I really like this watch. I wear it daily, whether going to work or mowing the yard or just watching TV. The band was a little stiff, but its breaking in nicely. I've worried about scratching it, but after hitting it on metal several times, it seems pretty tough. Nothing fancy, doesn't do 17 different things, just does its one job well.
Got this watch about 3 weeks ago. I'd been looking for a replacement for my beat up S___o SNE 245 diver I've had for years which they no longer make. I was looking for a black case that was on the small side (42mm) which is hard to find these days. Needed it to be rugged and waterproof. I am a one watch guy and wear it all the time. Sleep, shower, swim, outdoor sports and I am rough on them. I absolutely had to have solar power. I wanted the date, preferably with day of week too. Must have luminous hands and markers. Thought I wanted a rotating bezel too but when I thought about it, I never really used it and it might be worth giving up the extra bulk. I finally thought I had found one in this watch after more than a year of looking. My first impression was that this watch is absolutely beautiful. Love the seamless case and beautiful finish. Looks and feels rugged but elegant at the same time. I a little thinner than most divers which I really like. Now for the bad: 1. The band looks good and I like the black hardware but it is uncomfortable. No big deal. I expected this from the reviews and my experience with Cordura bands. I had a soft rubber replacement waiting when the watch arrived. (Why put a Cordura band on a watch that is going to get wet? They really start to mildew and smell after while). 2. Believe the reviews. The date is absolutely unusable. My eyesight is not perfect but I have never required readers and won’t keep them on me just to read the tiny numbers on my watch. The window is also so deep set that it can not be read unless you are looking straight down onto the surface. 3. The luminosity doesn’t last very long at all. My old watch could be read all night long. This one lasts maybe two hours and is unreadable the rest of the night. 4. This is maybe a minor point but still disappointing. The watch is sold in stores and in other places with a cool, rugged looking plastic/ballistic box. Mine was ordered on the Citizen web site and did not come in that. Just a plain ole cardboard box. Citizen, this is SO close to being my ultimate watch! If you will fix the date and luminosity problems, I would immediately buy 2 more. One for now and one for when I finally wear it out and you no longer make it. As is, I wish I had bought two of my old watch.
Hi, my name is Joe and I'm a watch enthusiast. I freely admit it. I have dozens upon dozens of watches. Many G-shocks. Some other Citizens. Other brands. How I missed the Promaster Tough until now is beyond me. I love a tough watch. Unlike most of my g-shocks, this Citizen Promaster is smaller and MUCH lower profile (height). While I typically like a slightly larger case diameter (44mm), 42mm is okay but it's the lowest I'll go. If this matters to you, the second hand hits the center of all of the minute markers around the dial. The monocoque case back is rather unique and makes the watch both tougher and lighter. This watch looks beautiful, is VERY lightweight on this strap, is super comfortable, and is no doubt a tough watch. Thing is, it would fit in well on a hike or at a campsite, but also out on the town at a nice restaurant. It is a GOOD LOOKING watch!! The dial is simple yet very easily readable. I know from previous experience that Eco-drives are basically bulletproof in reliability. And Citizen has amazing Customer Service. Glad I found this Promaster Tough!!!
I have the green one and it is great. I changed the strap but I am putting it back in since it looks great with it. Please bring to the US the "Ray Mayers" version and the Promaster Land!