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CITIZEN introduces three new light-powered Eco-Drive Diver 200m models based on the iconic 1982 Professional Diver including one model inspired by the endangered whale shark in support of marine conservation.

Following on from the highly successful launch of the Promaster Marine BN022 line from 2021, CITIZEN adds three new models to the series for 2022 that present different compelling options for fans of diving watches.
 

The first of the BN022 models - the Eco-Drive Promaster Marine BN0220-16E from 2021, took its design cues from the iconic 1982 Professional Diver, a watch that represented a significant milestone in the history of CITIZEN diving watches. At the time when it was launched, it was the world’s deepest pressure-resistant watch - with a depth rating of 1300 metres - it also had a bold and unique design that was a textbook example of how form follows function.

The 1982 Professional Diver had a lugless case with pronounced bezel guards at four corners giving its distinctive squarish shape, as well as the inevitable knocks and scrapes against that would be par for the course in the life of a professional diving watch. Furthermore, the large indentations on the rotating bezel were designed to enable easy gripping and turning of the bezel whether with thick gloves or when underwater - in short, all the potentially difficult conditions that a diver might face. It was, to put it simply, a professional tool that was made for a purpose, and it showed.

This was why CITIZEN fans welcomed the recreation of its iconic design, in the form of the BN022 series that made its debut in 2021. While not made to the same extreme level of specification of the 1982 Professional Diver, it nonetheless was able to offer an affordable and diving capable watch with more than enough functionality and utility for the everyday user and a slightly thinner case at 14.3mm for easier wearing, while keeping the iconic look and size.

Given the success of the first three models offered in 2021, CITIZEN now extends the lineup for 2022, with three new models that offer the same technical features such as a hardened and scratch resistant Super Titanium™ Duratect MRK+DLC case in black with a sandblasted finish, a reliable and Eco-Drive Caliber E168 movement that is powered by light and hence not requiring regular battery changes, a 60-click unidirectional diver’s bezel and a ISO-compliant Diver’s 200m water resistance depth rating, but with each differing in their aesthetic details.
 

The last new model, the BN0225-04L is without doubt the most interesting model for 2022 not just for its unique aesthetics but for what it represents. As a limited edition of 5000 pieces worldwide, it is inspired by the majestic and endangered whale shark, the largest shark currently, and indeed, the largest of any fish alive today.

Accordingly, it is differentiated with a blue bezel insert with a matching blue dial which has a unique small dot pattern reminiscent of the spots that are seen on the skin of whale sharks. The effect of this pattern is stunning in its execution and one can easily imagine oneself looking at a whale shark through the dial of the watch. Furthermore, given this model’s special status as a limited edition there is also an engraving of a whale shark on the caseback to indicate the source of its inspiration.

As a diving watch, it has outstanding overall visibility while in use, with Arabic numerals and minute markings in high contrast white paint against the blue bezel along with a luminous pip for easy use while diving. The hour indicies, hour and minute hands, and running seconds hand are also in high contrast luminous material in white, allowing oustanding legibility under daylight or in low light conditions. The seconds hand in this model, with its luminious dot fulfils the requirements of the divers’ ISO 6425 standard in that there is needs to be an indication that the watch is running even in complete darkness.

Given that the distribution of whale sharks around the world indicates the presence of their food source - plankton - and therefore the overall health of the oceans, it is fitting that a certain percentage of the proceeds from the sale of this model will go towards the Whale Shark Tagging Project undertaken by Conservation International. These funds will assist in the efforts of scientists in monitoring the health of our oceans by keeping track of the remaining population of the highly endangered whale shark. CITIZEN is proud to be part of the effort to keep our oceans healthy for the benefit of humankind and our planet.

The first model, the BN0227-17X takes after the iconic Promaster NY0040 with one of its versions having a fully lumed dial that has become one of the signature models of CITIZEN. An important detail to note is that while this model is mechanical and has a fully opaque metal dial, the similarly luminous one in the BN0227-17X is slightly transparent. This is because, being an Eco-Drive watch that is powered by light, the dial has to allow light to pass through it to the solar cells underneath. In order to allow a fully lumionous dial, a special technique was used to adjust the transperency of the dial to allow enough light to charge the luminous paint on the dial to glow, as well as to pass through the dial to power the watch.

The main benefit of a fully luminous dial is that it offers outstanding legibility under low light conditions given the sheer volume of luminous material, a fact that makes this watch especially useful to a diver.

The dial of this model is made up of two colors of luminous material - you can enjoy the contrast of brightness of luminous dial and hands. The minute hand of this model is in orange so that it can be discerned easily at depth underwater, futhermore, unlike normal seconds hands on diving watches that usually have lume in order to be seen in the dark, the seconds hand of this model is black with no lume at all, and this is due to the fact that it is still highly visible as it contrasts with the luminous dial.

The bezel has a luminous pip that along with the fully luminous dial can be used without compromise for the purpose of diving, and with no further luminous ink applied to the bezel markings, case, or band. This was done in order to emphasize the fully luminous dial, a unique feature not commonly seen among watches today.

On the wrist, and in hand, one can appreciate the fine-grained sandblasted finish of the case, which is remiscent of the original 1982 Professional Diver in look and feel. This model has a modern upgrade however, in the form of the Duratect MRK + DLC coating, which is resistant to scratches and dents, and more than tough enough for a tool watch in everyday life.

The second model, the BN0226-10P takes a more fashion forward approach in its aesthetics, offering an in trend retro revival feel with a full pale gold coloured dial as well as a matching Duratect Gold bezel with a sandblasted finish that comes with a gold coloured engraved resin insert. The overall effect is a watch that when combined with the bold wide case design is extremely extroverted in feel and suitable for a modern lifestyle.

The pale gold dial of this model has an extremely interesting sandblasted texture that matches well with a similar texture on the gold coloured edge of the bezel, as well as the grey case that is coated with Duratect MRK + DLC. This makes the watch not only a visually interesting to look at, but also makes it well protected from the scatches and dents that can arise from everyday use.

[Product specifications]
 

[About Promaster]
 

Since its debut in 1989, PROMASTER has become an icon among professional sports watches, known for superior durability and reliability in extreme outdoor environments on land, at sea, and in the air. The three classifications in the series are designed with high-performance specifications and durability: MARINE - for divers, LAND - for climbers, and SKY - for aviation. PROMASTER is exclusively designed for optimum functionality, durability, and safety, inspiring the imagination of generations of active sports aficionados who push beyond physical and mental boundaries

 

[About Citizen]
 

CITIZEN WATCH is a true manufacture d'horlogerie with a comprehensive manufacturing process that extends from creating a watch’s individual components to its final assembly. The company operates in more than 140 countries and regions around the world. Since its founding in 1918, CITIZEN has held the belief of “Better Starts Now” — that is, no matter who you are and what you do, it is always possible to make something better, and now is the time to start doing it. Based this belief, we have created watches, invented and improved technologies and explored the future of watches such as our proprietary light-powered Eco-Drive technology and state-of-the-art satellite-synchronized timekeeping.