New JDM Citizen
So I guess this is a new watch alert. It's the Citizen AT2500 for those of you who like to memorise model numbers. Often on WC you see a new watch alert with little or no background as to why someone has got that one. Many do put that bit more information, such as @Casiodean and others. I do like to know the why. But I am off work, avoiding cleaning the house and with better things to do I thought I would give you the story of this one. I had some delivery problems on 20th December, and thanks for the crying emoji if you read it my post, I needed it at the time.
Why now?
I decided to treat myself for Xmas basically. I recently discovered, around 10 years ago, that I am basically working full time for many companies and corporations, at the moment that is British Gas, Asda & The Government. After saving up my generous cash back from the NatWest bank, it has only taken me three years to accrue the funds, so I am quids in.
But why a Citizen?
I have almost pulled the trigger on a Citizen many times. For sure many a better Citizen on WC, some fabulous watches about and many a tasty diver and sports watch etc. Every time I have gone to get one something happens, usually the fridge packs in or I need two new tyres. As an amateur and cash strapped collector I did not have one, so I clicked “add to basket” and waited a month for the central heating to gurgle and stop working, or a tree to fall on my house and nothing happened. This must be fate so I clicked “buy now”. I hope I am not tempting fate again, I am touching wood daily (now now you mucky minded WC’ers).
Why this one?
It started with my fascination of Japan. This is a JDM model. My interest started many years ago when I read the wonderful book by James Clavell – Shogun, and after seeing the hyper realistic and documentary like, and under-rated Karate Kid 3. So my curiosity in all things Japanese is on the rise. I have started bowing to shopkeepers multiple times who then ask if I need a chair and enquire if am I having a stroke.
I also got it because it is JDM. This is my second. Now they may well be common, as say a PRX on a watch forum, in Japan, but here in the UK I am safe in the knowledge that no one will notice anyway. In the unlikely event someone does ask if its from Argos I can say its from Japan.
One of the reasons is also, as you can see it is a chrono, and it's my first. Some niggling doubt in my mind told me a needed one. Why do I need one? No idea but I decided I had to get one anyway. I will never use any of the chrono functions no doubt, as my G-Shock does all that. In reality I like all those ickle dials even though I don’t know what they do for the most part. Another reason I got it was well, I might get an invite to a WC event one day (unlikely), and I could imagine whispers in the corner “he hasn't got a chrono! And why does he keep bowing?
I liked it because it comes on a Nato strap. I love a budget watch but what I very much dislike is the strap quality is usually dire, exceptions of course. I have an extensive collection of straps that I can now have a play about with without piercing my thumb with the watch strap remover tool. My local A&E now refers to me as “the thumb fella”.
Almost near the end bear with me. I wanted a white dial. Life didn’t seem right without a white dial and many a contender, all out of my price reach. So when I saw this I thought “JDM, Citizen & white dial” tick tick ticked all the boxes. Who could resist and apparently it is also Eco_Drive. I am pleased they didn’t print it on the dial, probably because there is not enough room, but I have a good memory anyway. I do dislike the way Casio, and others, remind me I have a 10 year battery and 5 alarms, but that is my old man muttering kicking in.
I have included a link for the spec minded nerd out there. It cost me £115 and £30 shipping (yikes) and so far customs have not been in touch, when they do, and they will, I expect a charge of £30 or so.
So there you go, comments welcome of course. I will review it if I get the gumption after some wrist time. I do know its not the latest shiny wonder thing, its a bog standard entry level Citizen and that is the story behind it.
PS I love the PRX and here is the link...
From the UK, I am a watch nut, from the age of 18 been putting £5ish aside each week to fund my watch passion and never stopped.
Thanks Jason nice of you to say.
Ahhhh I love a good ending Paul and you deserved one mate! Congrats on the new watch it looks 👌🏻
However I ain’t stopped pissing me self yet…., "I have started bowing to shopkeepers multiple times who then ask if I need a chair and enquire if am I having a stroke" so funny thanks for a good read and merry Christmas to you and yours bud 👍🏻
Cheers Andy, I can be serious, but not often! Think we all need a chuckle most days.
Congratulations 🍾
Congratulations 🍾
Thanks MrS
First, thanks for working in the gas industry. My house is heated by electricity, which comes from natural gas. I always wonder about these angry anti-gas letter writers and keyboard warriors where their thermostats are set while they're writing their angry letters.
I enjoyed your story too about how you came to obtain this watch. I couldn't have written anything like that though. My story would have been "I saw it, I liked it."
And what's not to like? I think most guys that like watches like chronographs, and the little chrono dials here look just great and very readable. I use the dials on my Seiko SE-SSB089 (yes, I memorized the model number!) to time cooking or my 40-minute walk every day (got to do something to keep the 2023 blood pressure down).
And how ABOUT that dial? That lustrous white looks like a genuine enamel dial on my computer. It's just bursting through the screen.
First, thanks for working in the gas industry. My house is heated by electricity, which comes from natural gas. I always wonder about these angry anti-gas letter writers and keyboard warriors where their thermostats are set while they're writing their angry letters.
I enjoyed your story too about how you came to obtain this watch. I couldn't have written anything like that though. My story would have been "I saw it, I liked it."
And what's not to like? I think most guys that like watches like chronographs, and the little chrono dials here look just great and very readable. I use the dials on my Seiko SE-SSB089 (yes, I memorized the model number!) to time cooking or my 40-minute walk every day (got to do something to keep the 2023 blood pressure down).
And how ABOUT that dial? That lustrous white looks like a genuine enamel dial on my computer. It's just bursting through the screen.
Thanks for the kind words. It's just a humble little Citizen and nothing wrong with that. I am enjoying it and can't wait for summer, it has that summer watch feeling for me. I might get a few really brights Nato straps for it.
Thanks for the kind words. It's just a humble little Citizen and nothing wrong with that. I am enjoying it and can't wait for summer, it has that summer watch feeling for me. I might get a few really brights Nato straps for it.
I bet that will look great. Also, Summer is bad for leather.
I also have a Citizen watch that didn't cost a lot of $$$. It is the blue dial dress watch model no. NH8350-83L (yes, I memorized the number). The dial and the metalwork are just fantastic. And although I prefer solar and quartz, this Citizen actually has a fairly accurate automatic movement. The price? $95.
I bet that will look great. Also, Summer is bad for leather.
I also have a Citizen watch that didn't cost a lot of $$$. It is the blue dial dress watch model no. NH8350-83L (yes, I memorized the number). The dial and the metalwork are just fantastic. And although I prefer solar and quartz, this Citizen actually has a fairly accurate automatic movement. The price? $95.
I went and google searched it, fantastic and what a great price for an auto.