Among affordable watches, Citizen's offerings are hard to ignore.
“Hard to beat” would be an even better choice of words. The Japanese brand is virtually unbeatable when it comes to value for money. The latest series to expand the brand’s lineup includes the Super Titanium Eco-Drive Chrono and Day-Date. Both models feature a 70s-inspired case design and an integrated bracelet. Add to this colorful textured dials, a full titanium construction, and Eco-Drive movements, and you have the complete package. But the best part is that the Day-Date and Chrono versions cost much less than €500. Join me to learn more about these new models.
Right out of the box, the new Citizen Super Titanium Eco-Drive Chrono and Day-Date perfectly fit the “retro watches with integrated bracelet” genre. Interestingly, Citizen also has the Tsuyosa Automatic and Small Second series, which fit this genre. However, there are several quite important differences among them. From design to materials and movement type, these new models play different games within the same category. But it's a game that few competitors can play for the same money. This makes us wonder what might prevent this series from becoming the next hit for Citizen. Let’s find out more.
Citizen Super Titanium Eco-Drive Day-Date
Let’s start with the Super Titanium Eco-Drive Day-Date model. Citizen introduced three dial variants for this new model. All watches feature a 39.5mm Super Titanium case that is 9.8mm thick and water-resistant to 10 bar. The case length without lugs is 41.5mm, and the bracelet width is 23.5mm at the connection to the case and 20mm at the clasp. Visually, the case design reminds me of the Tissot PRX and Yema Urban Traveller. However, it perfectly fits the 70s integrated bracelet form, as you can name even more examples. The cases have a predominantly matte finish with polished bevels and a polished bezel.
Citizen sent us all three dial colors - blue (AW0130-85LE), green (AW0130-85XE), and orange (AW0130-85ZE). Honestly, it would be fair to call the last color “salmon” instead of “orange,” but Citizen uses the latter term, so for consistency, I’ll do the same. The dials are adorned with a metal pattern resembling scratches, which looks best on the blue and green dials. On the “orange” dial, the texture appears somewhat different. From a distance, it looks like pressed cardboard, but the color plays a big role in this. Upon closer inspection, you can see it is the same texture as on the other two dials.
Small Differences in Dial Design
The dials are decorated with applied indices with white luminescence. At the 3 o’clock position, there is a day/date indicator. The designers did well by placing small hour indices with lume to the right of the aperture, allowing you to easily read the time in the dark. There are also slight differences between the three dials. The blue and green versions have a black solar cell ring around the dial periphery, with white minute markers. The orange version’s ring matches the minute markings, applied in black on an orange background. Overall, the orange version opens up the dial a bit more, which is why I prefer this design.
But the differences don’t end there. The blue and green versions also have slightly different hands. All three models feature sword-style hour and minute hands made of stainless steel and filled with luminescent material. However, the blue and green versions have a white second hand that contrasts well with the dark dial color, while the orange version is equipped with a stainless steel second hand that adequately contrasts with the lighter background.
Citizen Eco-Drive Caliber J800-00M
Inside the titanium cases, Citizen equips these watches with its caliber J800-00M. This Eco-Drive quartz movement (powered by light) can operate for 240 days on a full charge. The movement features a low battery indicator and has an accuracy of ±15 seconds per month. Thanks to this movement, Citizen managed to maintain a slim profile for the watches. This is an important feature of modern sports watches with integrated bracelets.
The movement is very easy to use. It has a rather small crown, but it’s a push/pull type, so it’s easy to manage. Pull it to the first position and turn it clockwise to change the day. Turn it counterclockwise, and it will change the date. Pull the crown to the second position to easily set the time.
Citizen Super Titanium Eco-Drive Day-Date on the Wrist
The bracelet design of these watches is reminiscent of the Tissot PRX and Yema Urban Traveller bracelets. The main difference is that this bracelet is made of titanium and has a slightly different hue. The links have a combination of matte and polished details, giving them a visual sparkle. In terms of quality, the bracelets are decent. The deceptive quality is that they are lightweight and a bit rattly due to the titanium material.
Additionally, the stamped clasp is not of the best quality. When opened, you see untreated titanium with a sandblasted finish, giving it an unfinished look. This is a rather stark contrast to the bracelet. However, once on the wrist, the Citizen Super Titanium Eco-Drive Day-Date watches look very nice. They are very lightweight, and their proportions make the watches comfortable. The size is pleasant, and the slim profile is delightful. However, one thing that could be better is the tapering of the bracelet. It remains quite wide at the clasp. Especially considering the modest size of the watch, this seems a bit odd.
Final Thoughts on the Citizen Super Titanium Eco-Drive Day-Date
Fortunately, the wide bracelet does not affect the comfort of wearing the watch. All three versions have great retro charm, making them enjoyable to wear. If I had to pick a favorite, I prefer the blue dial version, as this color appeals to me the most. However, in terms of dial design, the orange version is more open and visually friendly. But this is purely a personal preference.
All three models are available for €349, which is very affordable. Especially considering what you get for that money, the new watches seem like a reasonable addition to a collection. They differ from the popular Tsuyosa Automatic model in both design and practicality. Thus, they are an excellent alternative for those looking for the convenience of a light-powered movement and the slimmer profile that comes with it.
Citizen Super Titanium Eco-Drive Chrono
So, we move on to the Citizen Super Titanium Eco-Drive Chrono models. Essentially, they are the larger siblings of the Day-Date chronographs. Citizen introduced four different versions. Two of them have the same dial color as the Day-Date models. The first is the blue version (CA4610-85L), and the second is the orange/salmon (CA4610-85Z). The other two options are a classic “panda” dial model (CA4610-85A) and a turquoise version that Citizen calls “green” (CA4610-85M). All four models feature three black sub-dials at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions. The watches look attractive, but the black and silver-white panda was the first to catch my eye.
The Super Titanium Eco-Drive Chrono watches have a 100-meter water-resistant Super Titanium case that is 42.5mm wide and 11.6mm thick. The case length is also 44.5mm, and the bracelet width at the connection is 25mm. These watches are significantly larger than the Day-Date version, so they are not suitable for people with smaller wrists. As for the dials, all four models, even the orange version, have a black luminescent ring around the dial periphery. The design choice is unquestionable, as they also have black sub-dials.
Several Notable Details on the Dial
The dial design seems balanced, despite the fact that the sub-dial at the 6 o’clock position is slightly smaller than the other two. Placing the word “titanium” on the dial at the 6 o’clock position is an odd choice. It adds a visual element that seems unnecessary. Another contentious point is the placement of the date window. It is situated between 4 and 5 o’clock and is placed quite far towards the inner side of the dial. Additionally, the date disc is set rather deep in the aperture.
Overall, the design and finish are very good. From the applied indices with white lume to the concentric graining of the sub-dials and the dial texture - everything looks very nice. What’s good about these chronographs is that the dial texture is present to a lesser degree than on the Day-Date dials. This creates an overall balance of elements that works well. I must compliment Citizen because all four colors look beautiful, yet they are completely different in their presence. Like in the Day-Date model, the central second hand (this time for the chronograph) in the blue dial version is white, while in the other models, the central chronograph hand is made of stainless steel.
Citizen Eco-Drive Caliber B620-00M
All these four watch models are equipped with the Citizen B620-00M movement. This Eco-Drive quartz caliber features a 60-minute chronograph with a 24-hour display and date function. The movement’s accuracy is ±15 seconds per month. Operating the movement is easy, although sometimes I miss the clicks when using the chronograph buttons.
If you start the chronograph with the right upper button, you will feel a nice click. But stopping the chronograph with the same button does not provide any sensation. The lower button resets the chronograph with a reassuring click and moves the central second hand forward to the starting position.
Wearing the Citizen Super Titanium Eco-Drive Chrono
I had a great time wearing the Citizen Super Titanium Eco-Drive Chrono. Although these watches are larger than the Day-Date models, I prefer them. There are several reasons for this. First, I can easily handle larger watches as I am tall, so the 42.5mm diameter is not an issue for me. Additionally, the 11.6mm thickness provides a relatively thin profile, making the watch very comfortable to wear.
Thanks to the dial color, all four models differ from each other. But all four watches proudly display the 70s style made famous by Gérald Genta. One thing that makes these watches unsuitable for people with smaller wrists is the bracelets. Since the watches are larger, the titanium bracelet is also wider. Despite the bracelet tapering from 25mm at the case to 20mm at the clasp, it still feels very substantial. The bracelet and clasp are in the same style and quality as in the Day-Date models. If your wrist is large enough, the watches are easy to wear, without offering exceptional quality or finish.
Final Thoughts on Citizen Super Titanium Eco-Drive Chrono and Day-Date Watches
The Citizen Super Titanium Eco-Drive Chrono is a very appealing offer at €449. Thanks to the lightweight material and thin profile, they offer great 70s style and comfort. I prefer the chronographs to the Day-Date models, as they have a better visual balance between the black sub-dials and the dial texture. On the Day-Date models, the texture stands out much more.
Additionally, I like that the Chrono models’ dial colors differ slightly. The panda dial version is a nice variation, and the turquoise “green” version is much more vibrant than the green Day-Date model. Honestly, I was surprised that I liked the Chronos more than the Day-Date. Initially, the size and thin profile made me prefer the former. But as I spent more time with them, the chronographs quickly won me over.
All Citizen Super Titanium Eco-Drive Chrono and Day-Date models are now available on the brand’s official website. Tell us what you think about these new watches in our Telegram channel.