CITIZEN UPDATES ICONIC PROMASTER DIVE WATCH

The Citizen Promaster Dive watch was originally launched in 2006 with a case and dial directly inspired by the Orca, the iconic (and some might say very stylish) killer whale. The company has updated the timepiece with new features, including a redesigned case, an improved bezel, and a unique black rubber strap. Available with a blue or black dial — or in an all-black special edition — ­­the new Promaster Dive picks up where the original watch left off, paying homage to one of the most beloved animals in the sea.

The new watch continues to echo the orca’s black and white livery in its bezel and dial design, and is housed in an ergonomic,46 mm case that echoes the whale’s curves. It features a redesigned, unidirectional stainless steel and aluminum bezel with a coin edge so it can be easily manipulated with gloved hands. The profile also sits well above the watch to protect the convex mineral crystal from scratches. A luminous pip at 12 o’clock ensures easy registering of elapsed time while underwater, while a screw-down crown and case back provide 200m of ISO-certified water resistance.

The bezel is designed with serious divers in mind — its design, which features metal “tabs” at each 5- minute demarcation, further recalls the orca’s black and white jaw as it emerges from the water. This theme continues on the dial, which features elliptical, white hour indices in alternating small and large sizes, plus a pop of red at the 12:00 LumiNova marker. Joined by rounded arrow hands that imitate the orca body’s shape, the indices are filled with LumiNova for a seriously bright package that glows brightly below or above the waves.

The Promaster Dive is powered by the Caliber E168 Eco-Drive movement, a light-powered movement that provides a 180-day power reserve on a full charge. A solid, stainless-steel case back with a printed orca whale motif protects the movement.

Black- and blue-dial versions ship in SCUBA tank inspired packaging. A special edition box set features a black-plated case, black bezel, matching black dial and PU rubber strap, all in a neon yellow “tackle box” with a matching LED dive light. Suggested retail is $475 to $575 for the special edition. For the first two days of sales, Citizen donated 100 % of proceeds of Promaster Dive sales to Conservation International, an international NGO that is working to achieve a sustainable society through environmental conservation