SINGAPORE- Media OutReach - 20 July 2020 - 

Biggerand better at 44mm

The original Promaster NY004 divingwatch that was released in 1989 was the basis for the new generation of CitizenAsia Limited Promaster NY008 series watchesthat were released since 2018. These two collections, with the first in 2018coming mainly on rubber straps, and the second in 2019, coming on stainlesssteel bracelets, have been a critical and commercial success.

Fans of CITIZEN have lauded thesecollections for their robust technical features, the unique back story of theoriginal PromasterNY004 series being used by the Italian Navy, and the affordable price pointthat made them accessible to everyone. Most interesting however, the CitizenAsia Limited Promaster NY008 series came with an engraving of a "Fugu", orJapanese for "pufferfish" on the caseback, which was in acknowledgement of thenickname given to the original Promaster NY004 series diver by fans. This wasdue to the distinctive shape of the bezel - designed with curved and sharpedges that made it easy to grip in wet conditions - that reminded fans of thepufferfish. 

With the aesthetics of the originalfirmly established, CITIZEN has decided to use the same well-loved formula foundin the 42mm Promaster NY008 series and create a new version in a larger 44mmsize. This not only comes in line with modern preferences, but gives anotheroption for fans to be able to choose the size that fits them better.

In the new, Citizen Asia Limited PromasterNY011 series, the signature design elements havebeen retained, such as the bezel with serrated teeth for easy gripping in wetconditions, as well as the new design of the hour markers that was introducedin the Promaster NY008 series in 2018.

The new collection though is not justabout a larger 44m case size. In fact, aside from this, there are a number ofnew features that the collection introduces to the family of the Citizen AsiaLimited series, that watch fans will certainly appreciate.

Newfeatures

The headline feature of the Citizen AsiaLimited Promaster NY011 series might be the larger 44mm case size, but thereare other notable ones that greatly increase the value proposition on offer.These technical additions not only increase the performance of the watch fordiving, but also make the overall ownership experience more satisfying.

The first feature is the use of asapphire crystal instead of the mineral crystal that was used in the previous PromasterNY008 series. Sapphire crystal is more expensive and typically used in watchesthat are higher in price. This is because of its main advantage, in that it is aharder material that resists scratches. This means that it will resist roughhandling better, and allow the crystal to retain its function of allowing theowner to read the time clearly. This is in contrast to a mineral crystal, whichcan pick up scuffs and scratches over time which can mar the look andfunctionality of the watch.   

Interms of the diving bezel, there is a notable upgrade in functionality. Thistime, the Citizen Asia Limited Promaster NY011 series comes with 120 clicks asopposed to the 60 clicks of the previous collections. This means that it hasthe ability to more precisely define a dive time when it in used. Additionally,it also means a better feel in the hand as the bezel is rotated since it ismore precisely made to higher tolerances.   

The Citizen Asia Limited PromasterNY011 series will also feature a new polyurethanestrap that by all appearances comes with the same technical features alreadyfound in the current polyurethane straps supplied with diving watches. Not onlyis there a N.D Limits table printed on it to help divers calculatedecompression times, the strap is also rippled towards the watch head, in orderto compensate for the compression of a wetsuit sleeve underwater at depth andso ensure that the watch remains securely on the wrist.

The main difference is that the new polyurethaneis softer, and more durable than the previous version, which helps with greaterall-day comfort on land or in its native environment, underwater.

Finally, the laser engraving of the"Fugu" or puffer fish that is found on the case-back of the CitizenAsia Limited Promaster NY011 series will appear slightly differently than thatfound on the Promaster NY008 series. While the design of the "Fugu" remains thesame, the appearance of it will be more defined, and this is because it isetched deeper in the engraving process.

The rest of the technical specificationsof the new CitizenAsia Limited Promaster NY011 series will befamiliar, as the watches will use the proven in-house cal. 8203 movement, have200m water resistance and be compliant with the ISO 6425 standard for divingwatches.

Fully Lumed Dial

One of the popular dial variations ofthe original PromasterNY004 from 1989 was the one with a fully lumed dial. Unlike most watches thathave lume applied on hour markers for time telling in the dark, these watcheshad lume applied instead, on the dial. Hour markers were typically not lumed sothat they would contrast against the generous amount of lume on the dial, andso be the points by which a user could reference to tell the time.

A fully lumed dial is comparativelyrare, with only a few brands having made watches with them before. CITIZEN hasalways been one of the brands known for producing this type of dial, and so,for aficionados of lumed watches that wanted the ultimate visibility of thetime in the dark, the original PromasterNY004 was a popular option.

CITIZEN introduced this dial again in2018 with the NY0080-12X, and again this year with the new Citizen AsiaLimited Promaster NY011 series.

The fully lumed variant of the CitizenAsia Limited Promaster NY011 series is threetimes brighter than that used in the previous Promaster NY008 series. Not onlythat, because the dial is bigger, there is more lume overall, which makes thebrightness that can be experienced under low light even more apparent. Thisparticular model is limited to 2,000 pieces, with each piece carrying its ownseries number on the case-back.

Variations

The new Citizen Asia Limited PromasterNY011 series will come in four colour variations,all mounted on polyurethane straps. There will be two black dial variants, onewith a bezel in red (for the first 15 minutes) and blue and the other in blue(for the first 15 minutes) and black. Then, there will be a white dial variantwith a black bezel, a relatively uncommon combination in a diving watch.Lastly, there will be the aforementioned fully lumed dial variant with a blackbezel.

The watches will beavailable towards the middle of 2020 in the following markets -Singapore,Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, China, Taiwan region, Hong Kong SAR, Philippines,and Cambodia.

* The final design and specificationsare subject to change without notice.

*Eco-Drive is registered trademarks or trademarks of CITIZEN Watch Co., Ltd.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

https://citizenasialimited.com/