There is no equivalent to diving down into the depths of our planets oceans to witness the natural wonders that reside there first-hand. Being amongst creatures of inexplicable beauty as they meander between some of the most stunning scenery on earth that many would never believe even exists.
When it comes to diving to the depths of our oceans there is no shortage in terms of the amount of gear that you need to take with you.
This is unsurprising when one considers the conditions that are faced when down there. The pressure alone can often be so great as to becoming a genuine health risk.
Despite this, there exist in this day and age watches with the capability of not only surviving these conditions alongside you, but also provide a helping hand you when you are down in the depths. Often these come in the form of hideous, bulky chunks of plastic that weigh down on your wrist.
However, modern technology has allowed us to move on from this to create watches that not only guide you when you are diving but also look good when you aren’t. Citizen are master of this craft.
Creating watches for over 100 years, the brand has always been at the forefront of pioneering steps in watchmaking. This is reflected in their recent environmentally-friendly Eco-Drive technology, which harnesses the power of any light source to power the watch for longer, negating the need for batteries.
Their Dive range is dedicated to the world of scuba diving, catering to all the needs that a diver, professional or amateur, may have and the results have been exemplary.
What to look for in a Citizen Scuba Diving Watch
When it comes to buying any kind of watch there are a number of different factors to take into consideration: how it looks; how it feels; what extra features it has; how long it will last (to name a few). With a scuba diving watch it is no different, but there are other factors to be taken into consideration.
However, regardless of what is outlined here, your diving watch purchase will ultimately be down to personal preference. It is important to consider why you are looking to buy a diving watch and modify your search accordingly.
Such are the numerous features included in a piece of technology of this standard that it is impossible to cover them all in this article. But here are some of the basics to keep a look out for when purchasing a Citizen scuba diving watch:
Durability – As these watches are built to go with you as you dive into the depths of the ocean, it goes without saying that they are built to last. Water resistance is a given, but some watches do vary in the manner in which they can withstand abrasion and knocks.
Some are designed with a priority on making them last as long as possible, some are designed to look as chic as possible. It all depends on what you are after.
Design – Given their history as trailblazers in the watch-making industry and possessing a legacy that dates back over 100 years, it goes without saying that Citizen know how to make a classy looking watch. That said, there is still great variety in the styles of their watches.
This can vary from the material used with the band to the figures that appear on the face to the shape of the face itself. As with all watches, design is all a matter of preference and therefore each individual will have their favourites.
Water resistant depth – Perhaps the key feature that separates a diving watch from a military watch. Some of these watches are designed to face the deepest that a scuba diver can go without becoming faulty.
The water resistance is one thing, but the ability to withstand great amounts of pressure as well is quite the feat. The extent of this feature will rely heavily on the depth that you are intending to dive to.
Battery life – Battery life can separate a good watch from a great one. Nothing frustrates like a watch that is constantly running out of battery. Thankfully this is not an issue with Citizen watches.
Eco-Drive technology allows some of these watches to last for month or even years without you having to tamper with them. An impressive achievement given their remarkable capabilities.
Extra features – From something as basic as luminescent hands to something as complex as depth measurement, the extra features on a watch are what can make one particular model stand out from the rest.
These are the attributes that change a watch from looking nice to making you feel like 007. Perhaps not all entirely necessary, these are what will make your friends envious of your time piece.
The Best Citizen Scuba Diving Watches
This is our list of the best Citizen scuba diving watches. They vary in every way in terms of design, functionality and price point, so deciding which one is best for you will take some research. This list is a great start.
Whether you are a keen diver who delves into the depths on regular occasions or simply a part-time diving enthusiast, there will be a watch on here to suit you. Many of the designs here don’t look like they would last long in a puddle, but don’t let this fool you – they have the capability to travel deeper than 10 metres underwater. Such is the intricacy and technological superiority of their design and construction.
Without further ado here are our favourite Citizen scuba diving watches:
Citizen Watches Men’s CA0719-53E Promaster Diver
This is one of the more classic-styled watches on this list. The typical circular face and stainless-steel chain link band give the Citizen Watches Men’s CA0719-53E Promaster Diver a chic look that one would not associate with the world of diving.
The anti-reflective mineral crystal window and luminous hands give it excellent clarity, along with the digital date display at 3 o’clock. Fitted with the patented Citizen Eco-Drive technology, this diving watch draws energy from light, allowing the battery to last and last and last.
Pros and Cons:
✅ Pros:
- Sleek, stainless-steel design.
- Anti-reflection casing providing excellent clarity.
- 200 metre water resistant rating.
➖ Cons:
- Does not measure and display depth on the watch face.
Key features:
- Weight: 16 Ounces
- Water resistant depth: 200 metres
💡 This is a fantastic choice for someone seeking a watch with a classy, classic style that also has the capability to withstand being with you as you dive. Chronograph functionality is also a nice addition and whilst it may have limited extra features, it is without doubt one of the better-looking watches on this list.
Citizen Watches Men’s BN0151-09L Promaster Professional Diver
The classic round face and contemporary blue rubber band combine to make the Citizen Watches Men’s BN0151-09L Promaster Professional Diver a brilliant marriage of classic and modern styles. The Japanese quartz movement of the analog display is powered by Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology, and luminous dials help visibility in all conditions.
Pros and Cons:
✅ Pros:
- Classic face and modern band combine seamlessly.
- Luminous hands help clarity in all conditions.
- 200 metre water resistant rating.
➖ Cons:
- Not many extra features.
Key features:
- Weight: 15 Ounces
- Water resistant depth: 200 metres
💡 This watch is perfect for those seeking something with a more contemporary feel, yet retains a classic look thanks to the typical stainless-steel analog display. The fact that both natural and artificial light power this watch means that the battery will almost certainly never require changing.
Citizen Watches Men’s BN2038-01L Aqualand
This is the watch that has it all. The Citizen Watches Men’s BN2038-01L Aqualand is Citizen’s flagship diving watch and it is easy to see why. Beyond the eye-catching design, this watch could qualify as a piece of essential scuba diving kit.
The watch is fitted with maximum depth memory, a rapid ascent alarm and an auto start dive mode. It records all that a diver could ask for and looks good doing it.
Pros and Cons:
✅ Pros:
- Numerous extra features to help when diving.
- Eye-catching design.
- Extremely lightweight build.
- 200 metre water resistant rating.
➖ Cons:
- Higher price point.
Key features:
- Weight: 8 Ounces
- Water resistant depth: 200 metres
💡 This watch may cost a little more than others on this list, but it is easy to see why. The technology packed into this remarkably lightweight scuba diving accessory is nothing short of mind-blowing. As with the others on this list, it is also fitted with the Eco-Drive functionality, meaning that you will almost certainly never have to replace the battery.
Citizen Men’s Top of Water Stainless Steel Quartz Diving Watch with Rubber Strap, Orange, 22
Whilst it has found its place onto this list, and deservedly so, the Citizen Men’s Top of Water Stainless Steel Quartz Diving Watch with Rubber Strap, Orange, 22 is specifically designed as a yachting watch.
As such it has been designed with high standards in mind. Beyond its ability to go to great depths and recharge itself from any light source that it comes into contact with, it is fitted with a yacht racing timer, a countdown timer and 30 cities in the World Time mechanism.
Pros and Cons:
✅ Pros:
- Yacht racing focused extra features.
- In-built world clock.
- 200 metre water resistant rating.
➖ Cons:
- Slightly heavier than others on this list.
Key features:
- Weight: 17 Ounces
- Water resistant depth: 200 metres
💡 Those looking to purchase a scuba diving watch that has a little extra to it should consider the Citizen Men’s Top of Water Stainless Steel Quartz Diving Watch with Rubber Strap, Orange, 22 due to its incredible world clock and racing timer functions. This is one of those sports watches that is sure to impress your friends, especially if you are a yachting fan.
Citizen Eco-Drive Men’s BN2029-01E Promaster Aqualand Depth Meter Analog Display Black Watch
This watch is a diver’s dream. Not only does the Citizen Eco-Drive Men’s BN2029-01E Promaster Aqualand Depth Meter Analog Display Black Watch’ classy analog display include a depth display of up to 70 metres, it also has a maximum depth memory and a power reserve indicator so that you can follow the effectiveness of the Eco-Drive recharging feature.
Pros and Cons:
✅ Pros:
- Depth measurement and max depth memory display.
- Eco-Drive power reserve display.
- Extremely lightweight build.
➖ Cons:
- The most expensive option on the list.
Key features:
- Weight: 5.6 Ounces
- Water resistant depth: 200 metres
💡 When it comes to a focus on diving, this is the best performer on the list. The multiple gauge displays on the watch’s face include exactly what any scuba diver would be after. The watch is also fitted with a rapid ascent alarm and auto-start dive mode, ensuring that all possible bases are well and truly covered.
Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Watch with Date, BJ8050-08E
This watch achieves all the basics to perfection without doing anything too flashy. The Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Watch with Date, BJ8050-08E is a compact design with luminous dials and a reinforced urethane band.
The anti-reflective curved crystal display helps with clarity and the watches ability to withstand temperatures as low as 5 degrees centigrade, meaning you can dive with it in colder conditions too.
Pros and Cons:
✅ Pros:
- 300 metre water resistant rating.
- Reinforced band and crystal display for added durability.
- Can withstand lower temperatures.
➖ Cons:
- Doesn’t have some of the flashy features as those above.
Key features:
- Weight: 5.8 Ounces
- Water resistant depth: 300 metres
💡 The most affordable option on the list, Citizen’s EcoDive Promaster does all the basics right. It is a brilliant companion for any diver and can withstand more drastic underwater conditions thanks to its ability to operate in lower temperatures and deeper depths.
Conclusion
Whether you are looking to buy a watch purely for the purposes of taking it with you as you dive deep into the ocean or more of an all-purpose option that you can wear every day, there is sure to be a match for you on this list.
It is important to take all factors in consideration when investing in a scuba diving watch, but ultimately it comes down to what you are looking to buy. The list above is sure to provide some guidance but it may be worth researching the subject further.
