Citizen Brycen CA0649-06X Eco-Drive Watch Review - Best Chronograph under $150

Check out my Amazon store to see this watch and other things I think are pretty cool
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The Citizen Brycen CA0649-06X Eco Drive (solar) Chronograph might just be the best chronograph watch under $150. It's incredibly well laid out, packed with the most useful features and finished in a cool vintage style. Available in three color ways, links to purchase the watch and straps shown in this video below. (Note, Amazon links are affiliate links).
Cream dial version featured in the review:
US: amzn.to/2NT83ze
UK: amzn.to/2JsrGeA
Black Dial
amzn.to/2N4QwVn
Blue Dial
amzn.to/2LpL8tW
STRAPS
Ritche Top Grain Leather
amzn.to/2N5MjAI
Ritche Silicone
amzn.to/2LqzuPp
NATO from cheapestnatostraps.com

[@innoc3ntbystndr]

Citizen is so underrated! Stylish but Built like a tank!

[@alexjabari234]

you probably dont care but does someone know of a method to get back into an Instagram account? I somehow lost the account password. I would love any tricks you can offer me

[@drewsam6387]

@Alex Jabari instablaster =)

[@alexjabari234]

@Drew Sam i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm trying it out atm. Seems to take a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@alexjabari234]

@Drew Sam It worked and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thank you so much, you really help me out !

[@drewsam6387]

@Alex Jabari happy to help :)

[@kaisplendor3383]

I’ve been on the fence about this watch for quite a while now & after seeing this video, I think I’ll go ahead & add it to my collection. Great job, thanks!!!!

[@nickschulte3915]

I hope you did and I hope you love it. It’s consistently been my favorite since I bought it about 2 years ago.

[@B1G_ChUnG5]

This is going to be the first watch of my collection. Update: just got the watch today! It’s awesome! Fits well even on my 6 1/2” wrist. This is why i was on the fence about getting this particular watch. I’m very happy with it though! Only gripe. It’s not the strap, lol. The second hand is slightly off center. Other than that, I love this watch! Great review, by the way!

[@jimferry4751]

I believe there is a setting on the watch to reset the second hand to center. I just purchased this watch and mine is spot on. I remember watching a video showing how to center.

[@louislopez55]

@@jimferry4751That is true, in the instructions (via the Citizen app) it shows how to adjust it.

[@johnfeet5476]

@@jimferry4751 pull the main crown out to the 2nd position, press the top button for 3 seconds, the second hand starts spinning, when it gets close to 12 let go and then press the top button one at a time incrementally until it is spot on the 12. reset the time on your watch and you're good to go.

[@iant.gilchrist4264]

I have this watch and I really enjoy wearing it. I am a real fan of Citizen Eco Drive watches.

[@celvinscott502]

Me too, great chrono!

[@sheepdog-kp9hb]

Their automatics are built very well too

[@cocoyc495]

This is a great and very functional chronograph. Easy to read and not a busy dial. Plus, it's solar. You can run the chronograph all day with no worries about the battery or remembering to wind. I have the blue dial version. It looks good with a simple blue RAF one piece nylon strap.

[@Dippydog5]

Great job on the discussion of what you look for on chronographs. Great review.

[@jeffwaters5633]

I like your reviews. It's nice to have someone do such a good job that isn't concentrating on watches no one can afford. Plus being in Japan really provides some interesting insight that is hard to get here in the USA.

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

I love the combo of white dial, black bezzel and coffee leather strap. The orange details are a great bonus. Great review!

[@SaltyStarfruit]

Just got this watch as a graduation present, it's fabulous!

[@MeTaLISaWeSoMe95]

Ive owned this watch for about a week. Loving it so far. Gorgeous style, great price. Absolutely amazing little piece.

[@scinto23]

I think I found my next watch purchase. Great job on the video.

[@jonsonnenschein1253]

I have been looking at buying a new chronograph, and researching for two months now. The Brycen has been sitting in my top 5 list during that time. That was strictly going on looks and style alone. Your review has brought it one step closer for me purchasing this watch. Thanks for the great review!

[@Nightdiver20]

Did you end up going with the Citizen?

[@benjohnstonmentoring]

Amazing content man! Thanks for all the info

[@AltonJRuffRev]

This watch has always caught my eye. Thanks for another great review. 👍

[@SPAMsammiches]

5 years later, I just grabbed one of these on sale. I have a fun AVI-8 that I had put a black leather strap with orange stitching. Turns out the black and orange looks killer on the Brycen and the kinda-rally strap looks super on my P-51 themed AVI-8. Win win! :)

[@bigfunanAmericaninGermany]

this one is new to me... and i have fallen in love with this watch! sort of a vintage racing look that got me... thanks for the video!

[@louislopez55]

I just received a very similar watch as a gift and you answered many questions I had! (So I subscribed!) Thank you!

[@otobotrecords]

Very good review. And 5 very legit features to look for in a chronograph, which correlate 100 percent with my requirements for a chronograph. A chrono has to be functional first and foremost. One of the functional requirements - being able to read fractions of a second precisely - is very well done in this watch without facilitating a fractional subdial like in the Bulova Lunar Pilot (which is also pretty well and accurately done). The thing is, if you slow down the video to 0.25 speed it is apparent that this Citizen's chrono seconds hand ticks 5 times a second, correlating with the 5th of a second divison of the dial. That's something not so well done on the Omega Speedmaster Professional for example, which has a 3 Hz == 6 ticks a second movement (which is the successor of the 2.5 Hz movement of the 1950's), but for some reason still has a dial with 5ths of a second markings. That's why I can't take the Speedy Pro serious as a functional tool watch.

[@JusttheWatch]

The Bulova has a 2.5hz sweeping chrono seconds and 1/5 second markings on it's second track in addition to the 1/10ths of a second subdial. Pretty cool to have both. Didn't realize that about the Speedmaster, but I bet that would be pretty annoying once you realize it.

[@otobotrecords]

@@JusttheWatch See, I didn't actually check if the markings on the dial correlated with the sweeping frequency of the chrono seconds with the Bulova because of the very cool subdial. PS: in fact the subdial of the Lunar Pilot can measure 1/20ths of a second (accurate to 0.05s) ;-)

[@AdAce21]

Great review!! I grabbed this off ebay for $110, free shipping! Crazy deal. It's a great watch; very cool, funky colors and design... but it's big, and it wears big. I really like that strap you found for it at 14:07, so I used your link and ordered one. I do wish it had sapphire crystal though, especially since the watch is so big. Thanks again

[@papapatriot]

Picked one up for a great price in 2021, works great.

[@americanpaisareturns9051]

I like the color combination

[@TenaciousLAXBro]

Just got the all black version on Amazon for 190. They also have the cream dial version (the one in the video) for 245.00, and the blue dial one for 243.75 - as of today Feb 1, 2022. Sales at Macy’s for these watches as well. They are worth it.

[@gadgetguy3579]

Browsing the Citizen website looking for an Eco-Drive with a classic look. This one is absolutely beautiful, and affordable. Thanks for the informative video, it solidified my purchase. Great Job.

[@Fedproman]

I love those straps you chose!

[@fr0d0scious]

Love a chronograph. So much to like about this one. Thank you for the review.

[@Ironscimitar]

First Citizen watch I'd consider owning.

[@johnkollias6782]

Today, I found this blue version CA0648-09L (beautiful shade of blue) on display at a watch dealer friend of mine. It is in pristine condition, maybe worn once or twice and looks just like a NOS would look. It will be mine soon. It definitely meets all the great standards you so ably defined one should find in a chrono watch. Nice video, it certainly convinced me that this will be a great purchase for me. Thanks

[@HavokR505]

I own this watch. just thought it looked very nice. I like the orange accents and the vintage look. very snazzy

[@imsergio]

Very helpful review. I was looking for a pilot and a chrono. Ended up buying a CA7040-85L and i'm quite satisfied.

[@jono8884]

I bought the similar looking "Chandler" and am looking forward to receiving it.

[@jbmaxwell6547]

Its now 82.99 online picked one up Great Review and glad even more now got this chronograph from Citizen. Richard Martain NASA RIP

[@Lallapaloosa]

Which website bro?

[@matthewrichardson2533]

I got one like this for $199 at Costco. It's amazing. It's hefty, good lume, the strap is nice qulaity asnd the glass it slightly domed with good dial detail. Citizen was selling the same watch for $400 at it's Outlet shops in the Ritzy shopping areas

[@stephaneboudreau1088]

Nice review, I've been eyeing this version for a while.

[@mikestone9129]

I just ordered the Black dial version. I will be putting it on either a NDC strap or one of my straps from Martu Leather. I like the black dial, it kinda has that Speedmaster look.

[@A-Wall]

I was wondering what this sucker was about from your Instagram, very cool watch! Unfortunately the lug to lug is too big for me on this one but I like all of the features you pointed out. Great daily driver chrono!

[@What-videos-to-watch-today]

This is a good thorough review of what is a good chronograph watch!

[@chjofar]

Great presentation! Has anyone ever told you that you look remarkably like 50's - 60's hearthrob actor Johnny Crawford?

[@ashwinraggs4226]

Fantastic review man !! Learnt a lot from you !!

[@neanders2]

The click transfer between the pushers that you mention early in the video is interesting. I thought maybe my watch was defective because I get a very satisfying click to start the chronograph but nothing when I stop it, which feels weird.

[@Zeledinho]

Under $100 in Amazon weeks ago, amazing.

[@joshuaevilsizer]

I always enjoy your videos, but I think this was one of your best. I like hearing about how you think through the different aspects of a watch and the functionality it offers. Really appreciate you doing this one.

[@JusttheWatch]

Thanks man, appreciate the feedback. I kind of go back and forth about whether or not I should just do a straight forward review of the watch or try to bringing in a little extra, so it's good to know what you guys find interesting!

[@joshuaevilsizer]

@@JusttheWatch there are TONS of folks doing simple reviews. While I cannot speak for all of your subscribers, I specifically watch your videos because it's not like those other simple reviews. 😁

[@islandterror5198]

Love the cream Dial & Solar ability. Nice choice 👌👍

[@alansmith8837]

Just bought one at a good price great review as always dave. Take care happy new year.

[@redbarchetta4]

Man I love your watch reviews. Excellent work. Thanks.

[@Azureusz]

Came for the watch review, returned again because of the kitty. 😻

[@brookslindseyjr]

I'm the exact same when it comes to the battery when running the chrono! You are not alone :)

[@byronacosta1655]

Good video, I'm curious , do you still thing this as a good watch? I'm thinking getting it as my first chronograph, what do you think? and Thank you.

[@rodcrawford4312]

Hey Byron, I bought this watch probably 4 or 5 years ago and it is still my favorite watch to wear. Its still running great!

[@enmovimiento3766]

@@rodcrawford4312 thanks 😊, got it already

[@steven3379]

Good video, thanks and this is a very good looking watch, I would have liked the movement model for reference, but still good information thanks again!

[@TimeToGoTravelAndTimepieces]

I'm a big fan of Citizen and this one looks really nice.I like the dial layout. Thanks for the video!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Great review, beautiful watch. Looking younger and younger Dave!

[@JusttheWatch]

Ha! Feeling older and older though...

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Just the Watch - LOL same here brother!

[@Andrew-J316]

Hhhmm, nice model I have not seen. I have a 44mm Citizen eco-drive that wears well and enjoy it. This white dial model is very nice! Thanks for review!

[@SlamDunkz3ooo]

I went to Macy's to try it on and this will sound silly, but...I felt I wasn't cool enough to wear this watch. Like I needed to know things about race cars or something. I'll read a book on race cars then I'll buy the watch.

[@thebreadwentstale]

I just nabbed a black dial version with SS bracelet all in for $155 CAD. Looks really nice. Can't go wrong with Citizen!

[@EricSloferwatchreviews]

great video thanks for posting it !

[@mpl1029]

Thanks for your reviews! This watch is currently listed on Amazon for $243. What happened to $150?

[@Walter_Sobchak_43]

I own this exact white/cream dial version but replaced the strap with a real leather rally strap. That change alone made it one of my personal favs in my collection. The timepiece really does look timeless in jeans and a t-shirt or even a sports coat. Citizen nailed this one, imo.

[@michaelvitale4029]

I have one. Love it. Just wish the strap was a little longer. I’m on the second hole. Leaves very little at the end to tuck in.

[@chamixone]

Nice watch! Thanks for the review. I wished the perforated holes would go all the way through. I think they missed on that. I agree, I'd like to see a 41mm or 42mm tops version of his watch.

[@RadYOacTVe]

Great simple review. What is the link to that black/orange strap you had on the watch? I think it looks better with the black strap.

[@Heyman1982]

I have this watch and love it. As others have said, the date window is extremely difficult to see. The date numbers are recessed because the chrono minute dial is recessed and they really should not have included the date window.

[@chrisdaws5382]

I have this one. On a blue NATO that matches the sub dial.

[@MRrobert7200]

Very nice review of the Citizen Brycen Eco-Drive Chronograph. Your insights are very thoughful and appear to be spot on. Nice chronograph watch for the price. I am wondering if it Is possible to purchase the coffee tone leather strap separately? I have seen this watch at a good price with a leather strap that is more light beige colored and would buy it if I could get the coffee colored strap. Thanks for a great review! 😎

[@ThePmfan]

Good review. I paid mid 2's on it and will never regret it. I agree the date complication is too deep. Thanks for letting me know why. But overall it reminds me of the vibe my 70s Seiko 6139 style watches, without being exactly like those.

[@nickschulte3915]

The Citizen Brycen is/was my favorite watch. I just got the Bulova Lunar Pilot, so it’s currently my favorite, but I’ve gone running back the Brycen over and over as each fling with the hotter, younger watch, flames out. And every time the Brycen forgives me. So hopefully this three way love affair with the Brycen and the Lunar Pilot works outs.

[@nickschulte3915]

I’ve never even considered swapping straps on it. But I think I will play around with some of the other straps I have.

[@halfpastblog]

Dave.. Just picked this up for $85 Canadian as the black Friday deal of the day. 👍👍👍

[@JusttheWatch]

That's insane!

[@vanesishe]

The eyelash was detected at 2:53 :) Nice timepice, but i think it's too thick for quartz. Maybe i'm wrong.

[@jacksonk75k95]

I have the black one and it's big on my 6.5 inch wrist, but it's such a good watch and it's eco drive so I don't care

[@JusttheWatch]

Big watches are still pretty much the norm for a lot of people, I'm sure it looks great!

[@RickDeckardMemories]

The strap does get softer with use. I love mine. It also feels very durable/long lasting.

[@willjones9314]

What is the watch band size if you know?

[@benpayne4663]

today, 30 january 2022 amazon price is $262. with a mineral crystal.

[@shafeequeamanullah]

I really love the Idea of ecodrive

[@Amin_2k]

I have this watch. Compared to my other similarly priced watches like the orient kamasu or the seiko 5kx this feels like a cheap plastic toy, because of the lack of weight and the hands and dial look plasticky. Those the only thing i dislike about it. I put it on a nato and its extremely light and comfortable, definitely the most comfortable watch i own. Its also very accurate, and you dont have to worry about battery changes. You also have a timer on your wrist which is cool. Its comfortable, reliable and practical. It just feels cheap. But overal its amazing!

[@Sohail_00786]

I dont know if I have a defective watch but to change the day on the watch, do you pull out the crown to the middle and rotate it a full revolution for one day? And does it only work counterclockwise for it to work? I ask because all my other watches require only a little bit of turning the dial clockwise to change the date, not one entire revolution

[@bobsyeruncle4841]

nice review thanks

[@1975Loeven]

Haven't heard "chronograph" so many times in my entire life before as in this video 😄. Great video btw, just pulled the trigger on this one the other day. Looking forward to get it.

[@JusTheKing.]

Here it is one more time- CHRONOGRAPH!! 😉🤣

[@1975Loeven]

@@JusTheKing. 😄🤣

[@giannossantamouris7742]

Hello! Can you specify the difference between Citizen Eco-Drive CA0649-06X and CA0641-16X Eco-Drive. It seems that the only difference is in the strap. Do they discontinued the CA0649-06X and they produced the CA0641-16X ? Thanks in advance !

[@garyggarner7738]

Love Citizen Chronographs!

[@PushyPawn]

On my 2nd Citizen Chronograph in 2 decades, in titanium and sapphire, CA0070-86L, while the old one is still working but now as a desk clock. Feels like I'm wearing nothing at all.. ..nothing at all...

[@PartyMarty94]

Hi, am new to this kind of stuff and i couldn't find any reference to the Length of the strap. My wrists are bigger i attempted to put it on once and i managed to barely squeeze in the last hole of the strap, and it's uncomfortable and too tight for the wrist. Could you please recommend me some straps ?

[@lex7896]

Is there a watch similar to this but smaller?

[@AbdAlrzzaqAlommar]

I love it. very sporty and feels vintage at the same time. Thank you. Love your videos 😍

[@moddedmedia415]

Just ordered one.

[@edteach3r]

Awesome watch, but I find it rather strange that the minute indicator on the subdial moves before the minute has been completed. I would find that confusing. Nonetheless, Citizen is awesome (I have three) and the quality is outstanding for the price. Thanks for the great review and tutorial.

[@egomartini]

Where did the nato strap come from? It looks sharp.

[@vicentelopez3526]

Gran vídeo. Gracias. Vicent (Spain)

[@kallachnadra]

Is Citizen Brycan available in smaller size for me..skinny..hehe

[@alish6356]

Only if it was 40mm or under

[@edhammond6911]

Good review.

[@hvacae6904]

Good watch but it exceed my limit i wear until 42 mm only but its a nice watch

[@TheInfoBlast]

Putting an order in for one. Sounds like the price went back up, citizen is asking 280 now.

[@dAr3s]

Great review. I have one of these very watches. The cons that you make are all correct with the fact that the date is pretty much pointless being the most true. The strap that it comes on is not that good, as you pointed out, but I now have mine on a really nice vintage style brown rally strap with oversized holes (from WatchGeko in the UK) and it now looks great. I have added a deployant clasp too and it's transformed this already nice looking and functional watch.

[@chuckv5150]

Does this take the 22mm watch strap?

[@MikeG-js1jt]

It looks more like a mid 1940's style, especially fitted with the brown leather band.

[@LBacon34]

Need your help, I love this watch and need to know if the strap is more chocolate brown, or tobasco colored? Thanks!

[@JusttheWatch]

It's more chocolate. Just a hint of red in some lighting.

[@LBacon34]

@@JusttheWatch Is the trim of the top circle in the face red or orange? I love the watch and plan on charging the band to more of a tobasco color.

[@JusttheWatch]

@@LBacon34 orange!

[@LBacon34]

@@JusttheWatch THANKS, that's what I was hoping!

[@JusTheKing.]

Is this a dress watch or a casual watch? Or both?

[@paulsalmon4771]

What movement does this watch have????

[@hughkeith9185]

Another great review Dave. Thank you! Spoil Rocky for us.

[@wbguppy613]

Can you tell me what the black and orange strap at 14:10 is? If I can get one of those it makes this a much more versatile piece.

[@JusttheWatch]

It's the Ritche Silicone Strap, there's a link to it in the description. Great strap for it, one of my favorites.

[@golddragon8672]

love the hair bro

[@rawcasecarkey6498]

Plz help me setup the date and time