The Last Best Affordable ISO Diver: Citizen ProMaster (NY0040-09W)

[@DaFox13]

I have this exact model and I love it. It is my favourite diver and I have a lot of divers…

[@Realidealgear]

It's a solid choice for a diver. I'm a lume nut so I'm biased to full lume dials with high contrast handsets, the only downfall of this watch. Have a great week.

[@iaminflatable]

Who cares about the strap? I think a true watcher immediately replaces a strap. Mine is accurate to 6 seconds or less per day! Love it!

[@Realidealgear]

That’s an accurate watch! Have a great weekend.

[@Solaar_Punk]

I usually do except on the seiko prospex arnie, that strap was amazing.

[@johanvandersandt8904]

I own the Promaster Eco Drive version with the BGW9. Its one of my favorite watches. Yes the band is a bit stiff but it softens up after a while. The bezel is great and the crown threads beautifully. Its an absolutely great watch and I would recommend it!

[@Realidealgear]

Good to hear that the strap gets more pliable. I love the lume! I know, I have a lume problem.

[@frankgregory8891]

Cant tell the time in the middle of the night.@@Realidealgear

[@djgustavvo]

Great review. It reminds me a lot of the good-old 90's Citizen watches. The good thing is that this one is still affordable.

[@Realidealgear]

I agree. It’s nice to see a watch company commit to maintaining access to an affordable, quality watch.

[@Solaar_Punk]

That's because it's exactly the same as the one that was released in the 90s. Only the innards have changed.

[@TGray-nd9dc]

That opening theme song used to play before "The Cannon Mess" on WCCO AM in Minneapolis, brings back great memories!!

[@Realidealgear]

That’s the song.

[@TGray-nd9dc]

@@Realidealgear Did you listen to Cannon Mess? My dad always had it going on the jobsite. They don't make radio like that anymore.

[@Realidealgear]

I did. I remember when opening deer hunting weekend when my dad would pick us up early from school and head north…we’d hear the Cannon Mess “Hey Gang…” with Steve Cannon’s voice booming and all of his alter egos (Ma Linger, Backlash Larou) during his college football prognostication happening every fall, Friday as my brother and dad and I were heading up north to go deer hunting. Great memories.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Serious tool watch 👍 The strap is designed to last. The soft straps only last 3-5yrs. I've got a 15yo Citizen dive strap that's still perfect. Soft Casio straps last less than 5yrs. I get what you mean about the day/date font. It's the standard dress watch part. A bold model specific day/date would be great 👍

[@Realidealgear]

That makes sense...it is an ACTUAL diver after all.

[@jacobt1027]

I'd take having to put another $20 strap on it every couple years vs dealing with a stiff and uncomfortable stock strap every time i wear it

[@bushpig6837]

There's yt videos on how to get a better fit. Basically find which hole you want to wear it on and put it around a case-cushion on that hole, then lower it into a mug of boiling water (just the strap, not the watch head) then after 5 minutes transfer it to a mug of iced water. It takes on that new shape and is a lot more comfortable. I've tried it, it works.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

@@bushpig6837 That's not the problem I'm talking about. I'm talking about how Casio straps crack and fall apart. Citizen straps are soft and comfortable...

[@bushpig6837]

@@edwardfletcher7790 OK, great. My reply was more towards @jacobt1027 saying the strap was stiff and uncomfortable.

[@mikewazowski6161]

Citizen all the way !

[@Realidealgear]

Absolutely

[@kenamaro3942]

Thats a beautiful watch, i really like it. I have the Promaster BNO 150, been wearing it each day for almost a year now. It came on that horrible, stiff, uncomfortable rubber/polyurethane band. I wore it for a month and realized that it had to go. I bought a stainless bracelet from Long Island Watch, BRAC35 oyster style and never looked back, its real nice and dresses up the watch quite substantially.

[@Realidealgear]

I'll look into the bracelet version. Does it come with an adjustable on-the-fly clasp? Is that even an option? Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Nefville]

I have a 44mm Ecodrive Promaster Diver, have had it for a few years and I love it. You don't get Seiko issues with these, everything lines up, even the crown always screws down logo up. I like mine so much I just got this exact full lume version from Jomashop for $189 and a bracelet from Long Island Watch for $60. Its going to be for work so I wanted something tough.

[@Realidealgear]

The bracelet on the this watch would is a great upgrade. Thanks for sharing!

[@OscarOSullivan]

What field do you work in

[@Erick925]

Thanks for the review Tim! I already own a blue dial NY0040, but just picked up the full lume version from Jomashop after seeing this video. Definitely a unique piece.

[@Realidealgear]

Good choice. Let me know what you think when you get a chance to break it in… and light it up! Take care.

[@Erick925]

@@Realidealgear Man I've had this thing for almost a year now and love it! Threw it on a shark mesh and it's really hard to take off.

[@bushpig6837]

This watch has become my GADA watch. I used to generally wear a Speedmaster to work (office) and a Protrek at weekends. Now I wear the black dial version of this watch all week and all weekend, unless I'm actually going hiking and want a compass/altimeter watch. It fits all situations, it's low key enough in the office, and tough enough for exercise or beach duties. It keeps amazing time, usually less than +5sec/week. I also have the full lume dial version in this video as I was initially sent that in error when I first bought the black dial version. So if someone is looking for one I have a new one going spare. It doesn't owe me much as they gave me a partial refund to keep it. I spent a week looking at it but decided it was a little loud for the office and re-ordered the black one.

[@Realidealgear]

Excellent accuracy on the black dial version. I just saw that Long Island Watch has SS bracelets for this. I’m considering that. Have a great weekend!

[@jackiemoon_lms]

I’m curious about the lume dial you’re selling! Been eyeing it for a very long time.

[@bushpig6837]

​@@jackiemoon_lms If you're interested, we can figure out a way to get in touch. Every time I try to put any sort of contact details YT removed my comment.

[@1968jpy]

I own the NY0086 Pepsi Fugu on bracelet with the 8204 movement. Love this watch , it’s incredible 👍🏻

[@Realidealgear]

I hear the Fugu is the way to go now...I'm keeping that idea in my notebook of ideas. Have a great week.

[@nobody2021]

i have a BN0150 that i'm pretty sure has the same strap. something i like in theory about the two separate keepers is that you can slide one close to the buckle and one to the end to keep the slack tight, but in practice, moving the buckle side one in toward the buckle pulls my arm hair every time. i haven't had the issue you had where the outer one slides around.

[@Realidealgear]

Good info. Thanks for sharing.

[@oscargregory6153]

Totally agree with your comments on the day/date. I own a NY0040-09E and compared to my Seiko Prospex King Turtle, it can be difficult to read. Still a really good looking watch.

[@Realidealgear]

Agreed. It’s staying in my collection. Have a great week.

[@stefpix]

I have the black one. After having bought many watches, I go back to the original and it is one of my favorites. It wears a lot better than the newer Fugu, which is 2mm larger, has sapphire glass and trapezoid hour markers. I had this full lume one and I sold it, because the legibility in the dark is not so good. The hands should be blacked out, as you mentioned, like some vintage Tag Heuer model. The strap is a non issue, as I rubber straps tend to irritate my skin after a while, so i just wear it with a single pass NATO, or better RAF and paratrooper straps from CNS. You can also find aftermarket steel bracelets for cheap. I have the Promaster Eco Drive BN0150, but it is larger, the NY0040 is more elegant and refined, even if it is a tool watch. The Fugu is chunkier. There is an upgraded model the NY0140.NY0141 which has the same look, but has sapphire crystal and more current shape of the hands. But I like the NY0040 larger typeface used on the bezel. I may buy again the full lume, as I wonder if these will be discontinued. The look and design is very unique at a time where there are so many skin divers that all look alike. Or i may get the coke bezel insert one. The Italian navy connection. It was used by a divers' group withing the Italian navy. The watches were selected after passing a 500m pressure test, I am not sure if they used the same or a bigger gasket for the case back. They have "MARINA MILITARE" on the dial instead of "CITIZEN". I know in Italy these seem quite popular. Anyway I bought a tempered glass round screen protector for this watch on Amazn and Alixpress. They are cheap and fit perfectly,. I prefer flat to domed crystals.

[@Realidealgear]

The full line NY0040 really needs a blackout set of hands. The coke bezel insert…I like that color combo. Thanks for watching.

[@stefpix]

@@Realidealgear i think the legibility issue is only with the full lume version NY0040. I have the titanium retro zilla full lume eco drive, the outline on the minute hand is thicker and more legible. I believe ref BN0227 - something

[@frankgregory8891]

Great review!

[@shahsheikh541]

This is a great tool watch for the money,good value!

[@Realidealgear]

Absolutely

[@tempeleng]

Back in 2015 or 2016 on my way to the MRT I stopped by an old watch shop and saw this model but with a blue dial. The price was only RM850, about $180. Ultimately didn't buy it since I already owned one with a black dial but I occasionally remember this and feel some regret.

[@Realidealgear]

It’s an amazing deal and a blue dial would be an interesting color! I’m tempted to get one more. Not sure what color. It’s such a simple design. Have a great week!

[@diahndrummond8238]

Good review. I with Mr. Inflatable. Toss the strap in the garbage and be happy with the watch. A Million strap options that will make the watch even better.

[@Realidealgear]

Absolutely. Thanks for watching.

[@matrixegg]

Good review! Full lume dials look nice, but I'm not a fan of this yellow-greenish colour. Looks like a poisonous mushroom to me. I own the Promaster Ecodrive version (BN0150-10E) and I'm very happy with it. 100% agree with your strap complaints though - very stiff and uncomfortable. I replaced it.

[@johanvandersandt8904]

I have the same one as yours except my bezel is black and my bezel insert is green. BN0155-08E. Absolutely love it!

[@Realidealgear]

I'm going to have to check out the Eco-Drive version. Two votes from watch guys I respect!

[@ImTheDudeMan471]

I own this watch in this full lume color way. If there were 1 negative, it would be that the full lume, on the hands and dial, blend together. Let me explain. It's excellent in daylight and just after dark. The issue is after a few hours (not just a few minutes), both lumes lose illumination and appear fuzzy and blend together. Difficult to differentiate. Not enough contrast. If you stare for a few seconds with poor lume, you can barely see the contrasting hands from the dial. So yes, the hands need blackout or maybe a different color lume. Everything else is excellent👍

[@Realidealgear]

100%. Have a great weekend

[@OscarOSullivan]

I have the blue dialled version wears smaller than the dimensions suggest, mine is on a green-grey CWC G10 strap. Get about plus a minute a week, the dial says 8203 but the caseback says 8204. My favourite watch.

[@Realidealgear]

Hang on to it…the prices are climbing and the supplies are dwindling. It’s. A fantastic, classic diver.

[@knutjunker2019]

I have the NY0085 (Coke) with the 8204 movement and i love it (i don't like the full lumed one, due to the lack of contrast). Reliable, legible, robust, precise and a good bezel-action. It's (almost) my daily beater, looking great on a red lather or canvas strap in summer, but also on a jubilee bracelet from Long Island.

[@Realidealgear]

I like the strap options. Agreed on the full lume being less legible

[@sheepdog-kp9hb]

Great video i appreciate the info. God be with you now and forever amen

[@Realidealgear]

You're welcome. Jesus is my savior...and I'm forever changed and grateful. Like wise to you my friend.

[@vincentmayes9257]

Love the look just use to my orca but had to get full lume dial for the collection

[@Realidealgear]

Ditto on why I’m keeping this Citizen watch. Like the Seiko SKX, it’s has legendary diver status and full lume is icing on the cake. Take care.

[@xpusostomos]

Lumed dial AND hands is silliness. Its ok when fully charged, but makes it hard to see as the night wears on.

[@Realidealgear]

1,000% agree. Not enough contrast. This very issue is what holds me back from the Wise Hitman Full Lume...virtually no contrast during daylight hours which is the majority of time-telling needs.

[@alfredofarias8361]

Hola My friend, excelente trabajo, amó está marca y en especial este diver. Soy dueño dé uno dé estos relojes pero de carga solar,una preciosura. De nuevo muy buen trabajo, saludos desde Argentina y un fuerte apretón de manos!!

[@Realidealgear]

¡Es un placer conocerte! Me gusta mucho la versión solar, pero este reloj mecánico tenía un precio tan bueno que apreté el gatillo. Gracias por los elogios y los mejores deseos para usted en todo el mundo. Feliz navidad amigo. Vuelve y visita de nuevo por favor.

[@Patrick-pm1sn]

I also got he blue dial. Mine running in COSC limits. Rubber strap and metal bracelet not that good, yes, but that has nothing to o with the watch. My bezel is lining up perfect. Nice to know: Bezel needs to work for ISO diving certification even after exposed to saltwater/ dry salt. So a little play is a design feature here required for ISO, so not a negative of the watch. I rate this watch as mich superior to the XKX in every aspect. But you are either team Citizen or team Seiko they say 😂

[@Realidealgear]

I’m definitely team citizen and I like this model a lot. I’m glad this model outlasted the SKX. Have a great weekend!

[@ThePostmillennial]

The bezel is mushy with backplay to accomodate sand and grit (apparently).

[@Realidealgear]

That’s what I’ve heard as well. Thank you for watching!

[@captainkirk9300]

If it has day/date it's gotta be super legible. It's off my list.

[@Realidealgear]

Agreed

[@jouwenlee7829]

Again, great user experience content. I am wearing my 1.5 months old coke bezel version while watching this. 😁 It’s a quirky watch for sure. For one it is one of the few ‘living fossil’ that still being produce the same since 90’s at attainable price. Its capability (should be) to withstand 500m deep water pressure like it used to be, tested and used by Marina Militare. The watch wobble at certain times; resistance to change day that need to make half turn at crown and reverse the movement for each day change (mine is 8204 module, 8203 is less resistance); left side 8 o’clock crown - unique and quirky for me to enjoy it. As for the bezel action, it’ gives confident clicks into each minute precisely without back play. However one can feel the springy/spongy bezel goes down to about 1mm when pressed vertically. No side to side play. Better than Seiko. Yeah, day date though framed but not easy to read. Lume is not as strong and lasting as my Seiko, Orient, Alba etc. but does last all night. The minute hand would be great to distinguish from stout hour hand at night and gives much precise reading if it is longer. But those are acceptable given the heritage and achievement in features and price point.

[@Realidealgear]

Thorough comment and I 100% agree. Legendary dive watch. Have a great week.

[@MyiptvWorld]

Keep in mind that this specific model is the authentic choice by the Italian Navy. I got mine from Italy because there is no other Country in Europe that sells this model...unless it comes from Italy. I love this watch and I also have the Eco Drive version which I enjoy even more just because it gives spot on time (this one goes over 2-3 seconds a day) at night it is hard to see because of the hands being just about the same color. As you said,, the hands should be full on black. Anyway, great watch and I really enjoy it and has great hsitory with the Italian Navy or Marines(what ever we would like to call them)xD.

[@Realidealgear]

Excellent info. Thank you for sharing and that makes sense. This one came from Spain...wouldn't surprise me that it originated from Italy.

[@bushpig6837]

That would explain why the abbreviated days are in English and Italian.

[@michaelk487]

cool❤❤

[@Realidealgear]

Thanks. Take care

[@khole15]

Did you not mention the most important aspect of dimensions? lug to lug? maybe i didnt catch it?

[@Realidealgear]

Thanks for the comment. I didn’t include it. I don’t find that as crucial because the diameter gives a good feel for the surface area. The lug to lug can be rolled into the diameter when the lugs are ‘stubby’ and yet the diameter can be very wide (Seiko Samurai), and wear smaller. Many reviews will compensate for the lug to lug by using case diameter as a way of communicating how it wears in diameter terms. It’s a dimension I don’t find as helpful.

[@khole15]

@@Realidealgear no problem. Imho (and many others) l2l is the most important spec, even more so than diameter.

[@samsoncj]

Great review! What's the difference between NY0040-09W and NY0040 - 50W?

[@Realidealgear]

Thank you. The Dial…09w is full lume dial.

[@samsoncj]

@@Realidealgear thanks for your reply. Even 50W is full lume. I'm not sure if 9W and 50W are same apart from the strap

[@Realidealgear]

I assumed the 50w was a different dial. Looks like it’s as you’ve said, it’s about the strap/bracelet.

[@samsoncj]

@@Realidealgear thank you Sir!

[@B-leafer]

Note: You can soften the strap by vigorously rubbing it with petroleum jelly, wiping off the excess.

[@Realidealgear]

Thanks for the tip.

[@iancatlow9345]

Anybody else have slight play in the bezel and when you tap it you can hear it has a bit of play? I’ve just purchased this and don't want to return it if it's normal? I noticed it's mentioned in this review

[@Realidealgear]

From what I’ve gleaned since this video’s release, it’s normal to have a little play to release grit.

[@iancatlow9345]

​@Realidealgear great thanks.

[@adk7962]

Ah yes… the last of the affordable “real” diver. Not that I do any sort of real or fake diving despite my collection of dive watches. 🤔. Thanks for the great review. Unless that woodpecker was holding a snack, my lazy ass city dog wouldn’t even have tried.

[@Realidealgear]

Thank you for watching. It's a treat to watch a bird dog work.

[@tempeleng]

I own a few dive watches (Seiko, Vostok, Citizen) but when I dive, I depend more on the dive computer. The watches are worn only as backup.

[@handell-f4m]

does this watch has the newer movement with hacking feature?

[@Realidealgear]

yes it does.

[@redred-py4wp]

Cuánto tiempo dura el.lumen encendido??

[@Realidealgear]

El lume dura toda la noche. El lume en las manos hace que la legibilidad sea un poco más difícil durante el día y la noche. Gracias por mirar y tener una gran semana.

[@redred-py4wp]

@@Realidealgear muchas gracias por la pronta respuesta! Excelente video...última pregunta, en mi país sale 500 dólares ( 500 mil pesos argentinos) vale la pena?

[@Realidealgear]

En Estados Unidos cuesta 100 dólares. Utilice este enlace para determinar el tipo de cambio (argentino a dólar estadounidense). www.x-rates.com/table/?from=USD&amount=1

[@emregulsen9609]

Is the new version with the 8204 movement also ISO certified?

[@Realidealgear]

Yes, the newer model has the 8204 and it's also about $300 more (link below). The watch I've reviewed (NY0040-09w) has the 8203 movement. www.citizenwatch.com/us/en/product/NY0155-58X.html?byPassIntlRedirect=true&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=17126643576&cq_term=&cq_med=pla&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&&GGL-CTZ-PMAX-NB-Mens&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAuqKqBhDxARIsAFZELmKi_XvNFkCSAC9QHa2XmqvNLF5Fgh854HodQN18dVi4NgVSaM0QuvsaAt_hEALw_wcB

[@Splash111]

I do with they would make the hands all black or almost all black

[@Realidealgear]

Agreed

[@gfeast4518]

Anyone know where I can still find this for a good price?

[@Realidealgear]

$220 on Ebay (NY0040-09w). They're going up in price.

[@frankgregory8891]

Sent mine back recently because you cant read the time in the middle of the night.I charged the lume with my 1300 lumens flashlight and went to bed.Could not read the time!.This watch needs to have a black hour/minute hand and the luminous dot on the seconds hand should also be black.

[@Realidealgear]

100% agree. Full lume dials need blacked out handset.

[@dark_antihero]

If this was 40mm case then it would be perfect

[@Realidealgear]

Agreed

[@JeeGee114]

It wears like a 40 mm. My SKX feels much larger.

[@johnswatchjoint]

I agree totally. This watch brought me back in and started my renewed watch interest. Check out my take. Well done.

[@Realidealgear]

I will check our your take. Have a great weekend!

[@schiaucugabriel6202]

Clearly a tool watch, I own it along the SKX, the Turtle and the Orient Mako II. More than that, I have a cuple of russians Amfibia.

[@Realidealgear]

The Amphibia is always popping up in other’s collections. I may have to move that directions and see what it’s all about. Thanks for the comment.

[@ElJibaro718]

Looks nice but i don't like wheww rhe criwn is.

[@Realidealgear]

I have to say a lefty crown is a different feel when adjusting the time and date. I find myself using my left hand or rotating the watch so I can use my right hand. It’s different.

[@megasuperlexa2]

I dont think strap is a "feature of the watch". Go out and by yourself a good nato strap, case solved

[@Realidealgear]

I consider the components sold with the watch, the watch (even though the strap can be swapped out). The bezel is therefore in the same predicament. It could be swapped out. I don’t mind the strap…it’s very stiff. Have a great Sunday and thank you for commenting.

[@marcomessina7492]

Great watch but ....Lume is great..........for 7 minutes

[@Realidealgear]

Thanks for commenting. I’d say a bit longer than 7min. Have a great weekend.