Does The Citizen Promaster Dive "Barnacle" Live Up To The Hype? | Review

[@GeorgeFlorosPsychiatrist]

Guys the movement is NOT the usual movement Citizen uses, (that would be a Miyota 8200) it's a high quality 9051 28.8k unit - you can only find an equivalent on Marinemasters vs the crappy 6Rs you now get in Seikos for more money. Plus the crown is signed and good size vs the large unsigned crown of the SPBs.

[@galaga8834]

100% agree. The movement on the Seiko is garbage. Utter shit. The Citizen is in another league here.

[@justinlangley9522]

Have to agree .. Seiko auto movements don't seem all that good . Had a Seiko 5 with the 4r35, was running almost a minute slow A DAY... Sold it . Also have a citizen kuroshia 64 with the 8315 movement . Rated at roughly the same as the 4r at + 40 SPD. yet after three days on a winder and worn once to work it is running at just 4 SPD... Incredible

[@marvean2519]

I've had a baby alpinist for about a year which comes with the 6r35. Despite everything I read online, mine runs -5sec a day. Maybe I got lucky, but I feel pretty comfortable buying another watch with this movement.

[@icewarped]

The 9051 movement is a premium movement, with manufacturer tolerances much tighter than the Seiko 6R (which (IMHO) was rushed to address the power reserve wars, at the sacrifice of real-world accuracy. (My 6R Seiko's are all over the map, and most are barely within spec and some even worse). Then there is the Chapter ring/Bezel alignment issues that they still can't get right (about 75% of my Seiko divers have some degree of misalignment) and I have never had an issue with a Citizen watch (owned about 6 divers). This watch is my out piece of the Seiko mine field. (About 7 years ago, Seiko's did not have these issues, something has changed with this company).

[@ahha6304]

@@justinlangley9522 You got a minute slow a day problem, I got 14 minutes faster in 1 hour problem with Prospex LOL

[@simmobb2]

Just picked one up for £590.00, the SPB149 is £1100.00. That it stands comparison and is made of Titanium rather than Stainless Steel is a great credit to Citizen imo.

[@jtaka1453]

I just picked one up too in Japan. I don’t have an SPB, but definitely wouldn’t pay double for it.

[@2K9s]

$539

[@4oclockcrown882]

I think the the unrefined design is part of the Citizen’s charm (intentional or not). I am definitely looking to add one to my collection.

[@FuturisticMaestro]

Lighting is too dark over the watches.

[@MotorsandCalibers]

Yeah, this video needs editing. The blue is actually much lighter but it looks like black in this!

[@terryfenner8142]

Agreed, struggling to see the watches ..

[@rfern263]

Citizen is so much better than Seiko at making affordable watches. Seiko’s QC for their entry level range is ridiculously poor. It has become a joke with enthusiasts but it is really unacceptable. Give me a Citizen anytime.

[@USMCPFC1]

Iono homie, I bought a Seiko 5 SRPD76K1 about a mth ago. The bezel is spot on, the strap fit perfectly in between the lugs, and I didn't find not one speck of dust inside it, which is more than I can say for 1 of my more expensive watches. The finish is lovely and that 120 click bezel, I love it. Only 2 complaints I have is that the bezel is not lumed whatsoever and no sapphire crystal but then again Price... So I can't complain about those. This watch is really beautiful in person.

[@wintermute8315]

I've had barely any issues with, like, 11 Seikos. One misaligned bezel, that's it. And they look way better on the wrist than these citizens, it's not even close.

[@Anirossa]

For me the seiko mech. movements a greater sin than how poorly the cases are put together

[@ChrisNewman-fu8ez]

Yeap cannot argue with you there and I e two Seiko's Sam and landmaster

[@matgorelsp]

Citizen Promaster are definitely another level. Really like this watch.

[@blethook]

I think the crown size is proportional to the thickness of the mid-case. The idea of an automatic watch is that it runs as you wear the watch. There should be very few times that requires you to operate the crown.

[@Jackonda21]

True 100%

[@MrVitamincpp]

my vintage challenge diver 62-6198 has big crown, polished case profile and I love it :)

[@MotorsandCalibers]

Good critical review! The bracelet was right there and y'all didn't review it?!? It has a better clasp than Seiko with quick adjustment which you should show. I've been waiting for this watch for months now and was excited that it's finally launched. However I'm disappointed now after seeing the bezel, crown quality.

[@MJ-we5if]

I was trying to stare at the U50 and notice there were two other watches in this video! Nice!

[@nedmattimoe8273]

Appreciate the honest review, Blake! There seems like a lot more than $100 difference between the two watches in quality. Once the Citizen sinks down to its street price it'll be a lot more worthwhile.

[@wintermute8315]

Not when the Seiko drops in price too. Just too much distance between these two, the SPB is a great buy.

[@richardwarren2024]

Nice review, guys. I’m writing from the future to let you know that I bought this one at your Citizen boutique opening party.

[@AverageBros]

Great segment and comparo, I gotta say, the pictures and specs did have me a lot more hyped than the real world coverage has thus far. I will say the biggest edge the Seiko has is that it looks way better in person than in Seiko's adverts vs. which appears to be the opposite case for the Citizen. So management of expectations definitely effects level of on-wrist satisfaction and overall ownership experience.

[@flautadossonhos]

I still don't understand how people test diving watches (rotation, crown, etc) out of the water. I already had Citizen and Seiko watches, and in my opinion, Citizen is on another level, although Seiko has more ''name''. I have never had a problem with a CITIZEN. I love de brush Steel, The Safire, titanium, the eco-drive movemnts, etc...Super resistent and reliable. Payng 200/300€ for watches that never given me any problems in 20 years....? count me in CITIZEN And I'm glad that's the case, because I can buy better watches, with sapphire and titanium, at half the prices of the Seiko, or other brands.

[@M3LTUP]

I like this watch. I prefer the black dial. Wish it came w bracelet. Looks like people are calling it Fujitsubo now.

[@lukewalker1051]

Nice review. My take.... The particular Seiko you compare with has pretty rave reviews for its clean aesthetic. An extraordinary looking watch sometimes compared to the BB58. The Citizen is very good looking but to me, this Seiko wins the beauty contest...the Citizen's bezel is just a bit too wide relative to crystal surface area...to my trained eye...and the Seiko nails this proportion. But...but...the game changer for the Citizen is...its Titanium chassis. I love Ti. Reason is, all day wear weight. For me in general, I prefer lighter watches. The stainless bracelet on the Seiko is heavy together the Seiko weighs in at close to 180 grams. A huge difference compared to the Citizen.

[@watchchimp3102]

I recently picked the black one up; already having a couple of the Seiko SPBs I was curious to see how they would compare. My SPB239 is one of my favorite watches so the Barnical had its work cut out for it! That said, although they seem like they should be similar, they have distinctly different feels and personalities. I was surprised that well past my normal honeymoon phase, and despite mentality giving myself permission to change to another watch it was STILL on my wrist! It's just so easy to wear and I love the rubber strap! It does have the issues you noted with the bezel and crown. But it's still a keeper for me and I would only think of moving it on if Citizen upgraded it and fixed the bezel and crown. I got it for a VERY good price so I am pretty satisfied with it!

[@earthenjadis8199]

The Seiko dial is pressed, not applied. Also, should have done a lume comparison. Sticking both on a timegrapher would have been nice.

[@folksurvival]

I wish they made these with an Eco-Drive movement and crown guards.

[@hanscombe72]

Citizen blew my mind in the eighties and nineties. The Ana digi temp. The animated coloured digital graphs for stopwatches. The pilot watches like the wingman looked like they were pulled out of an instrument panel from an aircraft. The don’t do that any more and I think it’s a little sad

[@efenli]

Citizen Best material : Super Titanium , Sapphire Crystal , Eco-Drive or Automatic 👍👍 Hopefully size of Citizen watch more better options 36mm - 37,5mm.

[@Robert-vw3od]

It’s a great watch and it’s very functional

[@ashleywhite4364]

Why not review the bracelet and/or the rubber strap that the watch comes with? Strange

[@gabrielpyh5608]

Pick up the Blue dial for $549+40Duty. Citizen all year long over a Seiko. Watch collection can be a hefty hobby.. spent over $90G for my 10 pc ranging from hundreds to over 10s... Citizen is a must have for sure.

[@chrisp.5272]

My current grail watch, I want black with the titanium bracelet. I wanted a Rolex Submariner but I couldn’t wear that everyday.

[@dado380]

Retrozilla is one of that watches which in live looks incredible,whole design make sense then,I bought it and never regret it, it's my favorite diver

[@adelb2300]

over 900 Dollar? here in europe is the price just 650€ and that is awsome because it ist just the half price of that 62mas from Seiko

[@eddybax1]

That Seiko looks amazing!

[@johnklonaris9136]

I'm really enjoying this style of reveiw

[@victorshikhman]

Funny how criticism works. Before the guys mentioned anything negative, I thought, wow, that's a great looking watch. But as they started pointing out all the little nitpicky issues, I started thinking, meh, I can wait for a better executed iteration.

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

Thank you for the bezel critique, which dissuades me from getting this otherwise very appealing watch.

[@Venmanayan]

you forgot to review it on the wrist itself to see how it wears on big or small wrist

[@canadianty]

Great video, but I was really hoping for a lume shot

[@ahha6304]

Oh that, my Promaster Dive Chronograph Eco got blue lume and it's absolutely beautiful, and Propex Penguin Save the Ocean only got plain green lume LOL

[@Dctrue76]

Nice discussion but not enough light, could barely see the watch’s color, and it even seemed out of focus at times.

[@mkl1464]

Is the bezel scratch resistant or is a ceramic one more reliable?

[@arbacadabra]

I still have the original version (the 52-0110 one) which is a gift from my father, and it's already worn out, and then I'd replaced the bezel insert, the hands with after market product from a seller in Hongkong, and I bought an original new old stock dial from a seller in Lebanon for almost $200 🙈🤦🏽‍♂️😄 But I feel it's worthed all the money spent, and I enjoy wearing it everyday 😁😁

[@woodentulike2no]

Well for me the search is over until I am able to afford a Rolex no Date Submariner this will be the watch on my wrist I've been searching for this watch in this configuration for a long time and it will become my everyday wear over the other 60-odd watches I currently own

[@alexandercamu7464]

RE ISSUE is INSPIRED by the Citizen 52-0110 .............. BUT the model re issued is closer to the earlier model (1976) CITIZEN 62-6198 ... the bezel is same layout as the 1976 62-6198, the LUME PLOT next to the date window is the same as layout of the dial on the 62-6198 too

[@jersaunders3538]

Great video guys really nice looking watches if you didn't have them on NATO straps, makes the watches look cheep and way to big on the wrist.

[@Vox-Populi]

Could you please measure the width of the actual face (the dial itself) of the watch?

[@Make_SPQR_Great_Again]

I saw this one at the store, and I would say the finishing is really wonky. Orient all the way baby.

[@alannavarrete8338]

What is the name of the seiko watch compared in this video?

[@wornandwound]

Hi! That watch is the Seiko Prospex SPB149

[@jayjay9932]

Should have been on 316L stainless steel and on H-link bracelet.

[@johnbuckmaster569]

Mercedes hands? Nope! I have a half dozen citizen divers in my collection… Most of them are from the promaster line… Anything but Mercedes hands And that’s when would already be on order.

[@ojsimps701]

I like different that doesn't jive

[@traquakuppler]

Titanium!!!!

[@zillsburyy1]

best promaster is the full lume dial auto

[@markcoffman494]

For how much they are asking for it. I don’t think it’s worth it at all… for $450 maybe… but not at almost 1k

[@victorshikhman]

Citizen street price will probably be $750ish. And then there's jomashop...

[@Corkboard753]

found nearly nib on watchuseek for 425. For that price I don't think it can be beat.

[@max.loves.watches]

It can be had for $450 now from ADs, which is what I paid. At that price I don't think the value is debatable.

[@PeepingTime]

👀

[@johnrb9397]

The barnacle bezel.

[@Anirossa]

If only got the miyota inside the seiko case

[@Ilove2377]

A poor man’s pelagos

[@M3LTUP]

Except this came before Pelagos. This is based on Citizen 52-0110 that came out in the 70s.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Mercedes hands ruin's it Mercedes hands Rolex only & i don't care for them then .

[@jicalzad]

Yeah, for some reason the Mercedes hands just doesn’t look right on it

[@guidine7]

But the Mercedes hands are original to the 1970s Challenge Diver 💁

[@Barnaby_bo]

Meh

[@keikawahara6875]

unfortunately it's made in china.

[@Make_SPQR_Great_Again]

Yeah san martin could have done a better job at much cheaper price! Japanese are so greedy.

[@ClaesNorin]

The bracelet is made in China. But the clock is made in Japan.

[@johnrb9397]

No

[@POLO8072]

Basically an overpriced try at upmarketing their dive watches.

[@htschmerdtz4465]

the 9061 is a Seiko movement.

[@wornandwound]

The 9051 here is a Miyota movement, which is a 65% subsidiary of Citizen Watch Co.

[@RobertSmith-us7gs]

This watch is better than seiko sumo .....and similar offerings...good watch