Citizen has established itself as a respected manufacturer of durable and dependable quartz and mechanical movements. Despite the brand’s well-known expertise in this area, many watch collectors tend to overlook their timepieces. However, dismissing their latest release would be a missed opportunity.
Following the success of their impressive “The Citizen” launch earlier this year, the Japanese brand now presents an equally appealing mechanical option that offers affordability without compromising on aesthetics. Although not part of Citizen’s top-tier “The Citizen” collection, this new watch exudes the sophistication of a high-end dress timepiece while boasting impressive specifications.
The Case
Crafted from 316L stainless steel, the watch showcases a captivating interplay of high-polished and satin-brushed surfaces, adding depth and elegance to its already refined design. To ensure long-lasting beauty, Citizen applies their proprietary Duratect coating to the stainless steel case. This innovative coating, similar to Seiko’s Diashield, enhances scratch resistance and preserves the watch’s pristine appearance over time.
The Citizen Collection Silver Leaf Lacquer Dial Blue also impresses with its ideal dimensions for a dress watch, earning the label of a “perfect” choice. With a diameter of 38.2mm, a slim height of 12mm, and a lug-to-lug measurement of just 46.5mm, it offers a harmonious and appealing fit for any wrist.
The Dial
The design of the timepiece’s dial draws inspiration from the renowned “The Citizen” Iconic Nature collection, making it aesthetically reminiscent of its impressive style. The dial showcases a captivating fumé blue texture, exhibiting a darker shade towards the outer edges that gracefully transitions to a lighter hue at the center. However, what sets it apart is the meticulous production process. The dial is crafted using a lacquering technique, involving the application of multiple layers of lacquer onto the base dial through a spray-painting process. Subsequently, the dial undergoes high-temperature treatment in an oven, resembling the production method of an enamel dial. To achieve its distinctive glossy finish, the dials are then meticulously hand-polished.
The Hands
The watch is equipped with Dauphine hands, applied baton indices, and a double-baton at the 12 o’clock position for keeping track of time. A practical date aperture is discreetly positioned at 3 o’clock, adding a useful daily complication without overwhelming the dial’s balanced proportions. Safeguarding the dial is a dual spherical sapphire glass, treated with a non-reflective coating that enhances legibility even under challenging lighting conditions.
Water Resistance
Despite its elegant appearance and sophisticated style, this timepiece boasts a remarkable water resistance of up to 100 meters. With this feature, you can seamlessly transition from the office to a pool party without the need to remove or worry about the watch getting wet. It truly epitomizes the fusion of stunning formal design and rugged specifications, making it an exceptional dress watch for any occasion.
The Movement
Examining the timepiece from a different angle reveals an exhibition caseback that proudly presents the inner workings of the Miyota 9011 movement. Designed with a captivating skeletonised winding rotor, this feature allows the wearer to indulge in a more immersive experience, appreciating the intricate details of the 9011 caliber as it can be observed through the caseback. The Miyota 90XX series, known for its reliability and durability over the years, continues to impress with the exclusive 9011 movement crafted specifically for Citizen. Boasting 24 jewels, a beat rate of 28,800 beats per hour, and a commendable power reserve of approximately 42 hours, this exceptional movement operates within a stated tolerance of -10/+20 seconds per day.
The Strap
To complete the look of the watch, Citizen has added a 19mm blue leather strap to the Collection Silver Leaf Lacquer Dial Blue. Skillfully tapering towards a signed deployant buckle, the strap harmoniously enhances the watch’s case and dial, ensuring an overall sophisticated aesthetic without compromising on comfort.
Final Notes
This latest offering from the esteemed Japanese brand follows in the footsteps of its successful “The Citizen” Iconic Nature collection, which made waves earlier this year. Featuring an equally captivating dial, the Collection Silver Leaf Lacquer Dial Blue proudly houses a mechanical movement that is sure to capture the attention of watch enthusiasts, especially considering its reasonable price. This recent release from Citizen is unquestionably a timepiece that should not be overlooked.