Citizen pro-master diving automatic watches, NY0137-09A & NY0136-52L

Entry-level diver watches can deliver a blend of style, functionality, durability, and a more important stress-free wearing experience. The “Fugu” line of diver watches from Citizen stands as one of the most enduring automatic options at this price point. This striking collection of watches is well known for its performance, unique style and durability. These watches are offered in 11 different colours and styles combinations, from silver tone stainless steel cases to black ion plated cases, with metal bracelets or rubber straps.

Here we are reviewing two of the models of this collection which we consider to be the most striking.

UNBOXING:

Let’s start with the presentation.

The unboxing experience of these watches resemble more the opening of an expensive collection item instead of an entry level diver watch.

First, we have this beautiful black cardboard box that we need to slide up to open, you will notice the box creates kind of a vacuum and it feel very especial.

Inside the box we have this amazing replica of an oxygen tank, which you will also need to slide up to unveil the time piece.

CASE:

The stainless-steel case measures 44mm in diameter and 13mm high but thanks to its unique design, the watch wears more like a 42 mm. The polished surface of the stainless-steel case help to mask the overall width and thickness of the watch. 

The side of the case are rounded and do not have any sharp edges.

Another design element that stands out is the indented bezel design that is inspired by the “Fugu”, “Fugu” is the name that in Japan is used to call the Pufferfish. The unidirectional bezel of 120 clicks is very easy to grip and operate, with a light, smooth rotating action, and zero back play.

A top the bezel we find a metal ring which display minutes in the typical configuration of diver watches.

The distance from Lug-to-lug is 50mm but the short, gently curving lugs help to minimize the lug-to-lug length highlighting the compact feel of the case, and the lugs are space at 20mm.

As expected, the stainless-steel caseback is screw down and it is nicely engraved with a Fugu, or pufferfish.

The watch with the metal bracelet weight 173 grams, and with the rubber strap 107 grams.

CROWN:

Another interesting feature of this watch is the screw-down crown located at 8 o'clock, which has its pros and cons.

On the positive side, it is out of the way, making the watch very comfortable to wear; however, if you need to wind the movement or set the time, you must remove the watch from your wrist. As a right-handed person, I find it a bit uncomfortable to use my left hand for this task, but it's not a big deal.

Measuring only 6mm in diameter, it is well-proportion with the rest of the case and it offers excellent grip.

Citizen rates these watches to 200 meters of water resistance, and they are ISO compliant.

DIAL & HANDS:

Across the “Fugu” collection, the watches feature wide arrow-tipped hands and large, Lume-painted indices that are easy to read.

A simple and basic cutout in the dial at 3 o'clock displays the day/date window. While opinions on this feature vary in the watch community, I think it is a positive addition, especially considering the watch's price point.

The brand name is displayed at 12 o’clock and at 6 o’clock we find the logo of the pro-master series, the water resistance rating and the word automatic.

The surface of the dial is where this watch really shines with a design that mimics the patterns made by male pufferfish in the sand during mating season

In the lighter dial of the NY0137-09A this pattern is fully inlaid with luminous paint, providing this watch with a remarkable style in the dark.

In the blue dial, model “NY0136-52L”, the patter is easier to see, but only the indices and hands are painted with Lume, which also provides good visibility in the dark but with a different approach.

GLASS:

Protecting the dial we find a flat sapphire glass; it does not have any distortion making reading the time at different angles very easy and pleasant.

MOVEMENT:

Inside the case we find the Miyota caliber 8204 movement, a 21 jewel automatic movement that was first introduced in 1977.The movement beat at 21600 beats per hours, it has a hacking second hand and the power reserve is about 42 hours, and it can also be hand wounded.

The expected accuracy is within -20/+40 sec/day.

STRAP:

This collection is available with either a rubber strap or a stainless-steel bracelet.

The metal bracelet construction is excellent, the stainless steel is brushed finished. On the negative side it does not have a diver extension, the deployment buckle uses a spring system.

The rubber strap it is comfortable to wear, thanks to the strap design your skin should be able to breath or at least minimize moisture. The watch is secure with a stainless-steel buckle also finished in black.

CONCLUSION:

While the Citizen Pro-master automatic diver watches are one of the most affordable automatic diver watches on the market, they are also packed with unorthodox and unique visual touches.

These solid and charming timepieces offer a blend of style, functionality, and durability, providing a stress-free wearing experience that makes it ideal for daily wear and active use, these are watches that ready to keep you company on all your memorable adventures and thanks to their versatility they will become indispensable in your collection.