The Best Diver's Watch Under $150!

[@jamescole322]

I bought my son a blue-faced version of this, with a blue&white Marine Nationale strap, for his GCSE graduation (at 16yo in the UK). It's a stunning watch in blue, and great value for a proper quality Japanese automatic diver. I'm jealous and want one myself!

[@e28forever30]

It is great in blue, agreed! I bet it looks very good on that strap. I would wear it on a nato strap.

[@jimmccaig7946]

That’s a helluva cool gift 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@acomingextinction]

That's a great choice of gift!

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I bought myself the same watch one of my favorite .

[@oscarosullivan4513]

Good gift and it is pool safe in comparision to the watches his peers wear

[@gamesetmatt23]

This is a perfect example of why it's ridiculous that on-the-fly adjustment isn't standard-issue on watches these days, especially in the $500 and up price-range. If Citizen can do it on a sub $150 watch, why can't others?

[@frankdux5693]

And quick release straps and bracelets. My Chris ward trident has both and strap changes a dream. Hate taking bracelet off and on my planet Ocean for example.

[@the_once-and-future_king.]

Now _that_ is the big question!

[@roamready9732]

The answer is 'more money.' Like field of dreams "If you build it they will come," in this case "if you only offer it on top-tier models, they will buy it!" -That said I am on your side and would love more budget models to feature "on-the-fly" adjustments.

[@metatechnologist]

That and the lume pip. If Citizen can do it here that's just making Seiko outright chintzy imo.

[@javichaguin1593]

Where is under 150? In Spain is 200€

[@simon1003]

Had one of these for 6 months now, love it. Very well made. I didn't find the bracelet THAT bad, it's very comfortable, doesn't nip my hairs, and the extension system is a godsend in the Summer months.

[@danielbroniekjensen9887]

I hope so im getting one with the lume dial now. Thanks for the comment!

[@thenotanclan]

I had one of these ‘lefty’s’ - take it off the bracelet - put it on a top quality rubber strap and you have a genuinely better wearing watch than the SKX at less than half the current cost - grab one - they’re great

[@brianmsahin]

I've been diving for years and have an SKX, but you're right, change the bracelet for a strap and you have a better watch. The SKX is a venerable old icon at this stage and it's kind of pointless comparing new release to it anymore. I'm the first to admit, though being fond of and nostalgic about the old Seiko, most new divers are better these days.

[@thomasdillon3008]

@@brianmsahin Seeing as the SKX was released in 1996 and the Citizen NY0040 (this watches predecessor which it's practically the same as) was released in 1997 I don't think it's too pointless comparing the two...

[@brianmsahin]

@@thomasdillon3008 Not to be nit picky.....this version wasn't released until 2018.

[@stealthtowealth2167]

I bought this watch at that exact price a few months ago, Starbuy hey? Great watch, shit bracelet. Looks fantastic on a nato and the glossy black dial is beautiful. Very solid little watch

[@ash9058]

@@stealthtowealth2167 I bought a pepsi version in the same sale, great little bargain.

[@ficwith3]

I've had one of these dinosaurs for over 20 years and it's bulletproof. The LH crown makes it really comfy (no crown digging into the back of the hand). And some things never change: Citizen's bands and bracelets are still crap. Like Vostok, factor in binning them instantly. And, as with Vostok, you have a very tough diver at a seriously reasonable price.

[@TheWatchtowerWatchReviews]

While I agree, the bracelet on this Promaster looks shocking, the one on the Promaster GMT World Time I reviewed is actually very good, bordering on excellent!

[@TWS001]

Thr NY0040 was used by the Italian navy as far as I'm aware, thats enough for me.

[@davidstjohn7943]

@@TheWatchtowerWatchReviews Likewise the bracelet on the pepsi GMT diver and the excalibur. Citizen are just wildly inconsistent. The rubbers are the same: either supple and comfy or so stiff you could use them as a cosh, and little rhyme or reason to it since it doesn't correspond to the price of the watch. I'm a Citizen fanboy, and I possibly collect straps as much as I collect watches, so I'm not the most balanced here. But Citizen watches are on the whole (outside the more Argos/department store offerings) such good quality and value that I wouldn't say bracelet/strap quality should put anyone off. You can swap these out and you're left with a functional beauty.

[@tresconik]

how often did you service it?

[@ficwith3]

@@tresconik Once, so far, and really should give it another one...

[@earthenjadis8199]

I'm on the waitlist for one of these. I bought a whole bunch of Cadisens from the AD to build the relationship up for this one. Taking him out for lunch next week (covid-safe).

[@gamesetmatt23]

Hahaha, this had me laughing 😂

[@grogthegrolie]

That's a lot of effort. Thankfully, I'm a self-made thousandaire and paid an outrageous markup to get one from the guy in Rowland Heights.

[@MessagingMatters]

Hopefully the AD gave you the full treatment, including a Sanka and an Oreo cookie.

[@dosprompt5418]

That's the only way to get a relational piece like this. Wear it in good health.

[@Regulusryan]

r/watchcirclejerk getting out jerked again

[@minorityofone1510]

Jodie your "Hellooooo and Welcome!" always makes my day! My Citizen auto diver watch on a nylon strap is my favourite and still going strong after 20 plus years. It cost me 140 GBP back then and they are now around 160-180 GBP.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Now that's value, divided over two decades.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

@@JustOneMoreWatch Hey Jody, why didn't you mention where you found it for only $199 ??

[@oscarosullivan4513]

How is the lume

[@red75v67]

Really makes you wonder why Seiko binned the SKX. Other than Vostok this has to be the best Diver's value. Great video as ever Jody.

[@henryviiifake8244]

Easy. Force people into picking one of the more expensive Tutrle models (that undoubtedly have a higher profit margin) or one of the new Seiko 5s (that some are calling the "5KX") which are objevtively less good for diving (100m vs 200m of the SKX). The latter, of course, costs Seiko less to make. 🤷‍♂️ Edit: To clarify - the watches themselves are not the problem, *Seiko's business strategy is* (so is their QC, but I think Jody's already covered that enough 😅).

[@patrickriarchy6054]

@@henryviiifake8244 Exactly. Sell an objectively worse watch for the same money.

[@G-rig6969]

Not wrong, was way to late to the party for an iconic skx007. All the new prospex are massive in size and over priced for old movements and hardlex, the idea is good value for the cheaper ones

[@patrickriarchy6054]

@@G-rig6969 Thats why so many people are going for Heimdallr and Steeldive watches. NH35s and Sapphire. They are like pre upgraded Seikos.

[@zakiahmad7766]

Vostok is absolutely garbage.

[@sneak880]

I've got two of these leftys... The NY0040 and the NY0087, alongside an SKX and an Orient Triton in my kit. They all have their own character, but the Citizens are probably my favourites!

[@henrylee8510]

I had 2 of the NY0040s, the full lume and the blue dial. Sold them and didn't lose money. Better than Skx IMO. Unbeatable value.

[@davekloss4884]

This is my first Citizen automatic, and I couldn't be happier. This is a sporty, agressive-looking watch. It's a great choice under €200 for people looking for something a bit different in their collection. Great look and finishing, and the bezel action is solid, with spot-on alignment. Caliber: mine came with the 8204 caliber (as indicated by the hang tag), which means it hacks. That's awesome, and really delivers even more value for money. If I'm seeing it right, the version with the 8204 caliber comes in a normal watch box, not the plastic oxygen tank that many of these Promasters are delivered in. If this is the tradeoff for hacking, that is MORE than fine with me. So far, I measure +10 seconds a day. Lume: I read a lot of reviews that the lume on this watch is not "Seiko good," i.e. somehow a bit below the quality of Lumibrite. I think the lume on the Promaster more than holds its own, period. I LOVE the blue shade on the indices, combined with the green tone on the lume pip. The lume is still legible early in the morning, which for me is the true test of any lume, placing it on the same level as Seiko's Lumibrite. Conclusion: If you're looking for a cool-looking diver that brings something different to your collection, and that won't break the bank, this watch is definitely worth a look.

[@bettersteps]

I've owned this watch for years. Fantastic watch and keeps amazing time. Has great Italian Military history. You got that for $150? What a deal! That Citizen is better than an SKX all day.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Aye! A deal even a Scotsman can be proud of!

[@nunziogambale5986]

My wife bought me this exact watch a few Christmases ago… love it!

[@fedomandez]

The Marina Militare's version was 300m. But I think it was practically the same watch

[@jamestomlinson9679]

@@fedomandez it’s basically the same watch albeit the ny0040 but was actually tested and labelled 500 m

[@bettersteps]

@@jamestomlinson9679 500m is correct. Says 500m on the dial but if you look at the case-back it still says 200m. Best money I ever spent on a watch was the NY0040. Incredible value.

[@S-Ltd1000]

I had the full lume version a few years back and loved it. At the time it was discontinued pushing up the prices so I cashed in and sold it on for £300 but I regretted letting it go. It appears to have been recently reissued and can be had for around £150 if you can find one. Edit 2023; Full lume came back into stock on Amazon so I jumped on one from the latest batch before they sold out and so happy to have one again. The older ny0040s also have the upgraded 8204 so good to see Citizen prolonging the life of this model. I used to wear mine on a strapcode super engineer which I still have but I think these look just right on the original rubber strap so I've left it as standard.

[@charlie-obrien]

I have the old NY0040 Black dial and bezel. It is my favorite watch for just about any use or occasion, except formal. It is all the things Jody mentioned, very accurate, very legible day/date complication and good bezel. But the reason I wear it so often is that it is so darn comfortable. I think it is the combination of the proportions, weight, crown placement and also the cushion case, that never binds on your wrist. I'm glad to see this newer version has maintained all of those elements. Now that they've added hacking maybe I will add the "Pepsi" version to my stable for the summer. At under $200 it is a very good deal indeed.

[@me_random_gerard]

I've owned this for one year now. It's for sure the most accurate watch in my collection. I love it and I've worn it through last winter and I have no complaints. It is a well built watch that rivals the SKX.

[@thewatchfemme4051]

I missed the SKX boat and have a 5KX, which I do truly love. Wore it all summer swimming and lifeguarding. Owned a green Kamasu at the same time, first time I wore it in the pool the crystal fogged up and I jumped out and chucked it in my bag. Immediately sold it thereafter. So while I am not a diver, never will be one we all love the legitimacy of having a real dive watch at affordable prices. While I’m not the biggest Citizen gal this is very tempting! Thanks again, Jody!

[@skzion2]

You should have demanded a warranty fix. The Kamasu was obviously defective. It's easily resistant for everything except scuba. It may be usable for scuba, but Orient warns against this. Its Diver's watches are much chunkier.

[@whatsstefon]

I have two, and a couple of Vostok Amphibias. Lasted longer than both my SKX’s. I’ve never once felt that the single direction winding has caused any issues what so ever. In fact, I’ve never once given it a second though.

[@arielargo]

Long Island Watch just released a jubilee style and an oyster style bracelet for this Citizen Promaster NY0040. Solid endlinks, solid links and milled clasp! Finally a decent bracelet for these! 🙌

[@watchingbrief7072]

I have the NY0040 and it’s very accurate. Way better than my SKX009.

[@Colorado_Ronin]

I wanted an SKX, but wasn’t willing to spend $300+ for one. So I went with the NY-0040 and love it

[@GerryNaughton]

I remember asking you why no #citizen content a while ago and you said they were boring! Glad you have come to your senses. I have one of the originals. I got it 20 years ago and sent it for a service recently. They sent me a brand new watch!!

[@diamantissvigos6122]

I have a blue sunburst dial promaster on a rubber strap. That blue is really unique and it has to be one of the most beautiful dials out there. It also wears a lot better than both the skx and the kamasu.

[@ocb05]

The bracelet is indeed rattling and not solid, but in return, the reduced weight is a massive advantage to some (including me), who value lightness instead of a chunk of metal.

[@brianmsahin]

İn my years of diving, I've never seen any ISO certified watch for that price. It's also cheap enough that I wouldn't feel bad about putting the bracelet in the recycling bin and putting a nice rubber strap on it. The case is definitely Seiko SKX style hence it's comfortable fit. Though as a lefty I still wear my watch on my left wrist!

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Indeed Brian, it hasn't left the rubber strap, and isn't likely to!

[@G-rig6969]

Are you guys taking about a nice aftermarket rubber strap or the genuine chunky citizen one with the markings. I'm sure you could sell the bracelet cheap, or at least n the recycle bin

[@acegunner2001]

Great vid. I know this is 2 years later, but I just bought this watch and love it. Also, I'm a Memphis Boy and grew up 5 miles from Sun Studios, so the shirt hits home!

[@boristabacsplatt6609]

Thanks Jody, for another excellent detailed but pithy review. Bought a Citizen NY0040 at a huge discount through my local scuba club back in 1994. Since my first dive with it I have loved this watch, and it has had plenty of use both above and below the sea. Passed it over to my son around fifteen years ago when he started white-water paddling. It is still going strong after all these years despite the knocks and scrapes it inevitably picked up on the journey. Thanks to your review, I've got another black NY0040 on its way to me from Amazon. Cost me just a shade under £150 delivered - bargain!

[@hubertuswolfthaler]

Not sure if weaker lume on the hour markers always means they’re stamped; pretty much all Seiko Prospex models have stamped markers, and they still glow like nothing else.

[@jefferyneu3915]

I actually like 60 click bezels. They line up very easily, compared to 130 click bezels. This would be a first great tool diver watch for a young diver.

[@jhatgotagat300]

“ it would be magnificent if it wasn’t so awful” Jody I enjoy how you explain things. It’s true also about the rolled links.. I would buy this to daily then also to sit my other 2 diver watches in my box and wear once a week but I don’t want to do that. Could be a good gift tho with some matching straps and a silicone strap.

[@dmks2146]

I love my ny0040. It's thinner and overall less chunky than my skx and it stays within 3secs/day even when it's on low charge. The bezel has room for stuff to escape (sand, hair etc.) so I never had to remove it. And I mean what's not to love about the underpants at 12 o clock.

[@kegulalo]

I got one of these because of this video. I have slightly smaller wrists than Jody so I have less of the removable links in the bracelet. Because of that it is less likely to pull my arm hairs out(extra hairy arms). It is one of my favorite watches in my collection. I have the old NY0040 and the lume on this one is way better and the hacking function makes it easier to appreciate. One of the best deals in you can get for less than $200.

[@mediaman1554]

I discovered this watch a few months ago and I thought it was done for lefties or "destro" as Marina Nationale called the right hand users. But the girl at the store told me that this model was "refined" according with many scuba divers that always complained about getting the crown at the wrist whenever they do some movements with the watch at the left hand. So, it seems that is its acctually the result of listening the clients. I think it is gorgeous for the price point, although the quality of the bracelet, which sits fairly, and will work perfectly for its intended use DIVING!!! :)

[@p.j.mendes]

Great opening: " welcome to 2021,the year where everything costs a fortune"...indeed...from watches to gas...greetings from Brazil. Happy Citizen fan here...

[@frankieracing1048]

I have one of these in blue on the blue rubber and i love it! The important thing to know about this model it that it was chosen and used in the Italian army. They tested it a lot and found that they are actually resistant to 500m of pressure. TGV made a good video talking about it...

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I bought mine after watching TGV a few years ago .

[@friendlynomad9840]

I've owned mine for a couple years. It's my favorite diver, by far. I'm really tempted to get the full lume dial variant. Great video!

[@e28forever30]

Military pedigree, comfortable size, accurate movement, unique look, and not expensive. What more could you want? You can upgrade the bracelet to a solid link jubilee from Long Island Watch, makes it look much better ! I picked up an NY0040 with the blue dial in very good condition for a mere 100€, unbeatable value.

[@adamslarke5483]

I have the blue one with red logo and 200m on the dial. Not sure what the difference is - maybe mine is an old one. But i love it!

[@lulul]

i've been recommending these citizen all the time, i don't know why it's not the default budget diver..

[@skzion2]

I didn't know it existed, and it hasn't been mentioned elsewhere.

[@lulul]

@@skzion2 that's true, the big channels mostly talk about seikos because people want to watch those videos.. Recently Peter kotsa did a video on this too and there are smaller channels also.. I prefer the Pepsi variant to the coke but this looks also great..

[@G-rig6969]

Citizen, lorus and Invictus have always been good budget brands, just need to filter out the junk models

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I have the Pepsi version on rubber strap love it !

[@davidstjohn7943]

@@lulul Peter Kotsa basically sold me the watch. He did a great job with the video. So has Jody. Glad to see these channels singing the praises of gems like these.

[@Furniture121]

It's nice to see Citizen watches getting their due in the watch space, I always found it odd that Seiko has a cult following, and Citizen was ignored. Personally I'd choose the Citizen over any Seiko near it's price, for two reasons. 1) I have owned Citizen watches for 15+ years and never had an issue with them. 2) I like wearing watches that aren't the "must have" watches.

[@davidstjohn7943]

There's a few of us Citizen heads about. We're just not organised! This is probably culturally specific, so apologies if it doesn't scan, but I've always felt like going Citizen over Seiko was like saying Pumas were better than Adidas back in school. And that's exactly what I said and, twenty something years later, I still reckon I was right. So it is with Citizen. Love them.

[@Furniture121]

@@davidstjohn7943 I can understand the reference, despite being Canadian. In Canada Nike was "normal", and Adidas/Puma was "exotic", and "European". We went through a phase in the '90s when Umbro, or Kappa were the coolest things ever. It's essentially being a bit "hipster", without the ironic plaid, and suspenders.

[@davidstjohn7943]

@@Furniture121 I feel silly now, sat here in my pumas, promaster and suspenders. Seriously, though, I think you're right, and there can be something reactive going on: everyone loves Seikos and then there's a kind of response to that, "well I like Citizens, actually". But that'll arc through; then we'll see a more mainstream backlash to Seiko, and then maybe Citizen becomes the darling, and then a subset starts saying, "well I think Luminox [or whoever; who knows?] are doing some really challenging work" and then Citizen becomes passe and on and on. I guess the key is to just like what you like and not worry about it. And I like Pumas and Citizens. But not really suspenders.

[@alaththar819]

I have Older version. The NY-0040. It's special watch for me, it's the watch that I Choose to woear during my sister wedding. Since my father has been passed away few years before the wedding, so I must take the responsibility.And yes wear it using tropic style rubber strap. Citizen also made another smaller diver. it's the citizen NY-2300.

[@PaulewingStHelens]

I've got NY0040-09EE which comes with the black divers wrist band and it's got the 8204 movement inside but on the dial it says 8203. Great watch and excellent value.

[@M3LTUP]

Got one of these about a year ago. Love the Coke bezel(NY0085) . Looks totally awesome on a red rubber strap. The Pepsi bezel looks better on a blue strap. These are a steal under 300. The Lefty crown is quirky but it's cool.

[@Nickos1b]

I brought it six months ago. On my country it was €150 which is still a bargain. On the other hand it doesn't hack so it is the older movement inside mine. So as you mentioned the bracelet was nasty, it removed every hair from my wrist and I now enjoy it on a nice rubber strap. Excellent for every day, my alternative beater after my other favourite beater the Explorer-esque Edifice EF-125 (You should review it some day)

[@3rdpig]

It's a good looking watch for the price, I love the Citizen handsets. But I think I'd opt for the Eco Drive model. I'm becoming enamored of solar watches lately and I think I'm up to 4 now, a Citizen Skyhawk, 2 Casio Pro Treks and a Chinese North Edge.

[@mcanever]

Holy cow, I got the pepsi version literally 1 week ago, and was a bit sad not to find Jody's review of this one. Happy to see it's approved. :) Those short lugs work well without any end links. I put mine on an engineer bracelet and it looks gorgeous.

[@james241ish]

I bought one at least 15 years ago and still have it and it's still great. In fact I appreciate it more today because I know more about watches 😝 and it has more company.

[@christianvalenzuela9528]

Purchased one 1 year ago and I agree with all your points... still... a bloody good watch and dressed up on a different strap.

[@dogsarebetterproductions]

Got it for $219 from starbuy on the rubber. They removed the iso info on the strap and it actually looks better. Rate it. Black Friday could be another opportunity there. Good work.

[@knutjunker2019]

I have exactly this citizen in my Collection and i love it, it‘s my daily beater: robust, reliable, accurate and pithy looking on a rubber strap (the bracelet is horrible). But what i noticed in nearly every review: you say the bezel is blasted. It‘s not, it is obviously circular brushed and fits the upper case perfectly.

[@SilencedMi5]

THE MARKINGS ON CITIZEN WATCHES ARE LASER ETCHED, *NOT* PRINTED!!! They do not fade. Great vid mate!

[@richardshaw1968]

About time! This was my first auto, I’ll never get rid, you can fit a better citizen bracelet to it, mine came on a rubber strap, nice touch on the strap with it being reinforced with a steel tube to stop it tearing. Just need someone to do ceramic inserts for it, I can only find metal ones.

[@BongoManal]

So funny: Just ordered one of those yesterday to scratch this watch itch - saving up for something different and more expensive, but I really am looking forward to wear this beautiful Citizen. Just so original and interesting. What a coincidence! And btw: The costs for general life do explode around the globe it seems. Best regards and thanks for your work Jody!

[@icalexander]

The Citizen NY series are just gold. I wish that they weren't so darn expensive to get in Canada, only way to get them is eBay and it's usually $350 or so depending on model. The one thing I will say is that for a dive watch I think the eco drive may be a better buy here, the idea that you never have to open the case back to change batteries or service the movement, and if you do you send it to citizen where it gets new seals, means that I think overall in the long run for a dive watch something solar is more practical, if you're actually diving or snorkeling. That said I like the look of the NY series over the eco drive model and will probably still buy the auto anyways, realistically the movement is so cheap that if it does need service you just buy a new movement and have it popped in and then have the seals done by a watch maker and you're good for another probably 10+ years.

[@ΓιώργοςΜήτσου-π7ψ]

Mine is steadily under +1s/day. I want to wear my other watches but I just can't put it out of my wrist because of it's excellent performance, reliability and accuracy.

[@NotoriousK_I_T]

I've had 3 of these. I now have the titanium version with the green sunburst dial and it's absolutely glorious.

[@mrbacchus6127]

Love the glossy dial on these.

[@calnative4904]

I have quite a few Citizens in my collection, my favorite divers. Citizen yes, Seiko no.

[@raycolwill4939]

I had citizens throughout my childhood, and as I result they really got beaten.but I got to say it ,they have always been so robust..I had a chronograph that was rated to a 100m ...had no idea as a child that you shouldn't operate the pushers underwater...and yet still it kept perfectly synchronised with our school bell!..for the money citizens are hard to beat if not impossible

[@martinrodriguez4101]

Great watch. I bought exactly the same about a month ago and I love it. ( Citizen Promaster NY0085-86EE - Coke) Couldn't resist to order a green (Orient RA-AC0K02E10B) cause I was desperate to have both. I recommend the two watches as they are amazing for the price.

[@chrismccalman8076]

I love it when you review a watch I own and, coincidentally, I was wearing it today on an after market rubber strap. Thanks Jody

[@diogosantos8645]

I have the one with the blue sunburst dial which came with the steel bracelet and the rubber strap, my first automatic,, love it

[@daveyoder9231]

Where are the kittens!?!! I thought that a Miyota 8000 would mean we get to see the kittens again. The references to Vostok were hilarious. Another good one, Jody!

[@simonegiannini2421]

The NY0040 version (which I own) was used by the Italian Navy during the 90's. After some tests they certified the watch for 500mt, not sure if thanks to some mods or straight out of the box though.

[@jamestomlinson9679]

It was literally straight out of the box no mods

[@jeremeymiller3406]

I have this and the eco drive version with the right side 4 o clock crown and I’ll say Unless you absolutely have to have automatic I would highly recommend finding the eco drive version on bracelet the price difference alone is worth the cost of the bracelet your getting real solid links and end links a thin profile fully milled clasp and a solid seamless ratcheting dive extension that I actually prefer over my marinemaster clasps and they come on watches I paid less than $300 for the quality of the two bracelets are worlds apart you’ll be glad you spent the extra $50

[@skzion2]

This is a great get. I finally went with the Pepsi bezel blue dial Orient Star, which cost me $535 out the door. The OS is obviously a watch of superior quality, with spectacular lume. I will be using it for diving. But it is obviously much more expensive. It is also a tank, so I am confident it will survive real diving pressures, but it is noticeably heavy.

[@davidstjohn7943]

Bought one of these a few weeks back. About £160. They are ridiculously good looking, if you like a Japanese/Transformers aesthetic. The bracelet is possibly the worst I've seen; crazy when you can get a Citizen Excalibur with a far superior bracelet for the same price. Does anyone know if these have a nickname? I've put it on an Uncle Seiko red irezumi and dubbed it the Cokezilla, but that's just to amuse myself. Great watch, great vid. Thanks Jody.

[@jperryhal]

great review! This is a really good diver's 200m watch. the diver's extension doubles as an on the fly micro-adjust. you just don't get that in many watches at any price. I have the eco-drive and I think it's a great watch as well.

[@jonkmeister4717]

I only the 0040 Green bezeled model every day at work, I have it on a cheap elastic MN band, love it. And it's tough as hell, I work as a welder and blacksmith, so it gets plenty of heavy vibrations, high tempratures, shocks, magnetic fields etc, it has survived it all with flying colors, some scratches on the mineral but otherwise it works fine, and if you compare it to the saffire crystal field watch I used before, the mineral has survived better when it comes to resisting the sparks from both welder and angel grinder for some reason. Love it

[@gregdavis3246]

I purchased the same as you have October 2022 for A$235.50 plus postage. I have ordered a Baton Elite Silicon band for it as I do not like bracelet bands.

[@timrosenthal46]

I have this exact watch and love it, as you say though the bracelet is a bit ordinary but really who buys a watch because of the braclet/strap , thats an easy fix.

[@deanwaller8283]

Yep,mine lives on a gorgeous tropic fkm rubber strap that REALLY makes the watch pop!

[@christopherjohnson4276]

This review reminds me of the good old days -- of 2018! 😆 Nice surprise seeing this in a new review. Thanks Jody!

[@richkid1970]

Purchased a Citizen Ny0040 for less than $100, and loving it. These watches are a steal at these prices.

[@colbydmay]

Respectfully, I disagree with you about the bracelet. The NY0040 watches on which this series is based could be had with a nearly exact version of this band, and when the NY0040s started drying up, those bands were in pretty high demand. An argument could be made that this version of the band is better, as it doesn't flare up at the lugs (the endlinks were 20mm, but the first links were 22mm). I don't personally mind folded links; others have to get up close and personal to reveal this "shortcoming". I owned an all-black NY0040 on bracelet and never had an issue with hair pulling. The killer feature, of course, is the ratcheting diver's extension/micro-adjustment, and the implementation here looks exactly as it was on the original--right down to the admittedly thin metal and the nice Promaster logo stamped on the outside. I think the intent of Citizen was to release a faithful rendition of the NY0040 series with an improvement or two, and they've pretty much nailed it.

[@imsergio]

I have one of these, and I'm very happy with it. Sits very well on my wrist. The bracelet isn't impressive, but other than that i absolutely love this watch.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Wears very well, doesn't it? Surprisingly well.

[@imsergio]

@@JustOneMoreWatch indeed. you know what? I'll wear it today. Have a good time mate.

[@BrittPearceWatches]

I really like the citizens Coke bezel! Gah! I just wish affordable dive watches fit my wee wrists!

[@balthus9265]

An excellent option, no doubt. Citizen and Orient has been a much better bang for your buck than Seiko lately. The only problem is to find this Citizen for 150 USD, quite a bargain hard to find.

[@jacc88888]

Superb value for money. Prefer the look of the Kamusu though. Jody, have you read Hodinkee’s “An Ode to Rattly Old Bracelets”? A different slant on these cheap, old-fashioned bracelets which you detest. My most comfortable bracelet is a ‘nasty’ rolled link one on my Seiko 5. Can’t feel I’m wearing it. Find the high spec modern ones too bulky personally.

[@josephcarcasole6039]

I have one of these that came on a beautifully soft rubber strap. The strap finally broke, and now it's on a NATO. I highly recommend this watch.

[@garethsigrist8714]

A really nice diver’s watch. Nothing fancy or frivolous, just a rough and ready tool watch. That clasp seems really handy but it’s a shame it’s so rattly and naff 😂 Awesome video as always Jody 👏👏👏👏

[@a_latyshev]

8:20 Jody, I think the lume on the 3 o'clock is a part of the new ISO rating requirements, but good on them to doing that tastefully (not like Seiko on SBP143 re-dials....)

[@cvnikal]

Uploaded 15 seconds ago... the day is already better!

[@stevepapa]

I've been eyeing this diver for a while! Great video as always!

[@sheepdog-kp9hb]

I have 2 the original black and blue ny0040s. Strapcode steel cant go wrong. The black is 8 yrs old and still goin strong

[@RobotMonkeytron]

As you point out, the Kamasu's price point puts it out of contention for this title, but Orient does offer the Mako and Ray that are still available for under 150 USD, if just barely. I've had my Ray II for a few years now, and I'm still quite happy with it. No ISO certification, mind you, but still a great watch for the money.

[@StevenMRSenior]

Bought the blue eco drive one last week. Here in the uk they can both be got for around the same price if you hunt around.

[@glitchedoom]

I always associate Citizen with their Eco-Drive models so much I forget they have some amazing value autos too. I don't usually like dive watches but even I'm tempted by this.

[@davidstjohn7943]

We don't get the autos in the UK. Just the ecodrives. I've got one of these shipped from Germany, obviously without the usual 5+1 warranty, which is fine at this price. But it's killing me because I'm obsessed with the NB6004, but don't want to pay 100s and 100s for something that isn't under warranty and that I can't take to a service centre. It's an odd one that they've decided the British don't want autos when they sell them in the European market.

[@davidrosenblum2178]

I think I may have paid less for my Eco-Drive Promaster in blue on a rubber strap and it is a favorite go-to piece. Knowing that this has a hacking movement makes it something I’d wear. And it like the Eco-Drive would be a strap monster. Cheers!

[@sanjsharma8184]

Jody, talking about used car prices going up in value, how's your LS430 running? Looking at getting one myself when the right one turns up. They're appreciating fast, but I digress. I have the similar blue dialled NY0040 and for a sub £200 'Marina Militare' diver, you really can't go wrong IMO. These watches have been known to reach depths of 500m with no issues. Not that we're ever going to go that deep, but it goes to show how well made they are.

[@saccaball]

I love my Citizens no QC issues and everything lines up.

[@oktc68]

My Seiko Tuna-Lite has odd (?) Bead blasted bezel and crown. Very grippy tho'. This is a cracking watch for diddly squat. How's the rotor? Some of the Citizen pieces are quite noisy that's if you can hear it above the surely rattly hair pulling bracelet! Great video, so glad your channel survived the recent assassination attempt.

[@richhancock3110]

I’m a big fan of citizen, but this watch color variation was done by pagani design the 007 version, I know it’s not rated for a dive watch, but it also has a automatic movement, sapphire crystal and I have went swimming with it with no fear, for under 130$ maybe there is some value in the Ali express watches lol and I believe it’s well ok to take to 200m depth if you go diving

[@stephenward3468]

I have the Citizen Eco-Drive 200m Solar powered the rotating bezel is the same as the watch you are reviewing.Citizen are good my one hits the minute and hour markers spot on.Being a bench jeweller,quality is important to my eye.

[@AbdulRWatches]

I really think also the Eco Drive version is one of the best value for money divers, especially with the green, blue and red colours.

[@lulul]

They just announced 2 new limited editions Marvel models a Pepsi (captain America) and a red and gold (ironman) in that line..

[@AbdulRWatches]

@@lulul ohhh that makes my decision even harder, thanks for the heads up 😁👍

[@magnang]

I have a Ray II, this strikes me as very similar, maybe better specs for actual diving. But the ray's style seems more versatile for everyday use, wearing to the office etc. Great review as always!

[@deanwaller8283]

Sorry,but no,the ray is very pretty,but it's not an ISO certified dive watch,and nor does it have the military history of the ny00 series

[@magnang]

@@deanwaller8283 better specs on the Ray I think. 41mm is a better size than 43. Better lume on the ray and better movement. But for sure Citizen NY for diving.. pretty cool that you can get ISO certified and also used by the italian navy which is cool.

[@milanradisavljevic5692]

would like to test the titanium model... a little more pricey though.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

I'll add it to the list mate!

[@milanradisavljevic5692]

@@JustOneMoreWatch thanks mate! best watch youtuber - good to have you back. BTW: I would really love to read into your academic papers - those look pretty interesting to me, as a geopolitics obsessed man.

[@milanradisavljevic5692]

and by the way... I went completely crazy with my Fugu purchase after the boring but brilliant black SKX. I got myself the full lume dial, which of course is never worn.

[@wafarris]

I've gotten to try on the green titanium version. It feels really good and Citizen does a great job with titanium getting the color and finish looking good. Pretty watch. It was very tempting but I already have an NY0040.

[@e28forever30]

It’s pricey but it looks very cool with the green and blue sunray dials. Should have a better bracelet too. Found it for around 320€, so that’s double of this one..

[@coenijn]

The bracelet may be horrible but you can buy solid bracelets + end links for these on eBay. Engineers bracelet looks great on this too. I love mine, but its the Pepsi version.

[@brantisonfire]

Just ordered a blue dial version on Jomashop for about $170 w/ free shipping. Hoping this one will be one of the mix-up versions with 8203 on the dial but with an 8204 under the hood.

[@xBonyKnees]

love that you're doing more Citizen watches!!

[@Toops73]

I have the black version cost a hell of a lot to get one here in NZ. Love the bracelet ratchet and the washing machine effect of the rotor. Brought a Heimdallr full lume homage also which is 👍

[@mazzochi2028]

I have an NY0040, love it, but someone once mentioned the pair of Y-fronts at the 12. Cannot unsee it now.

[@jaysterling26]

I think of mine as a bull's head(!). It's a mantra though so not to think of what you called it.