seiko 9Fs. As for the monocoque construction (thanks for the explanation), I doubt that you'll find that in a modern HEQ or high-end RC watch, but I could be wrong. On a side note, does 20 BAR really buy you anything if you don't use the watch in diving?

 

Not sure if 20bar really buys you anything. It's just one of those specifications that seem really desirable - and not terribly difficult to attain. I think it is astounding for example that the IWC Inge is only 120m WR and something like the AP RO only 80m. These watches lend themselves to a good WR rating and are quite massive, at least the Inge.

For an interesting monocoque check out the Citizen Ecodrive BN0000-04 dive watch. It's a beautiful watch and not crazy expensive at all. BTW, most Swatches are monocoque designs.

http://www.amazon.com/Citizen-BN000...tizen-BN0000-04H-Eco-Drive-Professional-Rubber/dp/B000EQS1RO/ref=pd_sbs_watch_3

Till

 

Till,

Thank you for the writeup and photos. I would love to see a additional pictures of the watch on the lighter colored (tan?) croc strap, especially outdoors in natural light.

I agree with everything you wrote. Indeed it is a flashier watch that its stock photo could ever convey. I suppose that's partly why I wanted to move it on to a new home; because it wasn't the best fit for my "jeans and sandals most of the time" look. There's a reason Citizen matched a shiny black croc strap to this watch after all.

You mentioned that maybe the hour hand wasn't hitting 12 exactly at the 0 minute. I did feel there was play when adjusting the independent hour hand. If you haven't already, perhaps try setting the hour forward and then back and maybe the hand will hit the mark perfectly. Like the second hand already does.

Put simply, the watch is a classic. You can tell from the paperwork, warranty, catalog... the pride of Citizen in this watch is catching! There is an old expression about being wary of a man without a watch as it means he won't respect your time any more than his or something glib like that. But anyway, the Chronomaster seems like a watch that would appeal to sensible, moderate Japanese men who would hold that saying close.

I hope you don't mind, but I'll bring up the warranty question here for my benefit and others. The simple answer is I'm not sure how to handle the battery change, but I assume you can just mail it back to, if not Seiya, then Higuchi or another for a small handling fee. Other owners can hopefully give first-hand feedback on the procedure. It didn't even occur to me to ask Seiya about this when buying my Spring Drive. But my guess is it would be best to work through a Japanese intermediary (but I could be horribly and expensively wrong!)

 

Just briefly because even I need to sleep sometime. I checked on the hour hand. The hour hand is perfect as far as I can tell. The minute hand is trailing a little bit. Meaning it will only stand exactly on the minute marker about 5 seconds after the minute is full. I don't really mind. It would be interesting to know if all A660 do that. I suppose it is something Citizen might have done on purpose.

My GF was oohing and aahing when I unpacked the Citizen. She was more impressed than by the IWC packaging. The Japanese do have a thing for packaging, of course.

I can imagine that the Chronomaster would appeal to a sensible, moderate Japanese man but it also appeals to me very much and I think I might be almost on the opposite end of the scale. I admit I like my things to be special. This often means special without being showy. The special-ness is in the subtle details that are only visible to the connoisseur but don't ever occur to the common person. That's the kind of watch the Chronomaster is.

Till

 

Just briefly because even I need to sleep sometime. I checked on the hour hand. The hour hand is perfect as far as I can tell. The minute hand is trailing a little bit. Meaning it will only stand exactly on the minute marker about 5 seconds after the minute is full. I don't really mind. It would be interesting to know if all A660 do that. I suppose it is something Citizen might have done on purpose.

It means they didn't align the minutes hand quite right when attaching it. I have two Citizen Exceed watches with the E510 movement. One of them is perfect, and the other one has the problem that you describe with the minutes hand alignment. Unfortunately, because these movements are fly-by-wire, you're stuck with the way the minutes hand is aligned at the factory. I tried the hand alignment feature of the movement, but it doesn't solve this problem.

 

I wonder if you can send this to your local Citizen distributor for the battery change and service. I know they can do some things in California that you would expect to have to be done in Japan. If they can't perform the service then they will likely send to Japan, but I prefer the international shipping be on them rather than me.

 

Yes, I wonder that, too. Of course, Tom gave me all the papers. So documentation wouldn't be a problem. There is not much service to be done if it's running correctly and so far it's spot on. The only thing would be if it got a scratch. I'm careful with my watches but I don't baby them and accidents happen. So it is possible that in five years from now the watch might actually need a little polish or a new bezel or so. Then it would have to go to Japan anyway, I suppose.

Till

 

Yes, I wonder that, too. Of course, Tom gave me all the papers. So documentation wouldn't be a problem. There is not much service to be done if it's running correctly and so far it's spot on. The only thing would be if it got a scratch. I'm careful with my watches but I don't baby them and accidents happen. So it is possible that in five years from now the watch might actually need a little polish or a new bezel or so. Then it would have to go to Japan anyway, I suppose.

Not sure how Citizen handles this, but until recently Seiko wouldn't do this type of work on Grand Seikos. They would service the movement, but they wouldn't polish the case or bracelet. The problem was lack of people to do this work. I heard that they do agree to do it now for a fee. However, it is not something they do as part of the regular service - you need to ask for it explicitly. I recently had a couple of GS watches serviced in Japan, and they didn't touch anything other than the movement.

Citizen may be different - I have no experience with their service.

 

Alright. I had my GF take another pic with the light tan gator strap. Here it is:

I like it a lot. Looks great with jeans and chinos and even with dark grey or blue dress pants. I also have a couple of shoes to match that color.

Till

 

Thanks for your two helpful posts, visualguy. The minute hand alignment doesn't really bother me. No big deal. I may make note of it when I send it in for the first service. This watch will not be worn 12h every day at all. So if I got a version that keeps within the 5 second per year spec despite me not wearing it all the time, I will tell them to do anything they want except exchange the movement to possibly fix the minute hand thingy.

I will explicitly ask to give the watch a good polish and exchange the bezel if it's too knocked up. I wonder how the Duratect coating reacts when these watches are polished on a wheel. I could imagine that the Duratect polishes right off but I don't know. So an exchange of the bezel would make more sense than polishing. If I have to pay $200 for that every 5-10 years, no biggie. I really, really like this watch.

I just took receipt of an IWC Inge 3227-01 and a Rolex Sea Dweller. Those are much more expensive but somehow the Chronomaster has a special place in my watch heart.

Till

 

the Chronomaster has a special place in my watch heart.

Till

So good when that happens, isn't it?

Congrats, and nice review!

 

I totally agree, SP. I wouldn't polish the thing myself and definitely not on a wheel. I wonder exactly what Citizen will do. I mean if they polish it on a wheel the DLC coating might come off. Do they then recoat the case? Or would they just use the movement and dial and put it in a new case. But then what about the serial number? They could take a new case, put the old serial number in it and destroy the old case. Most likely the customer would be none the wiser except that his case looked like new.

The $200 I meant as cost for a new bezel. Anyway, so far the watch still looks nice and I hope it will continue to do so. It hasn't taken any swirls from daily wear at all. My steel watches all do even after just a view days. So the Duratect must be good for something.

Till

 

great watch ... wonderful..

 

Really nice pics!

 

"People will think this is a nice little Citizen that cost perhaps $500 at the most."

I can attest to that. The first time I saw one I immediately went to ebay to buy one. Then the cold hard truth threw a bucket of cold water on me.
It's out of my watch budget range, but it's a stunner. Congratulations on a beauty!