Vintage Citizen Diver 52-0110 and Reissue Citizen Fijutsibo NB6021-17E Side by Side Comparison

Side by Side - Vintage Citizen Challenge Diver 52-0110 and the Citizen Fujitsubo NB6021-17E
For more than a decade I had hoped Citizen would reissue the Vintage Citizen 52-0110 or AKA the “Challenge Diver.” I have owned several vintage ones over the years, and still have one in my collection. So when Citizen finally released the Citizen #Fujitsubo (AKA the Barnacle) I was very excited to finally get one. After all the poor reviews when it was first released, I was hesitant. Finally, I managed to get one on my wrist, but how do I feel about it? Was it as bad as the reviewers said, or did I fall back in love once again? If you were on the fence, listen to this review!
Here is a link to my review of the Citizen 52-0110:
kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2LbaaGIorqmj6c
Link to Citizen's site for parts (bracelet):
www.citizenwatch.com/us/en/parts-repairs.html?irclickid=QdFwuw0-KxyPW6HVA0VoJw1jUkF2KzS5w3Sxws0&irgwc=1&Skimbit%20Ltd.
Follow me on Instagram: threehandhunter

[@RabbitWatchShop]

The biggest compliment I can give to a watch channel: I have watched hundreds, if not thousands, of watch reviews in about a 14 year period, and this is one of the best reviews I have watched. Thank you.

[@threehandhunter]

These is the nicest compliment I could get. Your words alone will keep me producing reviews for the community. Thank you 🙏

[@dissident_mantis7]

I own a lot of dive watches because I am a diver, Omega, Tudor, Longines, Oris, Doxa, Seiko… to name a few. I didn’t think I was in the market for a Citizen until this came out… and wow I am a fan. I love my Omega SMP 300 but I can’t imagine diving with it without having a panic attack, and I get frustrated when I get a new scratch on my pelagos. I purchased this watch a month ago and I am in love. It disappears on the wrist and I am not afraid to put it through the ringer because at this point it can be replacable for around 400 bucks. One thing that upsets and also pleases me is that this watch also gets more compliments than the previously mentioned watches. I don’t know why, it’s not particularly “sexy” but it seems to captivate people, especially on a red nato strap like the one from the story. A lot of watches come in and out of my collection, but this one will stay, I just like it.

[@threehandhunter]

Thanks for these comments. I have pinned your comment too because I think it’s important coming from an actual diver. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this, Phil!

[@Matt-uq3in]

400 bucks in UK £695 😮

[@threehandhunter]

@@Matt-uq3in Inflation is a mother......ugh

[@DragoBozovic-o5g]

​@@Matt-uq3in800bucks

[@DeeeGeee301]

@dissident_mantis7 when I owned the Fujitsubo, I thoroughly loved it until I took it to the beach once and the bezel jammed up. Even after rinsing it under the sink and soaking it in warm water, I couldn’t restore the bezel action. It was gritty and sticky since. So I sold it. I wonder if you also had a similar experience since you use it for diving 🤔

[@ClubmanGT1971]

There’s just something about the beauty and history of Japanese divers. A fantastic review. I really like your presentation style. I don’t understand the titanium in the new one. I much prefer some heft in my watches. I’ll still get both though 😉. Thank you again.

[@threehandhunter]

Agree on the Japanese history, and I used to feel the same about "heft" but over the years I have appreciated comfort too. But I do get that "give me a piece of chunk on my wrist" feeling too!

[@2_spo0ky57]

I was really hesitant to pick one of these up, but your vidoes did a great job of convincing me to pull the trigger. I noticed a used one pop up and managed to get it for just around 300€. It's really a ton of watch for what these are selling for on the used market and I've been enjoying it a ton! It's stealing a lot of wrist time from some arguably much more sophisticated watches. I just wanted to thank you for your informative and detailed videos on this watch! 😃

[@threehandhunter]

You are very welcome! I love my reissue too. Especially with all the modern build qualities you get. Still love my vintage piece on those special days 😀

[@marcelodietrich8674]

Excellent review, man! Keep up the brilliant work. I so badly need one of these! It's your fault that I picked up my vintage Citizen, as well as piquing my interest in getting one of these reissues. THANK YOU! 😁

[@threehandhunter]

Thank you, Marcelo! Sorry i gave you the "bug" my man!! Glad you picked up that vintage quartz piece! She is a beauty!

[@williamchan8866]

This is the best review of this watch, no question. Pictures doesn’t do it justice….it’s refine, but sporty, it’s light so super comfortable. The sapphire is what does it for me it has a look that non of my other watches can do for me. It’s an optical attraction. It’s certainly not my most expensive watch but it’s my most satisfying watch.

[@threehandhunter]

Thanks and your last sentence says it all!

[@UkrainianJerry]

The best review of this watch so far. Thanks a lot. I am enjoying mine too.

[@threehandhunter]

Thanks! I don’t understand all the hate on this watch? It’s pretty awesome

[@Supercruze]

Thanks for your review. I actually bought the new NB6021 black dial last Summer when they were released, and despite the bad reviewed on the bezel, I disagree. The bezel is a bit scratchy when turning when new but I think this has more to do with the materials used. After using the bezel a bit it wears in and the bezel on mine is smooth and positive. Yes, the crown is a bit small but it screws down positively and the watch has a very distinctive and accurate look to the original. My only complaints, the titanium case is a bit light for my liking and I wish the crown was a bit larger and I wish Citizen had used a red text date wheel. These little details would have put this watch over the top for me Overall the NB6021 is sleeper and amazing timepiece. Very understated and true to the original. Agree with you on the knurling of the bezel. PS - I just picked up a 52-0110 after looking for well over a year and like you I am extremely excited to have it in my collection.

[@threehandhunter]

Great pickup on the 52-0110! And yes...a red text date wheel would be super awesome. For sure!!

[@jrh1704]

Glad I finally saw a positive review of this watch. I personally love it, and have been wanting to pull the trigger on buying one, but most of the reviewers out there didn't seem to love the watch. I'm gonna go ahead and order one I think. Good review, thank you

[@threehandhunter]

Probably like me, your expectations will be low. Which I think you will be surprised. I love the watch.

[@NEVECcommand]

I love mine. It’s super light and has the right amount of flash to grab attention.

[@threehandhunter]

Agreed! And so light!!

[@watchchimp3102]

Like you I was a bit reticent to get the Barnacle, I watched many reviews and I am a big fan of Seiko's different 62MAS reinterpretations; both SBD and SLA. But, I found one on sale so I pulled the trigger. Like just about everyone else I was put off initially by the bezel edge and the small crown. As you pointed out the bezel action really isn't bad at all! In fact out of the 6 or so titanium divers I have it's near the top! Obviously it can't touch the Pelagos, but better than my Helm's by a long shot! I think the fact that it's a very light action throws people, but once you wear it for a while you realize that the bezel action is matched to the lack of grip the bezel has. If the bezel had a coin edge with good grip; the bezel action would have to be firmed up substantially!! The crown? Well, that's still a head scratcher!? I got mine on the strap and I love it on the strap, but you have me questioning whether it's worthwhile to get the bracelet!? It's a devilish little watch though, the execution leaves a little to be desired (especially at MSRP) but I wore it for a week solid without really even trying to. And I've been swapping back and forth between it and my 62MAS's trying to nail down which ones I prefer and having no luck! It's a ridiculous watch, but I'm really enjoying it! 😂

[@threehandhunter]

Thanks for the long note. Man, wouldn’t a grippier bezel make all the difference? I’m typically not a bracelet guy, but this one is really nice. I’d source one if you are on the fence!

[@jluis0908sva]

This Citizen watch brand is sensational, with excellent precision in its mechanism. I already had a battery-powered watch and now, recently, I bought one similar to the one in the video, it has a resistance of 200 m, and the caliber is 8204. Its precision is impressive, it doesn't help or delay it. In relation to the others, which I have from other brands, which are always ahead and I often have to make adjustments, while the Citizen keeps the time super accurate.

[@threehandhunter]

Wearing an eco drive at time of writing! I love them too!

[@minlee7221]

heyyy welcome back! i've done the same thing- at least 4 times when i had it in my cart only to watch a review that dissuaded me from actually buying it. it looks so good though so maybe eventually... 😁 re: bezel action on Ti watches- i don't know if it's a thing for Ti because Maratac's bezel action is excellent.. i prefer the Sumo's 'gliding' feel but Maratac's action is better than most, imo. The grip slipping in your video is also not confidence-inspiring.. 😅 an excellent review though!

[@threehandhunter]

Hey buddy, thanks for the comments! You know, the bezel needs just a wee more grip, but overall I am really enjoying it. I agree on the Maratac, it was the best titanium bezel action I have ever felt!

[@charlesgrossman4358]

Thanks for a great review. This was just what I have been looking for. You do a wonderful job.

[@threehandhunter]

Thank you for the kind words, and I appreciate you watching 👍

[@watchroll3310]

I love that citizen makes this moves. It is a historical piece and I just wish they release a 39mm slim version of it. Great video! I'm subbed.

[@threehandhunter]

I really don’t think citizen has gotten the “smaller size” memo yet! Or at least two options…hope they do too!

[@OscarOSullivan]

Definitely the new generation fugu throws the wearability of the previous generation fugu the NY0040 series out the window. I think 40mm with shorter lug to lug would be superb.

[@jouwenlee7829]

Fantastic review. I have been waiting for this comparison review. I haven’t been able to play with this watch bezel at the AD as the watch head was wrapped with plastic. Sometime this practice is common for a more expensive watch. I do own an old full titanium Ball Watch ‘Mad Cow’ 300m WR. The 120 clicks bezel action is very crisp and precise. Very reassuring on each click. Thanks.

[@threehandhunter]

Ball watches are very underrated imo...I love them!

[@webersteve1547]

I had and still have the original so this is part of my personal history. It still works. So I bought the new one and I'm more than happy. For me titanium is not a must (feels a bit light for a tool watch). But the design is really timeless, excelent watch not only for the price.

[@threehandhunter]

💯and your vintage is a classic! I love mine

[@jtaka1453]

Nice review. I do wish the crown was bigger. But what bothers me the most is how difficult it is to grip the bezel. Still my favorite watch in my collection.

[@threehandhunter]

The bezel is slick for sure! Thank you for the comments 👍

[@zHumanfactor]

I wish that crown was bigger. But overall, its really nice, and a titanium watch to boot.

[@threehandhunter]

I do agree, but it sure is comfortable!! Thanks for the comments 👍

[@morris.m]

Great review of this watch! You can talk more about the miyota series 9 movement though, which is relatively rare to see. Also I'd love to see they will bring us the reissue of 52-0110 with full hash marks around soon. Cheers 😊

[@threehandhunter]

Thanks! I’d love a I see more hash marks too! Thanks for your comments, sir!

[@timwainwright8512]

Great review! What is that strap on the original? Any recommendations for rubber straps to replace for the reissue? Cheers Tim

[@threehandhunter]

It’s a Bonetto Cinturini. I love it!

[@steveb4012]

Great comparison and you have two great watches. I'm a huge Citizen fan and have looked at the reissue with interest. However, I have a BJ7111-51M TITANIUM Diver and a BN0150 Promaster and those bases are covered. There is a steel version that is sold here in the UK but it has a brown aged looking dial and I'm not so keen. If it was in black I guess I'd have bought it by now!

[@threehandhunter]

Yeah I felt the same way about that brown dial version. But you can never have your bases covered enough 😂

[@Georgy_47]

moral of the story, not every reviewer is right thats their opinion what works for them might not work for you! small crown ? i love it doesnt jab my hand, horrible bezel? its titanium 60 clicks its amazing, they say stuff but this watch wins every comparaison and as seiko fans we all want this to have seiko on it but it doesnt ... did i mention the watch is titanium ? u dont even know its on ur wrist

[@threehandhunter]

100,000%… Well said👍

[@omegaknight01]

I really like that Citizen puts long silicone bracelets on their diving watches, because I have a wide wrist and I have a problem when I buy a watch that doesn't have a bracelet long enough for my wide wrist. Citizen, congratulations on that solution. Well done.💪💪💪

[@threehandhunter]

Thanks man!!

[@luckygoldpanda]

Great video! I've found my bezel to get easier to turn over time, but still useless when wet. What do you search on the parts website to bring up the watch? I've tried the model and case numbers with no luck.

[@threehandhunter]

Yeah I feel the same with the Bezel. About the search I had same luck as you. I’d just call the number at the bottom if I needed something. But it’s nice to know you can if you need it

[@deskdiver]

Loved the side-by-side comparison! That's a reissue well done from Citizen. Btw, could you kindly share the origin of the rubber band on the vintage one?

[@threehandhunter]

It’s a Bonetto Centurini

[@threehandhunter]

And thank you. I love them both (for different reasons haha)

[@patzguitarz]

Nice comparison. I think the influencers out there who panned this reissue are mad because they couldn't get one for free to review. I'm "amazed" at their glowing reviews of micro brands they've been given... I bought the black version last summer, but flipped it - no issues. I just sold it to try something else. The size, movement, lume, bezel, and crown were all fine to me. I did not like the OEM strap. The blue version has lately been growing on me, and I've seen Citizen ADs have them at discounts. Might pick that one up now!

[@threehandhunter]

Thanks for the kind words. And you know, I really enjoyed the OEM rubber once I heated it up and curved it to my wrist. If you have never tried that you should. Helps a lot. If you find my "uncle Seiko" review a year ago or so, I show you how to do it. Check it out!

[@Jackonda21]

Thank you very much for lovely videos. I'm very appreciate. Stay safe

[@threehandhunter]

Glad you like them!

[@iBlindPanic]

"no way to compare" and "hard to tell apart" seems they are veeeeery similar, both great watches. Citizen really deserves a lot of praise for their quality watches.

[@threehandhunter]

💯 agree with you! I love them both for so many different reasons 👍

[@MichaelTravis12c27]

I haven't watched any other reviews of this watch so I'm not aware of the negative buzz. It certainly looks compelling based on your review and I think it looks pretty good! (a slightly larger crown would have been nice though) Lately, I've been very conscious of watch thickness. On a whim, I recently bought an Invicta Pro Diver ($50) to try the form factor. I actually like it more than I expected but the excessive thickness bugs the heck out of me. I bought a Momentum SeaQuartz 30 when it was released (grew up with Magnum...what can I say) and I LOVE that watch. It ticks all the boxes for me, though I find myself longing for an automatic from time to time. I think this one is going to go on the shopping list. Any plans to review some Momentum watches? They would seem to be a good fit for your channel.

[@threehandhunter]

hey thanks for the comments, and I have never held a Momentum watch. But I will look into! Yeah, most reviewers of the Citizen were really downbeat. For me, I am enjoying mine!

[@MichaelTravis12c27]

@@threehandhunter The SQ30 was the first Momentum I've owned. I'm extremely happy with it. So much so that when they tweaked the design with a new dial, a solar movement and gave it a PVD coating to mimic their old UDT watches, I had to preorder one. This Citizen is a bit pricey, but it has everything I want in an automatic watch. Thin, classic styling, reliable, accurate movement and good lume. (I love good lume) And I see that it's antimagnetic. I'm a firearms instructor by trade. I don't baby my watches. I want them to be tough, durable and reliable.

[@threehandhunter]

The lume is good. Not Seiko quality but still 👍

[@epicv7dayz824]

Really nice job mate. I’m struck by your deep knowledge of these citizen watches. It’s a great prospective on the history beyond the washed up barnacle story. Cudos to you

[@threehandhunter]

Thank you! Been collecting the 52-0110 for nearly 10yrs so I’m so happy with the reissue 👍

[@nathanwabre]

Excellent review and comparison! Is unfortunate that the bezel markings don’t go all the way around like the vintage one.

[@threehandhunter]

I know, it is unfortunate! Thank you for the kind comment 👍

[@stefpix]

The new version seems pretty good. I am tempted. It would be nice to compare it to the more budget NY0125

[@threehandhunter]

Now that is a thought 🤔💭

[@threehandhunter]

I wish that one was all stainless. I would have bought that first TBH

[@stefpix]

@@threehandhunter yes I like steel or titanium. But the NY0125 steel has some restrained, not too flashy gold accents. Can be had under 250 USD with a decent bracelet. I think it would complement your collection. I am debating

[@sweetvikas27]

Awesome Review. Got the one right from citizen online. Unfortunately not able to get the bracelet. I opened the link to order parts but it wont take the serial number / model number of the watch

[@threehandhunter]

Just give them a call, I'd do that. And thanks for the kind words!

[@nikolai2724]

Great review. I haven’t worn any other watch since I got mine, which is both wonderful and a little concerning!

[@threehandhunter]

Thank you, and I feel the EXACT same way! 😱

[@anthonycampbell8307]

I'm still on the fence about getting this watch. If they only added an applied logo. Great vid

[@threehandhunter]

Oh that would be nice! And thank you for the comments 👍

[@denisdes7]

Except that an applied logo on the dial is viewed as a potential weak point on an ISO certified diver's watch as it could (theoretically) break loose and jam the hands or even the movement. That's the most common reason expressed for preferring printed logos over applied.

[@anthonycampbell8307]

I would not have thought of that. I assume that it would be classed as a Divers Style watch if it had an applied logo

[@Matt-uq3in]

I've just added one to the collection i love it and it as sapphire crystal Calibre 9051 runs at 4Hz and titanium ill take it 🔥😉

[@threehandhunter]

Please add an orange dial variant 😀😀

[@Alex-Rainmaker]

I tried to like this watch but the small crown, lume missing on hour hand as compared to original makes me think twice. Hopefully there will be a Ver.2.0.

[@threehandhunter]

Let's go 2.0!!

[@danryan4137]

Does Citizen sell the bracelet separately? See no mention of it on their site.

[@danryan4137]

Duh. Yes you covered that off. Must have gone to the Bathroom

[@threehandhunter]

Lol yes, I put the link in video description 😀

[@mikeypaul9888]

@@threehandhunter somehow searching the model on the watch for replacement band gets to nowhere, any help thanks

[@D6EH]

Great, informative review. Thanks!

[@threehandhunter]

You are very welcome 🙏

[@sportomundi]

Great video.I think this watch is the best afordable alternative for the Rolex Submariner!

[@threehandhunter]

You know, I would be in agreement with that! Thank you for the positive comments 👍

[@threehandhunter]

You know, I would be in agreement with that! Thank you for the positive comments 👍

[@kurts4867]

love the Fujitsubo ...I own one. another mild miss on the new version is the paint only date window framing. Compared to the vintage which looks like there is a legit ,chamfered , angled METAL framing the date .

[@threehandhunter]

Great eye on the details. I have them side by side and didn’t notice. Crap! Where are my glasses 🤓 🤣

[@kurts4867]

Seiko also botched it on the Willard re release No date window framing at all !?!?

[@Tbone51]

I have trouble with bracelets pulling my hair, even titanium ones. How does the bracelet on this wear for you?

[@threehandhunter]

Surprisingly well, the links are 'thick'

[@Tbone51]

Thanks!

[@PhillipDrumz]

Great review!

[@threehandhunter]

Thank you very much… I’m so glad you enjoyed it

[@District.24]

@2:26 "Let me start off by saying, there is no way you can compare the vintage model to the re-issue."

[@threehandhunter]

True statement!

[@Tbone51]

Very nice review. Thanks!

[@threehandhunter]

Thanks for watching!

[@jonboy8181]

I wonder why they could get the crown size more accurate to the original?

[@threehandhunter]

Not sure, but it is comfortable! I’ll give it that

[@alanaliyev456GT]

Intemporal style of divers watches... since around 1955 factories builds beautiful watches... Blancpain fifty fathom..Rolex ,submariner. OMEGA.seamaster professionnal etc etc ,,, never deception in this line of heritage... Citizen... Yema,,Beuchat. VOSTOK amphibia... I love all theses watches.... Casio duro is Nice too.... all divers are great watches

[@threehandhunter]

I could not agree more

[@Vox-Populi]

I have the blue version and wear it on a strap vs. the bracelet. I actually dig it, it's so light and accurate. Has the X factor I think.

[@threehandhunter]

I really like the blue they used. Great choice my friend!

[@jlg395]

Unfortunately, you convinced me not to buy one. Compared to the original, every single change seems to be in the wrong direction.

[@threehandhunter]

I love the original. Had it on my wrist the last few days. But….the new one is pretty damn nice. I wish the bezel scallops were a little sharper

[@fungus70]

Yours is the best review of this watch so far !

[@threehandhunter]

Thank you, I really appreciate it!

[@kurts4867]

Weird take but if they want to stay close to the original, maybe they should’ve not used titanium?? Maybe they should have stayed with stainless steel. Of course titanium is better in every way, but I think watches should age and patina which titanium just can’t

[@threehandhunter]

I hear you! I just wore mine yesterday. Still love it!

[@jayjay9932]

The latest version doesn't have the charm of the vintage. I thought I'm gonna like the new one but the titanium kills it for me. If Citizen would make a stainless version wirh the original H-link bracelet I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

[@threehandhunter]

I was surprised how much I enjoy how light it is!

[@kaniel_outis1]

Does it come with both straps ?

[@kaniel_outis1]

That’s ok I watched the rest of the video

[@kaniel_outis1]

Thanks!

[@threehandhunter]

Cool. It’s nice you can order one

[@Xanduur]

Why did they make the hour hand, skeletal in the reissue? I really don’t like it.

[@threehandhunter]

I’m really not sure why they went that direction either.

[@calvint226]

They should have put marks all around the bezel, even if it isn't like the original it adds functionality and differentiates it from a Submariner clone which is desperately needs. The titanium was an unnecessary upgrade. If they had used stainless steel it would have been a better watch for it and cost less. A watch of that size doesn't need titanium, too light and it'll feel cheap while costing more.

[@threehandhunter]

I hear you about the hash marks! Personally I’ve really been enjoying titanium. I have a few now and love the weight

[@robbase-f6x]

I could not disagree more - the Titanium is a wonderful upgrade - they would have charged the same if it was in steel and given you less - and you dont mention the wonderful Miyota 9000 series movement which runs to near chronometer accuracy at plus 2 seconds a day

[@scatterbrain9490]

👍

[@threehandhunter]

👍

[@mikewazowski6161]

♥Citizen♥ ♥Made in Japan♥

[@threehandhunter]

❤️

[@tomskimcdouglegaming806]

Give that watch a hot shower and watch the bezel action improve tenfold.

[@threehandhunter]

Nice recommendation 👍

[@Bob-t2c]

I really wanted this.. then I realised the reissue is ‘cased in China’ this detail is often photoshopped out with only Japanese movement left marking the case back. I stopped buying citizen watches because even their ‘high end watches’ are like that.

[@threehandhunter]

So many brands are these days, unfortunately

[@edloki3057]

The crown is too small.

[@threehandhunter]

👍 but it is out of the way too!

[@bryansenulis7242]

Seiko kills it in every aspect sorry

[@threehandhunter]

In most, I’d agree. And I have more Seikos in my collection over Citizen.

[@Ferien7]

Rolex submariner knockoff 👎

[@threehandhunter]

Thank you for your positive comments! Have a spectacular day!!!

[@panospeter_pan4257]

I also got this with the titanium bracelet...black dial and the dark grey of the bracelet...amazing combo. Don't like the crown and the lack of grip on of the bezel

[@threehandhunter]

We are in the same boat!