Random ramblings about a Citizen

In 2018 I noticed that both Mido an Citizen celebrated their 100 year anniversary, both were founded in 1918. As any sane person would conclude, I needed to get one of each brand into my collection. While I found a Mido to my taste quite quickly, I couldn't really find a Citizen I was into. Today it would be a different situation, now there are lots and lots of models I really like, but back then it was all too weird looking divers or very grey 43mm all dial watches for office people. I gave up on the hunt.

A bit later I was looking for an inexpensive - or even cheap - tough watch, the usual beater watch. More by accident I stumbled upon someone selling a broken Citizen. I asked the seller about the watch. They said that a year ago the watchband broke, they put the watch into a drawer and now that they checked it, it wasn't running anymore. I paid the 60 € they asked and a few days later a dead Citizen with a band - that looked like a dog had chewed it - arrived. I put it next to a window and after a few days it started ticking. One nylon strap later I had my working beater watch for just 60 €! 

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And while "cheap" was the main selling point, once I wore it I really grew to like that watch. It feels like new, there is no scratch to be seen (thanks Super Titanium coating!), the alignment is perfect. From all of my watches, this cheap find has the longest lasting lume. The 44 mm case doesn't feel big at all because it's slim and lightweight. And having a watch that's always ready to wear is really something to enjoy. Also it made me realise that I'm totally into that black and navy colour combo. 

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I celebrated the acquired appreciation by acquiring the original strap for 25 € as I appreciate a fitted rubber strap on a diver. Now I wear this watch more often than pieces that I lusted after before the purchase, I might have bought it because it was cheap but I found out about it's value by experiencing it myself. Which makes me wonder, how many watches do I dismiss just because of bad product photos and off-putting specifications, when in reality I would really like them? We talk about a lot about value on here. A titanium solar ISO certified diver on comfy fitted rubber for 85 € - I'm sure I'll never find anything close again.

Do you have a watch like that? Buying it with a "Meh." that grew into a "Yeah!"?

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Such a lovely looking watch (Gives off very cool and smooth vibes). How has it held up to father time?

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I think that's the Citizen vibes. you get it second thinking your purchase. then out of no where you  start to see their beauty and how nice they are for the price.

Here's couple of Citizen watches I love:

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That is a very handsome piece. Please tell us which model number? Would love to find one.  

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Great looking watch with a great story! Everyone needs at least two Citizen watches in their collection, not just one. It is a great brand with a rich heritage.

Here are a few of my favorites.

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RFIMike

That is a very handsome piece. Please tell us which model number? Would love to find one.  

Yes sure! This one is a BN0205. There are many variants of this model. There other ones aren't PVD coated I think. BN200 is black dial, BN0201 is blue, ...

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JJMM1983

I think that's the Citizen vibes. you get it second thinking your purchase. then out of no where you  start to see their beauty and how nice they are for the price.

Here's couple of Citizen watches I love:

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Yes that sums it up, good to know that it's not just me then 😁

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DancingWatch

Such a lovely looking watch (Gives off very cool and smooth vibes). How has it held up to father time?

So far all is well! No scratches, great lume, movement is just ticking away... 👍

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LumegaudAnar

Great looking watch with a great story! Everyone needs at least two Citizen watches in their collection, not just one. It is a great brand with a rich heritage.

Here are a few of my favorites.

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I was close to buy a nighthawk a few times but always got second thoughts, maybe I should just push myself a bit 🤔

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I love Citizen! I have four eco drives and just about to get my first vintage Citizen automatic..

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Why do you have to make me hate you? 😂 85€ for titanium Citizen? WTF?

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Great story and points to take in regarding watches we overlook due to bad production photos, etc. I love my Promaster Diver. It’s built solid. 

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TimeToRide

Great story and points to take in regarding watches we overlook due to bad production photos, etc. I love my Promaster Diver. It’s built solid. 

That is a very good point, my Promaster tough looks way more out of proportion (looks downright huge) on the Citizen site. It's a rare case of it being so much better in hand.

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robwei

I was close to buy a nighthawk a few times but always got second thoughts, maybe I should just push myself a bit 🤔

I say go for it! I really like my Nighty! 😆

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Fanatic! Looks great and a great find too.

Don't forget to check their other sites because the selection is not the same. For example I discovered this one on their EU site and then discovered the Japanese version has a quick size adjust buckle. So this is now my grail if someday I can afford 700 bucks for a watch. 

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And yes Casio especially are guilty of garbage stock CGI photos for watches that actually look great. 

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This one is 160 new and it has almost everything. Titanium, solar, sapphire, radio, LED, timers, etc.

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LumegaudAnar

Great looking watch with a great story! Everyone needs at least two Citizen watches in their collection, not just one. It is a great brand with a rich heritage.

Here are a few of my favorites.

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I have the last two watches in your photo group. Both look good and are great for grab and go. 

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I also have no idea how you pulled this off but that is a remarkable find my friend. Beautiful strap monster. 

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Between looking up the super funky square diver reissue and the new beautiful new paper dial dressy ones, check "citizengmt" on insta as example. They got so many cool pieces!! And the iconic AquaLands 🥰

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JJMM1983

I think that's the Citizen vibes. you get it second thinking your purchase. then out of no where you  start to see their beauty and how nice they are for the price.

Here's couple of Citizen watches I love:

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Loooove that chrono and GMT 🤤❤️ I was a bit surprised to find out the size of the chrono though 🤯

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Nice looking watch. Citizen for me always been a must have watch so many types and styles to pic but at least I own one and happy at least.