Promaster Titanium Diver Black 1000 Ref. BN7020-09E
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In 2017, Japanese watchmaker Citizen released a beastly dive watch that clads its rich history of traditional watchmaking, advanced horological innovations and quality craftsmanship—the Promaster Titanium Diver Black 1000 Ref. BN7020-09E is a statement piece from the brand that packs a titanium case that withholds up to 1000m of water resistance, an ingenious bezel locking system, and its pioneering light-powered Eco-Drive calibre. Although no one needs a dive watch anymore, much less one water resistant to 1,000 meters. But these are the various reasons we watch enthusiasts would like to have on our wrist - an over-the-top dive watch with an incredible build and a handsome aesthetic.
Citizen Promaster Titanium Diver Black 1000 Ref. BN7020-09E
Let's begin with its case execution. Looking at the case alone, the 52.5mm Super Titanium case of the Promaster boasts a brilliant Duratect MRK surface-hardening treatment, along with a DLC coating for scratch resistance. Citizen's Duratect MRK is simply a technology that maintains the titanium's properties while hardening the material's surface. Furthermore, two gases are injected into a special vacuum furnace, and heat treatment is applied to produce a hard layer about 20 to 30 microns thick on the surface of the titanium case. Therefore, the resistance to nicks is increased because the surface of the titanium material itself is made more rigid. Despite a colossal case dimension, it wears exceptionally well thanks to its lug-less design.
The Promaster is then accompanied by an almost aggressive but certainly assertive shape of the diver's bezel. With it, the whole beefy case is now balanced with a 22.2mm thickness. The bold, clearly readable numerals on the bezel insert lie within its shrunken-like bezel. What's interesting about it is that there lies a locking mechanism that helps with professional diving. Firstly, to rotate its bezel, one has to unlock the mechanism at the top of the watch. They flip the locking ring towards "FREE" (dark-orange colour element becomes visible). Then it will be enabled to rotate in an anti-clockwise direction - just like most professional dive watches. Once the adjustment is made, one can turn the lock ring towards "LOCK", and the bezel cannot move any longer, preventing anything that may cause the bezel to be accidentally turned. The lock system slides smoothly and efficiently, proving that Citizen can produce aesthetically superior outlooks and the functionalities lied within.
Citizen's solar quartz movement Caliber J210
Sitting beneath its thick sapphire crystal, the sober black dial includes big blocks of applied hour markers and those "LEGO bricks" handset. This gigantic yet quirky design gives the wearer the best legibility in underwater conditions while bringing some refreshing looks. We particularly love these luminous hands and markers as they, along with their case, stand out firmly among a massive league of dive watches in the market. The dial also clads essential complications like the fan-shaped power reserve at 9 o'clock and a date display on the opposite. Nothing on the watch seems fanciful, but each element serves its purpose well on land and deep water.
Before proceeding further, we like to place the Promaster in comparison with its direct competitors: the Seiko Marinemaster Tunas. Seiko had crafted these well-built professional dive watches with their twist; it gained traction among collectors and even coined them the "Tunas". But Citizen's take on this 1000m genre shouldn't be left under the Tunas' shadow, as the Promaster 1000m has unique quirks without falling as a direct copy of those Marinemaster divers. By introducing this particular model, we can raise awareness of Citizen's prowess in pushing watchmaking with some gall to come up with the Promaster diver - we ought to give them the credits where credits are due.
Super Titanium case
Under the screw-down case-back lies Citizen's marvellous solar quartz movement, the Citizen J210. The in-house calibre is a high-accuracy quartz (HAQ) movement, a true masterpiece of architecture that realized the peak of Eco-Drive technology. Citizen rates the movement to have high accuracy, satisfyingly aligned to every second marker on the dial as the second-hand ticks into place. Being a movement fueled by natural and even artificial light sources, no periodic battery replacement is required while lasting up to 1.5 years in normal conditions. With the help of the power reserve indicator on the dial, the wearer can be informed when the watch needs to be charged once again.
Lastly, the Promaster is paired with a 29mm black synthetic rubber strap. The accordion design allows great flexibility without compromising comfort, and its length is enough to be worn over a diving wetsuit. The strap comes with a proper tang buckle design that is as well made as the watch.
Luminous glows green in the dark
Citizen Promaster Titanium Diver Black 1000 Ref. BN7020-09E is a watchmaking marvel that exudes high-quality craftsmanship in every single one of its components, reflecting over 100 years of exemplary watchmaking expertise from the respected Japanese watch manufacturer. It's all in the details and functionality of this professional 1000m dive watch, unlike any others. Precision timekeeping and a beautifully finished rugged case prove that a unique quartz watch has a 'soul' that collectors could appreciate.
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