It's kind of "sparkly" in sunshine but easy to read. The date window is micro sized...too hard to read without having to stare hard. Overall, I like that the band is not too shiney, it's more an upscale casual look.
As with the other citizen watch I recently purchased (the nighthawk). This watch is decent. I like it. But as with the other watch, this watch is impossible to see at night. I do a lot at night, since I am a second shifter. The illumination doesn't glow bright enough to see. I just had an idea. Why doesn't citizen make a watch with a back light, so it could be easily seen in the dark. Like in a dark room. Then call it the second shifter. Not the best name, but at least I wouldn't have spent $800 on two watches that are good for daytime use.
I have had this watch for a couple of years and love the functionality and look. Keeps great time easy to set up. Only complaint is the black band is starting to show some wear as the the finish is wearing off with silver coming through. Would purchase again.
Got it as a birthday gift and it is such a good watch.