The Power of the Sun

The sundial is the oldest know time keeping instrument.  The earliest known sundials are from about 1,500 B.C.  And the sundial is referred to in the Bible in both Isaiah 38:8 and 2 Kings 20:11 (about 700 B.C.).  It is of course logical to assume that man used the shadows of the sun long before that to estimate time.

One obvious limitation of the Sundial was it's inability to tell time at night, although man quickly learned to use the movement of the stars, planets and moon for that purpose.

If we "fast forward" about 3,600 years man is once again using the Sun as a primary source of power to tell time!  Citizen Watch Company has certainly perfected the use of their ECO-DRIVE power system to  harness light and store it to power very complicated watches that tell the time accurately anywhere on earth.  Here, rather than casting shadows, the sunlight (or artificial light) is converted into electrical energy and stored in a capacitor for use.  Most Citizen watches can store power for a year or more without recharging.

Shown at the top of the page is Citizen Watch Company's newest generation of their Altichron Watch which not only tells time, but also the altitude and compass directions, all powered by light.  The Watch Guys Blog reviewed the Altichron when the watch was first introduced and the functions have not changed.  Here is a link to the original review with its in depth functional instructions: The Watch Guys Review of the Citizen Altichron Watches.

The newest Altichron, model BN5058-07E, has a greatly reduced price, cleaner, more modern lines and superior strength and durability.  Unlike the plastic watches offered by some competitors, the newest Altichron is all stainless steel and is entirely analog.  It looks like a fine watch because it is a fine watch.  The Citizen Altichron is available on both our Gem of the Day and our Top Flight Watches websites at a great discount price with FREE SHIPPING.

The Test of Time

Ten years ago TODAY, October 31, 2007, we added the Citizen Eco-Drive TITANIUM RACING CHRONOGRAPH, model BL5250-02L to our on-line catalog on Gem of the Day.  In the world of watches, especially from the large (gigantic!!!!) Japanese Watch Companies, it is rare for a model to continue to be produced for so many years.  Slow sellers are discontinued almost immediately,  In fact Citizen Watch Company discontinues nearly a third of their line every year!

Yet the Eco-Drive Racing Chronograph has endured for all these years and shows no sign of slowing down.  It has always been one of our top best sellers, and I'm betting it's been a consistent best seller for Citizen, too.

The real question is "Why?" Citizen has produced several hundred (you read that right) models with the identical features of alarm, chronograph, perpetual calendar and dual time zones.  These models have come an gone.  Far fewer have had a TITANIUM CASE and that may well be part of the secret.  Titanium is lightweight and stronger than steel. 

The Eco-Drive Racing Chronograph is water resistant to 200 meters or 660 feet below sea level.  It is suitable for deep diving (although not with the racing leather strap).  The key here is the BL5250-02L is incredibly tough and no one is afraid to wear it under any conditions or circumstances. 

Beyond that you quickly get into subjective features of looks, styling and comfort.  I always felt it was (and still is) one of Citizen's best looking watches,  The gray dial and easy-to-read hands and numbers and subdials create an understated elegance.  

I certainly don't want to underestimate the importance of the battery-free Eco-Drive movement.  Combined with the nearly indestructible Titanium Case, the watch never needs maintenance.  It simply runs and keeps perfect time forever!  The Citizen Eco-Drive Quartz Movement, Caliber E820, is one of the most tested and proven watch movements Citizen has ever made. The power reserve is nearly 6 months and recharges in two hours of sunlight.

How long with the BL5250-02L Citizen Racing Chronograph be available.  Obviously we don't know, but if you buy one today you'll have yours forever!

Available from both Gem of the Day and Top Flight Watches just by clicking the links.

Citizen Altichron

The Citizen Altichron is here and it's one of the best Citizen watches to come along in quite some time.  Citizen continues to produce highly technical watches that work fluidly and intuitively.  It an impressive ability and I give a lot of credit to the Citizen engineers.  It's one thing to make a watch with a lot of technical features like digital compass and altimeter but it's something else entirely to make it easy to use.  But that is exactly what Citizen has managed to do and it's the first thing that stood out to me when I first held the watch in my hands. 

The two main technical features of this watch are the Electronic Compass and Altimeter and each is as easy to use as the other.  One of the first things you'll notice is the two color coded buttons on the left side of the case.  One is orange and one is neon yellow.  Then on the face of the watch you will also notice two additional hands.  Once again, one is orange and one is neon yellow.  This is not a coincidence.  Each button corresponds with it's matching hands and automatically launches it's touted feature into action.

Pressing the orange button sends the watch into Compass Mode.  No fiddling required.  Press the orange button and the orange hand starts up and finds true north.  Simple, easy and fast.  No changing modes, no set-up, no fuss.  Just press and go.  Frankly, it's very impressive and intuitive to use.  The big large buttons also mean they are easy to use even if you are wearing gloves or other outdoor equipment.  This is truly a watch you could take into the field and use every day.  And once you are done simply press the orange button again and it goes back to normal.

So, how about the yellow button?  You guessed it.  It operates the other main function, the Altimeter.  And just like the Compass, it's every bit as easy and intuitive to use.  This time by pushing the yellow button, the watch's Altimeter function comes to life and once again does so without any complications.  One press of the button sets the yellow hand in motion and comes to rest on the current elevation displayed by the yellow numbers on the dial.  Simple, easy and efficient.

The watch also features Citizen's now famous light powered technology (Eco-Drive) and come in a variety of light-weight Titanium cases.  Model BN5030-06E is solid Titanium in the standard finish (pictured in the top image) and Model BN5035-02F has a black IP finish.  Both models come standard with a Rubber Strap.  No metal bracelet is available at this time.  Each watch is also 200 Meter Water Resistant and comes with a Power Reserve Indicator on the dial.

Retail pricing starts at $850 for the standard Titanium model and $995 for the Black IP model.  Sale prices are much lower and right now we have a special Summer Citizen Sale going on to make these deals even better!  Simply visit us at one of our sites and enter the Code: Citizen10 to get an additional 10% off the sale price.

This watch is available at both Gem of the Day and TopFlight Watches and the code is good at both sites as well.  As always, you can call us Toll Free at 1-888-243-6329 with any questions, comments or just to talk watches.  Our watch experts are available to answer any question you may have.  We'd love to hear from you.

The Citizen Navihawk is Back!

The Citizen Navihawk is a classic and beloved watch from years past.  Back before the change to Eco-Drive the Navihawk was one of citizen top-of-the-line model pilots watches.  Actually, it was the equivalent of the modern Skyhawk.  In fact, the Skyhawk directly took the place of the Navihawk. The only real difference between the two models was the Eco-Drive technology.  As such, the Navihawk was phased out in favor of the new Eco-Drive model.  But now the Navihawk has made a triumphant return to the Citizen line-up and does so with style.

The Watch Guys are proud to introduce the all new Citizen Eco-Drive Navihawk A-T (citizen model JY8035-04E). Back with all the trimmings, this new model is once again one of Citizens top-of-the-line watches and comes jam packed with all of their modern tech.  With Atomic Clock synchronization for superior accuracy, this radio-controlled timepiece displays digitally the time in 43 cities, and has a 99-minute countdown timer and Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) display as well as 2 world Time Alarms, Analog/Digital Display and 180-Day power Reserve.  Completely with a back-light for the digital display.

Basically, it's a Skyhawk A-T in new clothes but boy does it look good all dressed up!  The Navihawk features an all black stainless steel case (black ion plating), with a deep embossed black polyurethane strap and orange accents on the dial.  The overall effect is quite striking in person and give the watch a tougher look than it's Skyhawk brothers.  The rotating bezel has a coin-edge finish on the outer ring and provides nice grip when using the E6B Bezel for calculations.

Overall fit and finish is also top notch and really should be seen to be appreciated.  Everything from the buttons to the bezel to the case-back and nicely finished and feel good to the touch.  Citizen really out did themselves once again.  The Navihawk is a welcome edition to the Citizen watch brand and watch fans the world over.

For more information, pricing and ordering information on this model please visit our page at Topflight Watches.   Or for the complete collection of Navihawk A-T's you can visit us here.

Citizen Blue Angels World Chronograph A-T

We are pleased to introduce the all new Citizen's Blue Angels World Chronograph A-T!  The next evolution in World A-T watches comes to the Blue Angels series in a big way.  The World Chronograph A-T series of watches by Citizen is the all analog chrono A-T movement.  This means that the traditional digital windows have been thrown out in favor of a more sophisticated look.  Cleaner lines hide the amazing technology lying beneath it's more traditional looking face.  Underneath beats the heart of one of Citizen's most advanced timepieces.

The World Chronograph A-T is the latest in Citizen's Atomic Timekeeping series (hence the A-T moniker).  This means that this watch is capable of receiving the atomic signal and setting itself in 26 different timezones across the world.  Not only that but it also has a 1/20 second chronograph for timekeeping, perpetual calendar, 12/24 hour time dial, power-reserve indicator, E6B slide-rule inner bezel and a anti-reflective sapphire crystal!  All of that is packed into a sleek and sexy design that looks at home as much on the golf course as it does in the cockpit.

And it doesn't stop there.  There are the little things too.  Like the signature yellow strip that runs along the bezel tying in the accent color of the dials and second hand.  The fit and finish of the bracelet and the blue accent strips that line each button.  Each inch of this watch have been given the extra care it deserves.  It's a truly remarkable timepiece that needs to be seen to be appreciated.

This amazing watch is currently available in two trims.  One with a solid stainless steel bracelet (model AT8020-54L) and one with a blue leather strap (model AT8020-03L).  You can check out more features and info by visiting us on one of our retail sites: Gem of the Day or TopFlight Watches.

Introducing the amazing new Citizen Proximity, a men's perpetual calendar chronograph watch designed from the ground up to be an indispensable companion to your iPhone®. The Proximity come with built in Bluetooth® 4.0 connectivity and is self powered by Citizen's amazing Eco-Drive Light technology.

When sync'd to your iPhone® 4S & 5, the Proximity becomes much more than just a watch. Traveling across time zones has never been easier with the incredibly Citizen Eco-Drive Proximity. With the push of a button, your watch can automatically sync to the local time and date. The Proximity offers a 10 meter sync range that will instantaneously lock your phone and your watch will vibrate to let you know that you have exceeded the sync range.

Convenient key features include Time/Date Sync, iPhone® Search, Call & Email Alert and Calendar Event Notification. The watch features also include a second time zone, 12/24 hour time, and a power reserve indicator.

The strap is leather with a nylon backing and accented with color-coordinated stitching. The case is made of stainless steel and is water resistant to 100 meters or 330 feet below sea level. The free of charge Proximity App is available from the Apple App Store on your compatible iPhone® or from iTunes on your computer. Available in either solid stainless steel or the new popular black stainless steel, this is an excellent watch for pilots, travelers, and everyone that depends on Internet Connectivity.

Sapphire Crystals on the Rise

A sapphire crystal probably one of my favorite features you can put on a watch.  It's just nice to have and one of the things I look for when I am considering buying a watch.  Why?  Because sapphire is the 3rd hardest mineral on the planet and make the crystal virtually scratchproof.  This is a pretty big deal in the long term of owning watches.  I mean if you collect watches, chances are you are going to have them for quite some time.  And if you are like me you probably wear them a good bit.  (I don't baby my watches.  If I put a watch on, I wear it.)  In doing so, I put a good bit of wear on my watches and anyone who has had either a plastic or glass crystals can tell you, they will get scratched up over time.  Sapphire crystals won't.


So, why doesn't everyone use sapphire crystals in all their watches?  The cost.  Sapphire crystals are expensive (at least comparatively to glass and plastic) so you don't see them in most of the lower end brands.  High end brands will feature sapphire crystals in almost every model (brands like Tag, Rolex, Omega, etc...).  Low end brands like to use plastic to keep the cost down and the brands that take up the large portion of the middle area usually have a mix of crystals depending on the price or the watch.

Fortunately, sapphire crystals are on the rise these days.  More and more companies are offering sapphire crystals on more of their watch collections. Take Citizen for example.  Citizen is a great watch brand with a mix of sapphire and glass crystals depending on the price and model watch.  Entry level watches are usually glass and the flagship watches are starting to be offered in sapphire.  This is a new move for Citizen and frankly a welcome one.  I love Citizen watches.  I think the quality for the price is one of the best at any price.  The Eco-Drive technology is fantastic too. I have been watching Citizen add more and more sapphire crystal watches over the years and I think it's the right move.  I mean, some of these Citizen watches are so nice and so well made that they deserve to have sapphire crystals.

A few years ago Citizen had almost no models in their line up with sapphire crystals but today you can find them sprinkled throughout.  Take the Firenza Collection for example.  This is a new series of watches from Citizen.  5 years ago, this collection would never have been offered with a sapphire crystal.  In fact, the Firenza collection is actually a remake of an older series of watches.  It was offered around 10 years ago and they were offered with glass crystals. This new collection is a reboot of the series with all the benefits of Citizen's new outlook.  The result is a great looking watch (EP5970-57A) that is well built, superbly finished with both Eco-Drive AND a sapphire crystal.  It doesn't hardly get any better than that.

Moving forward I hope to see even more.  Citizen is on the right path and Seiko is too.  With more and more companies adding sapphire crystals to the line up the future of the watch industry is looking better and better every day.

Scuba Fin Diver

Citizen Watch Company is setting new depths of excellence with their Eco-Drive Light Powered Professional Diver's Watches. For the serious diver there is really only one choice: Citizen Dive Watches. Why?  Because the Eco-Drive technology is just the best available for the modern diver.  Eco-Drive technology means you get a perfectly accurate quartz watch and still NEVER have to change the battery!  It doesn't get any better than that for a diver.  Never having to change the battery means never having to open the seals on the back of the watch, which any diver will tell you can be the kiss of death for a watch.  But with the Citizen Eco-Drive dive watches you never have to worry about it.  You get a perfectly accurate watch you can wear in and out of the water.  It's ready to go anywhere, any time.

Using the most advanced technology in watch making, the Citizen Eco-Drive Professional Diver's Watches harnesses the power of light (natural or artificial) and converts it into energy which is stored in a permanently rechargeable lithium-ion cell. These dive watches recharge continuously and has a power reserve that lasts up to 6 months without recharging.

This particular watch we are talking about today is part of Citizen's ALL NEW Scuba Fin Diver Series.  Depth tested to 200 Meters, this watch is the real deal.  This is a series of watches that will never disappoint you. A rugger, heavy duty, rubber (polyurethane) dive strap is integrated right into the case. The time elapse bezels are unidirectional for control and accuracy. The dial has over-sized luminous hands and markers for perfect night and low light visibility!

Notice the attention to detail in the workmanship of the Scuba Fin Diver Watch.  The dial has a light pattern, the rubber strap is integrated and matches the style of the watch completely making this one of the best looking dive watches on the market today.  The case is solid stainless steel and the fit and finish are impeccable.

Take a look at all these great features:

• Polyurethane strap features a tang buckle
• Luminous hands
• One-way rotating elapsed-time bezel
• Date window at the 3 o’clock position
• Screw-back case
• Screw-down crown
• Mineral glass crystal
• Eco-Drive solar-power technology never requires a battery change, 180 day power reserve
• Water resistant to 200 meters (660 feet)
• Case width 46mm (approximately 1 7/8 inches)

Retail pricing starts at $299.00.  Fall 2012 availability.  Feel free to contact us Toll Free at 1-888-243-6329 with any questions or ordering information.

Citizen World Perpetual AT

Ok, now I have to admit that we are a little excited about this one. The Watch Guys are truly pleased to present the newest Citizen Atomic Timekeeping model, the World Perpetual AT. Now as you may know Citizen has been making Eco-Drive watches with their 'AT' (atomic time) feature for a few years now. It all started with the Skyhawk AT and blossomed from there. To the point now were several series offer this truly wonderful feature. In fact, combined with the Eco-Drive feature it makes for one of the best watches available today. I mean come on... no battery to replace, no need to adjust the time and no need to adjust the date! Can it get any better? Well, in fact it can and it has with the all new World Perpetual AT.

First off is the overall design. It is much simpler than the other watches Citizen is designing with the same technology. The World Perpetual has the general appearance of a standard 3-hand watch. No overly complicated sub-dials, no e6b slide-rule nonsense, just a clean sleek and professional looking watch but still packed with the best features. We are talking World Time with 26 different cities pre-programmed, Eco-Drive, Perpetual Calendar, 200 Meter Water Resistance, Atomic Timekeeping, Solid Stainless Steel or Titanium cases and perhaps one of the best features rarely found on a Citizen watch... a Genuine Sapphire Crystal. That's right, you can't even get that on the flagship Skyhawk model.

So it looks good and also redefines atomic timekeeping with radio controlled accuracy in the USA, Europe, Japan and China where radio signals are received both automatically and on demand. You never have to change a battery or set the time ever again, even for DST (daylight savings time)! The watch will actually set itself. Wake up the next morning to find your watch has already adjusted the time properly. You really can't ask for more.

This particular version is available in two varieties, Stainless Steel or Titanium (CB0020-50E and CB0030-56E respectively). Unfortunately, Citizen has a "no internet" sale policy on this watch so you can't buy it from one of our websites. Fortunately, you can call us up and order it directly over the phone. So for more information and to order one for yourself please call us Toll Free at 1-888-243-6329.

New Citizen SST - Part 2 - The Technical Side of the SST

OK, let's get technical. In part one we covered the design aspect of this amazing watch. Today, we are going to look at the features, functions and available options. So, let jump right in and take a look at what this watch can do.

To start I have put together a list outlining the features and functions...

• 1/1000 Split Second Chronograph
  • Chronograph Measures up to 24 Hours
  • Split Lap Time
  • Average Speed Calculation
  • 20 Lap Memory
• World Time in 43 Cities
• 24 Hour Alarm
• 99 Minute Countdown Timer
• LED Back light for Digital Display
• Bidirectional Rotating Slide Rule Bezel
• Eco-Drive Battery Free Technology
  • 240 Day Power Reserve when Fully Charged
  • Requires Only 200 Hours to Fully Charge in Average Lighting
  • 3 Day Low Charge Warning
• Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet with Black Ion Plated Accents
• Non-Reflective Mineral Glass Crystal
• Water Resistant to 200 Meters (660 Feet)
• Bracelet features a Fold Over Clasp with Double Hidden Push Button Release

DIMENSIONS:

• Width 45 millimeters (47.5 millimeters with crown) Large Men's Watch
• Depth (thickness) 13 millimeters

Not to shabby huh? Not only is it chalk full of features but it is also easy to use. Citizen has all but perfected the user interface. The functions are easy to use and intuitive. Within two minutes of playing with the watch, most users will be able to use every function of this watch without the use of the instruction book.

With features like World Time with 43 Cities and a true 24 hour alarm this watch is perfect for the world traveler. Or someone who needs to keep track of several time zones. Perhaps you have a daughter in New York and a loved one deployed in Iraq. You can easily keep track of the times in both locations as well as you own 'home' time zone. Each time zone is automatically set based off of your 'home' time so you don't have to do a thing. Just set the time like you normally do and every other time zone is automatically updated. Viewing them is as easy as scrolling thru them in order. By far the easiest world time feature to use of any that I have tried.

A 24 hour alarm means you can set the alarm for a specific time and the alarm only goes off at that time. Many watches feature a 12 hour alarm which means if you set the alarm for 6:00, it will go off at both 6:00am and 6:00pm. With the SST you can set the alarm for 6:00am and you don't have to worry about it going off later that evening when you don't need it.

This watch also feature a 99 Minute Count-Down Timer. This feature can be set for any 1 minute increments between 1 and 99 minutes. Simply set it for the desired time (say 15 minutes) and start the count down. Once the timer reaches "0" an alarm will sound to let you know the timer has expired. Very handy for timing anything. Say you are multi-tasking, cooking BBQ and prep work. Set the timer and start working. When the alarm sounds you know it's time to check those ribs. There really are 100's of uses for this function. Very handy.

Of course, once again, the Chronograph is the star of the show. This is a true 24 hour Chronograph. Not a 12 hour or 30 minute chrono you find in most watches... 24 hours! There really is almost nothing you can't time. The 24 hour race at Le Mans? No problem! Not only that, but full split time functionality, Average Speed Calculation and a 20 Lap Memory! This means that the last 20 lap time are actually stored in an internal memory that you can pull up and review at a later date. There really isn't any better chronograph on the market.

Couple all that with bright LED backlight and you have one of the best watches available anywhere. Not to mention the Eco-Drive technology. True Quartz accuracy and No Battery to replace ever!

With a beautiful design and features like this, what other watch could compete? This is exactly why we pick the new SST as this holiday's big hit. And to top it all off, this watch is available in three different styles (pictured below). Stainless Steel, Titanium and the Limited Edition all Black Titanium.

The Limited Edition upgrades the Glass Crystal to a Genuine Sapphire Crystal and is the ONLY Black Titanium Citizen watch offered in North America. It really is the Ultimate Version of this watch available. This version is limited to only 1500 pieces so if you want one you need to act quickly. Each Limited Edition comes in a beautiful wooden gift box and is individually numbered and certified. This will likely be sold out for the holiday season.

It is also important to note that the Limited Edition is NOT available from Online Dealers. This watch is only available directly through you favorite Citizen Dealer. For more information call us Toll Free at 1-888-243-6329.

Learn more about the Citizen SST, with more pictures and a close-up view at the Citizen Promaster SST Gemday Website. You can purchase it there, too, at a great price.

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