Citizen NY0040-09E Short Term Review
Recently I learned about this particular Citizen Promaster and I fell in love. Not only was it a style and size I love, but it was an automatic Promaster that can be had for very little money. I think these routinely go for around $200, but I bought mine pre-owned off a friend for $150. I'll start off by saying that for the price you can get these for, I think this is such an awesome value! Especially if you dig this design language (which I do).
I haven't owned mine long, just a few weeks now, but it's such an enjoyable watch. It's a great size for my wrist (6.25 inch) and wears very similar to something like my SPB317 or DressKX. My particular version appears to use the Miyota 8204 movement. I say "appears" because despite "8203" being printed on the dial, my version hacks. The 8203 does NOT hack whereas the 8204 DOES hack (and actually has 2 more hours of power reserve over the 8203). I've seen at least one other person mention the same thing on a Facebook group in the few weeks I've had it.
While the 8000 series movements don't boast the best accuracy, mine seems to be running around +7spd as far as I can tell (that's about 5spd better than my $735 Seiko SPB317). Color me impressed.
This is my first LHD watch and while I think it looks cool, it takes some getting used to in terms of unscrewing, winding, etc. But I think the more you get used to it, the more it becomes a natural feeling (which seems like a redundant thing to say).
The bezel action is 60 clicks and is what I would call "brutish." It doesn't come off as refined in design or finish, BUT what it lacks in refinement, it makes up for by being utilitarian and very robust with pretty much zero back-play. It's a tool watch type of bezel and I think it fits perfectly. I find that if you try to spin or rotate it quickly, it doesn't feel so great, but if you take your time and rotate slowly, each of the 60 clicks feel VERY solid, pronounced and tactile.
Like I said, I've only owned it for a few weeks and admittedly, the SPB317 hogs most of my wrist time, but despite the fact I'm such a Seiko fan when it comes to design language, I do really like and respect Citizen's own design language. I think Citizen divers have a charm very much their own and I love the history with regards to how prevalent and beloved they were/are in the recreational and technical diving industry. If you're a fan of Citizen and haven't looked into these affordable divers, my question is "Why the heck not?"
Citizen NY0040-09E Short Term Review
Yes
No
- Dial design
- Good lume
- Great size
- Miyota 8204 has been running great for me
- Incredible value (says me)
- Not my favorite bezel action, but I think it's well made
- LHD is cool, but at the end of the day, I'd rather just stick to RHD
- N/A
Current collection: Seiko SARB033, Seiko SBSA057, Seiko SZSB011
This one is definitely one of the best watches for the price and a well written review !
I should have put a nato strap on mine, yours looks pretty sharp 👌
Personally, I've come across a few inaccuracies and had to readjust the time on mine, as it's been through a lot of “traumas”. Otherwise, I had given it the same rating as you 😂
Awesome review. Looks great on wrist and strap monster for sure!
Good review and as always FANTASTIC pics dude!
You get the exposure 👌🏻.
Out of curiosity are three SOTC? (not Status of...but the other SOTC abbreviation for camera enthusiasts, Str8 Out Of Camera)
Doesnt matter either way, still gorgeous shots, more just curious.
Great watch and a really good review but the 12 hour marker looks like a pair of pants 😂 it was pointed out on another forum and now I can't un see it.
Cool, thanks for the review 👍🏼
Good review and as always FANTASTIC pics dude!
You get the exposure 👌🏻.
Out of curiosity are three SOTC? (not Status of...but the other SOTC abbreviation for camera enthusiasts, Str8 Out Of Camera)
Doesnt matter either way, still gorgeous shots, more just curious.
Thanks! Nothing I do is straight out of camera. I don't think I'll ever be good enough to shoot jpeg and post as is. 😂 Also, editing a raw file is half the fun for me, even if they are subtle edits.
These Promasters are fantastic!....thank you for the 📚 read.....I've got 4 of them....one for every mood
I have this watch too and it's a keeper for sure. Standard issue to the Italian navy for nearly a decade. Mine keeps excellent time. Has always been regarded as the main competitor to the SKX007. New ones are still out there but they nudge over USD400 now.
I have this watch too and it's a keeper for sure. Standard issue to the Italian navy for nearly a decade. Mine keeps excellent time. Has always been regarded as the main competitor to the SKX007. New ones are still out there but they nudge over USD400 now.
I'm definitely loving it! I feel like it's such great value considering what you're getting compared to something like the 5KX (and I'm a 5KX fan), but the movement is comparable, original (and cool) design, 4 o'clock crown (or 8 o'clock in this case), day/date, great size AND a Diver's 200m.
Love mine
Feels like it could take a beating and survive to tell the tale
I'm definitely loving it! I feel like it's such great value considering what you're getting compared to something like the 5KX (and I'm a 5KX fan), but the movement is comparable, original (and cool) design, 4 o'clock crown (or 8 o'clock in this case), day/date, great size AND a Diver's 200m.
Pity that the DressKX's are only 100m and lost the ISO 200m certification, not to mention price hikes, QA issues etc. I have a SKX009 and will always hang on to it.
Pity that the DressKX's are only 100m and lost the ISO 200m certification, not to mention price hikes, QA issues etc. I have a SKX009 and will always hang on to it.
Yeah, I mean, I don't mind 100m. Practically, it doesn't mean much (to me at least). I'm still a big 5KX fan.
I hear you. I'm also keen on the Seiko Prospex range. They are rugged everyday wear pieces. My next purchase will be the new Alpinist GMT in black. Stunning.
I love mine, its battered and bruised but still looks great. Mines is on a SS strap, seeing your Nato makes me want to try one out. As for accuracy I'm about 3spd slow. I like the 60 click bezel too.
Great review
Beautiful Citizen! Love my Promaster
Very nice photos illustrating your review. Congratulations 👌
Great #citizen review
I love mine except for the day date in black. I can never read it.
The 8203 now DOES hack as well!
Really great review, thank you very much. 👍