Citizen is marking the 35th birthday of its Promaster watch series with a special release in its Sky lineup. This time, they're introducing a new mechanical GMT Promaster, targeting it to become a sought-after piece for collectors.
The whole Promaster series is turning 35 this year, and to kick off the celebration, Citizen is focusing on the air-themed watches. The Promaster watches belong to one of three families—Marine, Land, or Sky. But for this milestone, the spotlight is on the sky.
Now, celebrating 35 years might not sound like a big deal to most of us; it's not the most thrilling number. But hold on, because Citizen as a brand has been around for a century! Back in 1924, the founder, Kamekichi Yamazaki, set up the Shokosha Watch School near Tokyo. That's where Japan's journey into watches began, challenging the European dominance in the watch world. (The brand's name goes back even further, to 1918 in Switzerland.)
The Citizen Promaster series has always been about meeting the needs of professionals working in tough conditions. It's a lineage that includes Japan's first fully waterproof wristwatch in 1959.
The Sky series is all about pilot watches, and this new release includes the first-ever mechanical GMT in the line. What's cool about this is the addition of a 24-hour hand, letting you see the time in two different zones at once—perfect for the avid traveler.
Getting into the details, the new Citizen Promaster Mechanical GMT (models NB6046-59E and NB6045-51H) is a bit on the larger side, measuring 44.5mm wide and 12.7mm thick. It's got that tough look, complemented by a stainless steel strap.
To make sure we know it's a pilot's watch, the design draws inspiration from aircraft features. The connection between the case and strap mimics the flow of air over a wing, and the case back is engraved with an image of a flight helmet.
Function-wise, this watch goes above and beyond. It's resistant to magnets, protecting its accuracy from the magnetic fields of smartphones and other digital devices. Plus, it keeps ticking for about 50 hours.
Available in two colors—gray and a slightly darker gray—the former is priced at $1,125, and the latter at $1,175.
So, if you're into watches with a rich history, a touch of aviation flair, and practical features for travelers, the Citizen Promaster Mechanical GMT might just be your next go-to timepiece.