The Best Seiko SKX Alternative, Citizen NY0040 (And Why It's Actually Better!)

Designer Notes Episode 13
The Best Seiko SKX Alternative, Citizen NY0040
Thanks to Oleg Ivanov for suggesting this topic. Subscribe and comment down below to suggest the next episode of Designer Notes.
If you're tired of hearing about people suggesting to you the Seiko SKX as the go-to watch for people with the $200 budget, you might want to take a look at the Citizen NY0040. Its not only the best alternative to the SKX but also a rich history and design that's really unique and worth your consideration.

[@pzakp311]

The recently build watches have the 8204 movement which is hackable. Just for anyones interest. I own the black version and it‘s astonishing how accurate the watch is.

[@DesignAtelier]

I need to check that out. Let me see which I could afford next.

[@pzakp311]

@@DesignAtelier You're not going to regret it. Mine leaves my wrist for maybe an hour per day. As a German I bought it at a local divers shop. It included the scuba tank as a package which is a nice detail.

[@enniosavini6591]

What is the meaning hackable for this watch, i just got the ny0040.tnx

[@pzakp311]

@@enniosavini6591 Ciao Ennio, it means you can stop the second hand to adjust the time by pulling out the crown to the second position. This is new feature of the 8204 movement. The older version 8203 could not be stopped, means the second hand didn’t stop.

[@eleventy-seven]

Not exactly. It needs to be regulated first. I received my 40 with a 50 + sec a day. I sent it to the Citizen service center for the US. It took a few weeks but when I received it I couldn't believe it. It was plus 5 sec a day. Better then my Seikos which are about plus 15-25.

[@user-jd4uc4xm2k]

Just got the full lume version delivered from Italy yesterday. It's smaller than expected, and seems smaller than my other Citizen watches. It's my 3rd automatic watch, but my first Citizen auto. Thanks for the video.

[@DmytriiKorchak]

Thank you for the review! I was watching it with my NY-0040 on the wrist, haha. It’s a perfect watch for its money, it’s worth every penny!

[@DesignAtelier]

I’m eyeing to get the full lum dial soon.

[@DmytriiKorchak]

Design Atelier Wow, that’s an absolute unicorn among Promasters...

[@lesstroddenpath3726]

Thank you for the excellent review. I've been wearing mine since 2002 almost daily including both diving and expeditions. It's proven strong and dependable. And I love your graphic overlays! It makes the video so much more interesting. Kudos!

[@danielmcbriar1672]

Everything about this review is excellent. I have a dark blue sunburst dial and it is my daily watch. So underrated by most. The only thing I would change would be to have sapphire crystal.

[@CptSlow89]

You have promaster version with sapphire. 350$. Cheap.

[@Bonpu]

I liked your review, particularly your considerations on styling. I’m on my second NY0040 now, and both have been superbly reliable, functional and accurate watches. What makes the Promaster unique to me is its dark, kind of military, very modest, mildly vintage, distinctly toolwatch feel. With its almost invisible black dial surface, the phosphorous-green markers and that peculiar bezel it looks like something, that, well, a military diver might wear. I just got Citizen’s recent eco-drive successor (needlessly larger, bluish lume, charcoal dial, shiny bezel top), and while a nice watch in its own, it is not quite the same. I wouldn’t consider the NY0040 a Seiko SKX alternative - if anything it might be its evil twin.

[@DesignAtelier]

Thanks for that input. I think the eco drive version does not have the heft that the automatic did. I’m sure it’s technologically better but I’m one of them old school folks with an old school taste. I still have one on my list.

[@whatsstefon]

The NY0086 could be a nice option for you. Similar design and dimensions as well as mechanical automatic,with blue lume.

[@stefpix]

@@DesignAtelierI wish citizen would make an eco drive version of the NY0040. I do also have the BN0150, but the case shape, Matt bezel insert , dark dial make the auto more appealing. I like the orange outline on the minute hand on the new version. Also the Fugu does not look as nice as the older 0040. They made the case larger. I like the ny0085 flat, brushed caseback, but the original 0040 larger font on the bezel inser is more iconic.

[@mylesmooney7505]

I bought one with the stainless steel strap & came with a rubber strap too , I find it an excellent watch, had the money to buy something more expensive but just couldn’t justify it , looks more excellent buy !

[@k.g.l3336]

Bought one 3 yrs ago wore it maybe 1/2 a dozen times, should start wearing it more now that I know a little more about it.

[@Marcocanadea]

put in an order, eagerly awaiting...thanks, great review!

[@DesignAtelier]

Good choice!

[@olegivanov7988]

Did you get it?

[@redbarchetta4]

Wow what an excellent review. Thank you for posting it. Really well done.

[@matthewbessey681]

I’m lucky enough to own an skx and an ny0040, love them both, great affordable watches, if you can get hold of them!

[@DesignAtelier]

I had an skx025 but sold it. I’ll get a few to mod in time after this pandemic. The NY0040 is higher at the list for now because it will be hard to get them soon.

[@olegivanov7988]

@@DesignAtelier are you outside the EU? There are plenty available in EU! Maybe I can buy one from here and send it over as a 🎁. That way you won't be hit by the customs.

[@DesignAtelier]

I live in aruba! You’re generous Oleg. If I get one even preowned I will review it.

[@gillk]

There are many videos about the iconic NY0040. Most focus on the specifications, missing the aesthetic reasons why this watch is so compelling. You did a great job focusing on the subtleties that make this watch so attractive. It would be interesting to see you compare this with the NY008X series which is almost identical except for the font and curvature of the bezel. I would also like to hear your opinion of the NY01XX series which is larger and has different hands and a more rounded bezel.

[@andyclark1173]

A really great review. Covered all the details that make this an historical collectors piece. I have the blue version, reason being it has a better strap buckle with a Promaster logo. I like your comment on the 60 click. We’ve been brainwashed that 120 click is better for minute hand accuracy, missing the point that manufacturers don’t have to worry in getting the lume pip pointer aligned with the chapter ring.

[@DesignAtelier]

its an engineer's dream to see these simple things just work.

[@mikequick1050]

Great review, definitely the next watch in my growing citizen collection

[@DesignAtelier]

Nice. What’s your favorite so far?

[@mirosawirzyk5247]

I have all of then 😆 Had to restore the Marina Militare one 😎

[@edteach3r]

Thanks for the review of this underestimated diver. P.S. Love the graphics! Liked and subscribed.

[@DesignAtelier]

Thanks for the support!

[@m.kennedy342]

Outstanding video! So detailed. I am a big fan of this watch. My NY0040-09E with the newer 8204 movement is keeping time at +1 secs/daily. Always preferred this watch in all its variations to the SKX 007/009.

[@KleiberM]

I just got my new NY0085 and I absolutely love it. The blue lume is what gravitated me towards it instead of the NY0040

[@outlaw_203]

This was an awesome review/comparison video, I'm now subscribed.

[@martinpatterson3417]

I have both watches, love them both. I have to admit though i prefer the SKX. I prefer the 120 click bezel, my promaster bezel also has a bit of wobble. The SKX just feels like a higher quality watch when you have both in the hand. Both are keepers though and i wouldn't sell either of them.

[@casiowatchers7511]

Great review! I’ve ordered one today as my first Citizen. I’m a fan of suede straps (especially blue) so it was a bonus to see your Citizen on one as I’ll more than likely get one for mine. As well as a Nato so I can swim in it.

[@casiowatchers7511]

In fact scratch that, this is an awesome video! I love your annotations and they’re incredibly informative.

[@DesignAtelier]

thanks. ill get one of these soon. keep reviewing casio stuff too.

[@jtr159]

This thing really comes to it's own once you replace the bezel insert and crystal (with sapphire.) Brilliant!

[@amboroverdecillo8101]

Best review yet on this watch! I have four of them. My favourite watch. It just looks great, wears small and way nicer than the Seiko or anything else - to my eye. No accounting for taste but it is unique and I've never seen anyone else wearing one. The lume is ok but it isn't outstanding and the full lume dial you can't really read after about 90 minutes. I thought it would last all night but it doesn't.

[@DesignAtelier]

Thanks for the compliment. I agree totally on the ny0040. I'm planning to buy the full lum dial once I have the funds for it. It really deserves more love than it's getting and it seems harder to get than the skx. To me it not lasting more than even 30 minutes is fine to me after all anyone ordinary diver won't be underwater more than 90 minutes in the first place. If they would be then they might need a different watch altogether.

[@amboroverdecillo8101]

@@DesignAtelier Good point about the lume duration. Your review again, is really great and perfectly done. The early case backs on these were engraved/stamped as opposed to laser applied as today. These watches are still sold in retail watch jewellers in Italy especially, where I got mine, and the rest of western Europe. In Asia, I hear they are available in Singapore and Malaysia and of course, Japan.

[@balazshajdu3018]

4 of them😳??

[@choond]

Excellent review. Thanks!

[@DesignAtelier]

Very welcome!

[@julianmoriati4682]

Very nice review! I absolutely love this watch and I have the lume dial. This watch is having the most wrist time, to be honest.

[@DesignAtelier]

i heard there is another bespoke version of it. im trying to see if can get that. All black case with "Beauty and Youth" on the dial. the hour markers dont have the underpants shape at 12!

[@iXus78]

@@DesignAtelier Hi, you can check out the new 50th Anniversary Titanium Technology limited edition version, NY0105-81E, with full titanium all black and sapphire glass.

[@DesignAtelier]

@@iXus78 let me put that on the list.

[@olegivanov7988]

Thank you, Designer! :) It's an awesome content !

[@olegivanov7988]

Also quite useful, I've watched almost every content about this model and read many articles... never have noticed that the bezel is inclined to reduce the size and wear smaller! Spot on! :)

[@DesignAtelier]

Thanks. I tried to look at other materials and articles about it.

[@deanwaller8283]

It's 42

[@otsoni03]

I have this watch with dark blue dial and it's hackable as well. Beautiful watch!

[@DesignAtelier]

I still need to own one of these.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Just Subscribed , I recently bought the Blue 🌊 version with signed crown and Pepsi Bezel 👌 absolutely love it great review !

[@DesignAtelier]

Thanks for the sub! i still have an eye on one of these. hope to do a hands on review one day.

[@gbsailing9436]

@@DesignAtelier What would be that model number?

[@harleyb.8293]

Really enjoyed your review!

[@DesignAtelier]

I'm so glad! thanks.

[@hdmedia7404]

Outstanding video editing Wow 👍🏻

[@MrSilvervw]

Fantastic content 👌 👏 👍

[@Robin6512]

i bought it's brother the eco drive after i lost it. i love these watches! better then my seiko's

[@DesignAtelier]

I need one at all. And to review for the channel

[@Robin6512]

@@DesignAtelier well there must be some floating around on Aruba. of 1 van de andere abc eilanden?

[@DesignAtelier]

@@Robin6512 there actually a couple but if the eco drive models. I prefer the automatic one and all lume dial

[@Robin6512]

@@DesignAtelier yes agree. I want the yellow dail version.

[@MusicianGreg]

good vid, good production, nice graphics, music at times could've been chosen better. Overall a SUB :)

[@DesignAtelier]

Yes I need a better sound design.

[@stan4097]

You don't need to use the crown with your left hand. I just take the watch off and turn it upside down and voila! Right handed crown.

[@DesignAtelier]

You're right. However it's a bit of a break in the routine, no matter how minuscule it may be, to turn the watch up side down to have the crown at the right wind and adjust. But you know what? I'm still buying one regardless.

[@georgemacheel2039]

Your video is informative and visually stunning.

[@kabuto2365]

Thanks for your reviews. They are all very informative and indepth. What is your wrist size? Just want to get an idea how these watch will look on my wrist. Thanks.

[@bradd5961]

Can you change the day and date with pull out crown turn clockwise and anticlockwise?

[@probablywatches]

Yes

[@MrGazblob]

Great review. What is the nice guitar soundtrack you used?

[@timmcdonald5335]

Remember the rubber strap on a Seiko is longer for good reason. It is designed that way so that it can be worn over a wetsuit.

[@DesignAtelier]

Yes you are totally right! Something worth bearing in mind.

[@stefpix]

@@DesignAtelier on a wetsuit a single pass strap is better. If a spring bar fails or is not installed properly you will not lose the watch. Also a nylon strap makes it easier to turn the watch to the inner part of the wrist, less likely it will get banged on rocks.

[@peternerenst]

Very good review!!!

[@DesignAtelier]

Thank you sir!

[@ΠαῦλοςΠαυλίδης-χ7θ]

6:13 TGV?

[@joaorodrigues-dy9rm]

Nice graphics, subscribed

[@DesignAtelier]

Thank you. More to come.

[@salty_terminal_civilian5374]

My NY0040 is amazing, longest watch I've kept in the collection. Mine is from 97, and still ticking away in pristine condition. The bezel is way better than the piece of shit SKX bezel. I have three.... I can't stand the stock bezel because gripping it is practically impossible. The only thing I lean toward the SKX on is the shape of the case back.

[@DesignAtelier]

This is still part of my list too.

[@patricj951]

I recently got a NY0141-10LE and it's even better with sapphire chrystal. Beautiful blue sunbirst chrystal. Still, even better replacement for Seiko SKX than Citizen is Islander watches: they could shortly be described as modified and improved Seiko SKX. Better movement, sapphire chrystal and ceramic or sapphire bezel. For same price as Seiko SKX.

[@TheMonsterHunterTV]

But Islander Watches are ugly and not very collectible

[@stefpix]

@@TheMonsterHunterTV I can’t cope with the Islander logo. And the date at 6.

[@TheMonsterHunterTV]

@@stefpix Yes he needs to get rid of his logo that looks like a subdial. Also his overall designs aren't very appealing. Another huge factor, at least for me, is heritage. to be honest Islander Watches are nothing more than SKX-mods.

[@stefpix]

Seestern from aliexpress is more appealing and cheaper for inspired /homage designs. It may be hard to suddenly get rid of the logo. If he would start offering sterile dials or versions with “islander” with a fine font, I could consider. But that logo is like a pimple on a nice face. I was just looking at the new Squale 1545 TGV. The TGV logo is over the top. Same with Steeldive etc.. Seiko, Citizen, Sinn, etc have nice branding (although Seiko with the Prospex X is getting too busy). Small brands could take a lesson in minimalism.

[@andreyandreev7928]

How about the accuracy of the watch?

[@--RSL--]

If it was 43x50 or 51 I'd buy one. These are readily available on Amazon

[@DesignAtelier]

Yeah there was a time that these were harder to find. Nice to see we can easily pick it up.

[@Tim8tei]

Well made video and review. What's the background song playing?

[@DesignAtelier]

Water truck by willy’s neonlasso

[@CptSlow89]

As I know new Citizen promaster have version with blue lume. Also there is version with sapphire glass for 350$.

[@TheMasonator777]

The accuracy is better than the SKX specifically when the power reserve is running low.

[@antonhallergren588]

But the skx is litteraly plus q few seconds per day when worn daily. Had mine get only +1 sec a day after 1 week of wearing it straight

[@TheMasonator777]

Anton Hallergren Your “but” doesn’t make what I said false. If you wear different watches on a daily basis, the hand wind and the accuracy at the bottom end of the power reserve are big pluses.

[@giannisignori2812]

What sort of accuracy was you getting ? I just received a brand new 2018 NY0040 with the 8204 from Amazon and it's pretty poor, running consistently at +20spd for the last week now.

[@TheMasonator777]

@@giannisignori2812 +6. The Seiko 7s26 can vary widely as well. That’s about regulation. If it runs at +20 a day, that’s not great, but if it’s consistent, it should be able to be regulated.

[@bushpig6837]

I have an ny0040 with 8204 movement. These watches are designed to be worn 24/7 not be part of a rotation and kept hand wound on a shelf. The only time I adjust mine is when I correct the date on months with less than 31 days, it's never been out by more than 5s even after 2 months.

[@eleventy-seven]

Great looking watch but the lumin stuff they use is weak and if you club or go out at night it's hard to read. I returned mine. If it's for day use, fine watch and looks good.

[@abdullahkoblay6609]

hi great video, i have 6.3 inc wrist does it fit my wrist btw whats your size

[@DesignAtelier]

Mine is 6.25 inch.

[@rocky085]

I couldn't find the ny0040-41e model...the marina militare one

[@DesignAtelier]

It's pretty rare

[@rocky085]

@@DesignAtelier the plain one I mean, not the branded "marina militare"

[@mikemike5253]

i have the same watches... black and blue

[@lowersaxon]

I think its 44 mm in diameter if you take the pain in measuring it. And I think Miyota movements are better than low end SEIKOs‘.

[@DesignAtelier]

i must admit, this is a short coming of my channel and me living in a remote island. we dont get these watches that often. but worry not, ill buy one of these soon and ill make a hand-on review with all the measurements. thanks for the input.

[@todaysgrailtomorrowsbeater]

nice video

[@DesignAtelier]

Thanks

[@guidine7]

excellent review

[@DesignAtelier]

thank you. more content to come.

[@Boki199611]

Wow! You live in Aruba :D

[@DesignAtelier]

Yes I do!

[@Boki199611]

¡Maravilloso!

[@denniscostales8263]

What is the size of the bezel insert?

[@claustrox]

Now with 8204 movement with hack

[@DesignAtelier]

Can you give me a reference number? I might pick one up.

[@claustrox]

@@DesignAtelier the reference is the same It has only the number 8204 - s034124 on the back. The weird part is that the dial continue to report 8203. Stating voices across the forum in Italy all the NEW watch are with the upgraded movement. If you want I can post a video .

[@DesignAtelier]

@@claustrox yes please post a video. I’m interested.

[@claustrox]

@@DesignAtelier here it is kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKGQfH6Gn6qJjtk

[@gbsailing9436]

Actually, the Citizen Promaster Eco-drive Aqualand Blue Dial with depth gauge (BN2038-01L) is a MUCH better diver.

[@andromedagodit2492]

Wait, so the Italian versions are hackable right?

[@ivanmejia6843]

All versions are.

[@hellsalite4444]

This Citizen spanks the SKX

[@bhaihussain6271]

Can i Deeply scuba diving with this ?? Also in winter season can i randomly swimming in warm water in pool ??

[@deanwaller8283]

Trust me,you can't go deep . enough to trouble.this piece

[@bhaihussain6271]

@@deanwaller8283 which one should i buy ?? Seiko prospex or citizen or orient ??

[@bettersteps]

What is the music you used for this video?

[@DesignAtelier]

Willy’s neon lasso “water truck”

[@brandonboudreaux9177]

If it wasn’t for the play in the bezel on my SKX I’d never get aligned at 12 😂

[@DesignAtelier]

Quite ironic.

[@Dave062YT]

Do they make a right-handed version?

[@DesignAtelier]

The eco-drive models have the crown on the right side. You may want to look into those. they do look very similar.

[@Dave062YT]

@@DesignAtelier I've got a couple of eco drives thanks[Love them]I was just curious

[@mikelboudica5389]

I am here because of the rich alcoholic that is in Europe talking about your channel. LOL, One question is there an alternative for the SKX013? The skx007 is too big for me and I am guessing the NY0040 is the same size as the 007

[@sheepdog-kp9hb]

I highly doubt the military version is exactly the same as the store bought version. But i still like it sombitches

[@mca1960]

Without seconds hacking, is a NoGo. Also the day/date reading is bad, because of it's black background. Red day on a black background reading is bad.

[@DesignAtelier]

I’m hoping the newer models have that hacking. I can’t remember if they do. But I’m fine with either.

[@stevenrobertson6656]

​@@DesignAtelier Yes the new models do have hacking

[@glebc.6314]

Wanted to buy one but now I really can't unsee the underpants on 12 o'clock. WHY did you do this to me!?

[@BlagoP]

All I see is Iron Man.

[@gbsailing9436]

So what do I now see...other Citizens (for example the BN2038-01L) have the pants upside down...."Crotchless"??? Thanks for pointing THAT out!!! 🤣

[@alsuth803]

I see a girls but in a g-string @)

[@lfcmarkeb7124]

lovely watch, just a shame about the underpants at 12

[@deanwaller8283]

You mean iron man's faceplate

[@lfcmarkeb7124]

@@deanwaller8283 nahh definitely underpants

[@deanwaller8283]

Nope,iron man

[@ScottNotAvailable]

What is going on with that background music? Very distracting

[@ScoobyDJ.]

I always disliked the skx since iPhone SIM card tools came out

[@DesignAtelier]

now that is an interesting take

[@ScoobyDJ.]

@@DesignAtelier you can’t unsee things, as they say. iPhone fanatics who are watch lovers rejoice.

[@futb2665]

Promaster >>>> SKX

[@-benwilliams]

You've just robbed other channels content. There are bits in there from The Urban Gentry.

[@Avigazed]

Saw that too. He does credit TGV and the others. But, he should have done so, vocally, at the beginning of the video. Would have been less tacky. Kind of proves he doesn't actually own the watch or has even handled it. Kills some of his credibility for sure.

[@MisterUmami]

all great and stuff but horrible music in the background. unwatchable music...

[@trubadyr99]

Citizen Automatic is nonsense to me. Citizen Eco-Drive all the way! Atomic, GPS, etc - that's where they are unbeatable! Eco-Drive watches with these technologies used represent the greatest value for money and unparalleled accuracy.

[@deanwaller8283]

Just no