Perfect watch for me. One thing I can complain is that the date is too small to read.
Have had this watch about six months. I only take it off when I sleep or in the shower. I work outside using a chain saw, and other tough chores around my property and this thing is solid and never misses a second. I like minimalist watches so I love the simplicity of the dial. I don't like date windows and on this watch(or any watch I own) it is so small I can't read it anyway so for me it is perfect. If you have to have a date window I would not recommend this watch due to its tiny window and I mean tiny.Otherwise a great watch and well worth the money. Final comment. This is a heavy watch. If you like a lighter watch I would get the Citizen Titanium which I also own and it is almost as light as a feather.
I'll start with the bad, there's only 2: 1) The date window/dial is so hopelessly small that it should have omitted from the design. It's the smallest I have ever seen on a watch. It's so small that its not worth squinting at or updating every month. 2) The metal bracelet does indeed scuff & scratch (so much for titanium) and the clasp is very long - close to 1/3 of the length...which is a big deal for us smaller wrist guys. OK that's all the bad. The good - there's alot: The monocoque back/build is very unique and makes perfect sense for a (automatic) watch not needing a battery. Take that plus the Sapphire crystal, Eco-drive, water resistance - you have the equivalent of great diver watch - that's not a diver watch & no rotating bezel that you're not using since you've never even been snorkeling let alone scuba diving.. So all you dudes wearing your diver watches for these identical features, get this Promaster Tough and stop posing like you're PADI certified. I intentionally set my watches 2 minutes fast for punctuality reasons, and this E168 movement has held steady for over 2 months with no change -/+. The watch is great for the office with a suit and the beach - now that's versatile. I sold off my entire watch collection just so I could have one watch that could do it all, simply, elegantly, reliably, and durably...the Promaster Tough even with it's cheesy name - fits that bill. But seriously Citizen either remove the date or increase it's size to make it readable.
Recently traded my 1996 Eco-drive in for this model. I am not a fan of the huge watches now worn by others. This watch is my compromise. It is larger than my previous Citizen and I am getting used to it. Sleek minimalist design, yet functional analog elegance. Thanks Citizen
I received this wonderful watch recently and overall this was an exceptional purchase. On the positive side, this watch looks great, has a clean dial, very accurate and built tough as the name implies. The weight to me is appropriate given the case diameter and substantial build quality. On the negative side, the date dial window is hard to read, perhaps enlarging and framing the window would be a nice touch. The crown at the 4 o’clock position would add a stylish look as well as a bit of comfort to the wearer. The band is comfortable but would benefit with additional micro adjustments to dial in that custom fit. To me these negatives are by no means a deal breaker, just an area to improve upon for future iterations or design. This is an awesome watch and I am very glad to own it.
Top quality design and build of the watch body (case, face, crystal, bracelet connection to case). Bracelet design also very good, but the bracelet construction is a big step below that of the watch body. The bracelet clasp/closure in particular is of marginal quality. Why make such a beautiful and sturdy watch in Japan and then put it on a bracelet that is made in China??? (and it shows). Very happy with the watch overall. Love Eco-Drive, great quality, elegant design but obviously tough.
US_Citizen Response
I wish this piece also offered a day complication.
A really solid timepiece with the features I need in a timepiece. It’s handsome, rugged and has a presence, for sure. My personal minuses are the weight (even for a “tough watch”) and the ridiculous size of the date window, which, to me, calls into question Citizens product feature regime.