1990 Aqualand, first ana-digi depth gauge watch, featuring dive timer and depth alarm

 

That's a very nice watch!

The NH3420 seems to be really hard to find. Earlier this year Citizen released a similar JDM watch at 38mm, the NB1050-59L. I also have small wrists and prefer 36mm, but this version works (just barely) for my wrists.

https://www.japan-onlinestore.com/NB1050-59L

 

Love mine

 

That watch is very nice indeed, and with an updated movement, sapphire crystal and other upgrades to my watch it's a serious rival to anything in that price bracket.

 

These two both cost me small change. Is Citizen truly the last bastion of genuine bargains?

To me these are far better watches than the equivalent Seiko LM or Actus or other mid to upper rank Seiko's from the time period.
I get the feeling around 1969-1970 Citizen case finishing improved, better use of brushed finishing and more interesting confident shapes.

Seven Star V2 from 1971



Crystal Seven from 1970.

 

1982 1300m diver 2021 reissue - BN0220-16E...

 

What does it say on the back of your watch? When I was looking for mine, researching the bygone railways engraved on the back was fun. I someday want to ask around to find out why the engravings are so specific. It's hard to imagine why Japan Rail would issue watches for particular rail lines, unless they were meant to be equipment for those particular trains. Maybe the personnel were awarded their watches after their first year on the job or something.

 

Citizen Challenge divers, 62-6198 from 1976 (left) and a 52-0110 from 1977 (right).

I started to develop an interest in these recently and picked up the 62-6198 (which is only in mediocre condition and missing its original bracelet) in a Japanese auction so I could handle one in-person. Then the 52-0110 popped up on eBay with a very fair asking price, but terrible photos and an odd description, and I just grabbed it reflexively. Fortunately it's actually in great condition and has the original h-link bracelet. It is an example of the less common 17 jewel version, which is presumably less desirable than the more typical 21 jewel examples.

 

My Citizen

 

New member of the family, the plum/burgundy/purple whatever strap isn't usually my thing, however there was just something about this watch....and now in the metal, it's pretty interesting! Quite surprised by the quality of the leather and the substantial taper to the single-fold deployant with the tail tucked under the strap like Omega.

Please excuse my crappy phone camera picture quality:

 

Citizen homer

 

These are nice. I like the simplicity and I believe the movement is the same one that powered a lot of HMT watches. Simple but reliable.

 

Okay, not a Citizen, but my new Bulova 98A255 “Hack” has the Miyota 82S0 engine under the hood, and both Miyota and Bulova are Citizen-owned. According to Miyota this movement has an accuracy of -20 to +40 seconds per day, but having kept a close eye on mine for about a month now, the actual accuracy is substantially better. When I wear it, and then leave it positioned overnight on the edge opposite the crown, it runs about +2 seconds per week (yes, that’s not a typo; +2 seconds per WEEK). What’s strange though is that when I have left it laying face-up it will lose 12 seconds per day.

The only things I’m not crazy about are the red numbers for 24-hour military time – I think white would have maintained a more classic look; and the fact that the second hand is almost-invisible is irritating – not only does the second hand not have any lume, but even in anything less than bright sunlight it’s camouflaged against the face and difficult to find. A spot of white or yellow luminous paint at the tip of the second hand would make a world of difference.

Overall though, very pleased with the performance and eye-appeal for less than $200.

 

simple movement hacking second

 

looks good. Which Showa year if I may ask?

 

Here is it

 

Have you seen Citizen 18k/750 yet ?