You’ll have seen Citizen ads at some point in your life, giant of Japanese watchmaking that they are, lauding the merits of their signature Eco Drive movements. The TLDR of the whole concept is solar powered quartz movements… not all that sexy when you come right down to it. Practical yes, but not exactly artisanal. To celebrate 50 years in Europe however, Citizen has illustrated that they’re more than a battery-powered one-trick pony – and in fact, the Promaster automatics are some of their coolest launches to date.

Promaster Mechanical Diver

There are actually two watches in this anniversary duo, the first of which is the simple yet classic Promaster Mechanical Diver. The original is one of the most affordable serious divers on the market and the 50th anniversary edition doesn’t really mix up the formula too much.

The cool trademark notched bezel, round, 42mm stainless steel case and 8 o’clock crown are all still there. In fact, the only real difference here is the new colourway with a black and red bezel. It’s a small chance for sure but one that makes a marked difference with a nice flash of colour.

Promaster Marine Super Titanium

The second of the two watches is a little more performance oriented: the Promaster Marine Super Titanium. The lightweight case is actually slightly bigger than its steely sibling at 44mm but not too noticeably. The bezel’s also slightly different, replacing the almost sawblade sections of the standard Promaster Mechanical Diver with bare metal. It’s less individual but perhaps a little more wearable.

Other than that, the titanium version shares the exact characteristics of its commemorative twin. It has the same 200m water resistance and both models are equipped with Miyota (who are owned by Citizen) 8203 calibre movements.

Both pieces are to 1,000 and are priced as fantastically as you might expect from a Japanese watchmaker: EUR 259 for the steel version, EUR 399 for the titanium. It might be an odd anniversary for the century-old brand to celebrate, but we’re not complaining.

Price & Specs:

Model Name(s): Promaster Mechanical Diver; Promaster Marine Super Titanium

Ref: NY0087-13EE (Mechanical Diver); NY0076-10EE (Marine Super Titanium)

Case/Dial: 42mm diameter x 12.6mm thickness, stainless steel (Mechanical Diver); 44.3mm diameter x 13.4mm thickness, Super Titanium (Super Titanium)

Water Resistance: 200m (20 bar)

Movement: Calibre 8203 Citizen/Miyota, automatic

Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, day-date

Strap: Urethane rubber

Price: EUR 259 (Mechanical Diver); EUR 399 (Marine Super Titanium); Limited to 1000 pieces each

More details at Citizen Watch’s website.