Saturday, October 25, 2008

New Citizen SST - Part 1


Well here we are again about to head into another Holiday Season. People are starting to think gifts and gift giving, the best values for the best products and are always looking for the hot holiday gift. One of this year's top contenders for that category is the New Citizen Eco-Drive SST.

So, in honor of this watch, we are doing a special 2-Part story on the SST and all of it's features. Today, we are going to look at the overall design and analog functions. In part 2, we are going to get technical: cover the digital functions, model specifics and available options including the Limited Edition version and how to get one! Be sure to check back next week for the continuation. Now on to part 1...

The SST is one of Citizen's newest entries into the ever growing segment of high-end sport watches. And let me tell you, this is one of the best watches Citizen has ever made. One look at the close-up of the dial and you can already tell that Citizen is really producing top quality watches.


One of the first things you'll notice are the unique sub-dials. These sub-dials are very reminiscent of sports car gauges. Attractive, well designed and functional. First (to the far left) you have your second hand counter. This sub-dial is directly tied into the Chronograph and Race Timer functions. It is an analog reading for the chrono/timer when in use. This dial gives you a full 60 second count with markers every 5 seconds and an attractive silver dividing line for the first and last 30 seconds. Just another small detail that adds to the overall pleasing lines of this watch.

On the opposite side (far right) you have the 12/24 hour sub-dial. This is a fairly standard addition to the modern Citizen sport watch. This sub-dial is directly tied to the main Hour hand on the watch. It is effectively an am/pm indicator and tracks around only once in a 24hr period. Once again we see the silver marker across half of the dial. This time, to indicate Daylight hours vs. Night.

Finally, we come to the center piece of the analog dials. This dial sits up front and center and is by far the most fun to play with. This sub-dial is noticeable larger than the others and tracks both 1/10 and 1/100 of a second in real time (for the first minute). Hit the start button on the chrono and watch this dial jump to life at lightning speeds. This sub-dial actually has two hands. One that rotates at a 1/10 of a second speed and the other at 1/100 of a second! This hand moves so fast it actually looks like a red blur. Very Cool!!!

Of course, apart from function, we also have form. This watch is one good looking timepiece. And everything on this watch has the same rich detail. From the sub-dials to the case to the crown to the buttons. Every part of this watch is beautiful! Take a look at the close-up of the crown and buttons. Notice how the buttons are fitted with rubber accents for extra grip and feel. Look at the ribbed crown with the "Promaster" insignia emblazoned on the side. And the Hex-head screws that actually double as both design cues as well as being the actual hinge for the push buttons!


It's the little details like these that really make this watch stand out above the rest. Each part of this watch comes together to make something more than just the sum of it's parts... A truly stunning timepiece. If you have the opportunity to see one of these in person, we highly recommend it. Pictures just don't do it justice.

Be sure to check back with us in a few days for Part 2. If you think what you have seen so far is impressive, you ain't seen nothing yet...

Need more details? Check out our listing at Gem of the Day - http://www.gemday.com/item0221.htm