Collection Silver Leaf Lacquer Dial Blue Ref. NB1060-12L

Citizen is renowned for producing rugged and reliable quartz and mechanical movements. In fact, the Japanese brand is so famous for its movements that the average watch collector tends to overlook its watches. However, if you ignore this latest release from them, you are truly missing out. 

Continuing with their swashbuckling “The Citizen” release earlier this year, the Japanese brand introduces visually similar mechanical options that are easier on the wallet but still extremely easy on the eye. While not part of Citizen’s top-of-the-range “The Citizen” collection, the new timepiece looks like the role of a high-end dress watch and has all the specifications to back it up. 

Citizen Collection Silver Leaf Lacquer Dial Blue Ref. NB1060-12L

The timepiece is made of 316L stainless steel and features a mixture of high-polished and satin-brushed surfaces, creating a multi-dimensional effect on an already sophisticated watch. The stainless steel is also coated with Citizen’s proprietary Duratect to help ensure the watch case will look as good as new for as long as possible. The Duratect coating is essentially the same as Seiko’s Diashield - a hardened coating to help protect the watch from scratches. The Citizen Collection Silver Leaf Lacquer Dial Blue also has what many will dub the “perfect dress watch dimensions”. At 38.2mm in diameter, the watch has a height of 12mm and a lug-to-lug of a mere 46.5mm. Perfect, right? 

The timepiece's dial is reminiscent of the heavy-hitting “The Citizen” Iconic Nature collection. Aesthetically, it looks very similar, and that is a good thing. The textured fumé blue dial is a darker blue at the outer edges before beautifully transitioning to a lighter shade of blue in the center. However, the difference lies in the production of the dial. The dial here is a lacquered dial produced by spray-painting a few layers of lacquer on the base dial. After the spraying is evenly applied, the dial goes into the oven at high heat, similar to the production of an enamel dial. The dials are then carefully hand-polished to give them their characteristic high sheen. 

Iridescent textured  fumé blue

Dauphine hands are utilised here, with applied baton indices and a double-baton at 12. A date aperture can be found at 3, adding a helpful daily complication while not messing up the dial’s proportions too much. Protecting the dial is a piece of dual spherical sapphire glass that features a non-reflective coating, aiding in the dial's legibility in adverse lighting conditions.

Despite its dressier appearance and style, the watch is water-resistant to a hundred meters. You would be able to transition from office to pool party without taking the timepiece off your wrist or worrying about it getting wet! Truly a stunning dress piece with rugged specifications. 

Nifty case finishing and polish

Flipping the watch over reveals an exhibition caseback showcasing the Miyota 9011 movement. The movement features a skeletonised winding rotor, allowing the wearer to view the 9011 calibre in greater detail, creating a more satisfying feel when viewing the movement through the caseback. The Miyota 90XX series has been used for decades and has proven reliable and robust - this 9011 movement is no exception. The 9011 movement is similar to other Miyota 90XX movements but is exclusively produced for Citizen. It has 24 jewels, beats at 28,800 BPH, and has a power reserve of about 42 hours. The stated tolerance is -10/+20 seconds per day. 

Citizen pairs the Collection Silver Leaf Lacquer Dial Blue on a matching 19mm blue leather strap. The strap gently tapers to a signed deployant buckle. The leather strap perfectly complements the watch case and dial, ensuring an overall classy appeal while still being extremely comfortable. 

An exhibition caseback showcasing the Miyota 9011 movement

This latest release from the renowned Japanese brand harks on its success with its “The Citizen” Iconic Nature collection released earlier in the year. With a similarly attractive dial, the Collection Silver Leaf Lacquer Dial Blue is outfitted with a mechanical movement that should earn a few nods from watch aficionados, especially at its price tag. This latest Citizen release is definitely not one to sleep on.