Citizen is a hidden gem within the horological circle. While the brand is often associated with modestly-priced mass market watches, the Japanese watch manufacturer is certainly more than that. And that, in our humble opinion, is just the tip of the iceberg.
Citizen Attesa Eco-Drive Radio-Controlled
The price of the Citizen Attesa Eco-Drive Radio-Controlled is US$1,080 (approximately S$1,394).
The Citizen Attesa Eco-Drive Radio-Controlled is an uber-cool offering from the Japan-based watch manufacturer, featuring the brand’s proprietary Super Titanium in the construction of both the case and bracelet of the timepiece. This particular watch, which was handled by Deployant, also features the new Duratect DLC Blue material.
Beyond the material, the watch features a rather sophisticated and handsome angular case design. It also houses the brand’s Eco-Drive and Radio-Controlled technology – which offers users a seamless experience while wearing the watch (as it allows for charging via light energy and the correction of time and date using radio transmitters, respectively).
While this is probably not up in the alley of mechanical watch geeks, we do think this Citizen timepiece offers something rather compelling. We will pen down our thoughts in the review below.
The Case, Dial, and Hands
The Citizen Attesa Eco-Drive Radio-Controlled is fitted with a 39mm Super Titanium case, featuring the brand’s new Duratect DLC Blue material (for this example). For the uninitiated, Duratect is a creation of Citizen, where materials are further hardened using a surface hardening technology. Beyond the tangible aspect of it, Citizen is also able to incorporate different colours in the process – which in this resulting in the watch adopting a stunning deep blue colour.
We particularly adore the aesthetics of the case. This Citizen features a rather appealing angular case, coupled with a matching octagon bezel. Knowing that this is achieved on a titanium case makes it even more remarkable, as it is well-known that titanium is a notoriously difficult material to work with. Citizen could have just gone with a simpler case, but having this design certainly makes the watch much more attractive and cool-looking.
The other highlight, although it is unfortunately not present in our photos, is its dial. For this particular variant, the watch features a rather beautiful blue dial with glitterings all over – similar to that of an aventurine dial. However, it is quite subtle under dark lighting conditions, which was the case when the watch was photographed. You may take our word for it though, as it is stunning, but yet not anywhere too ostentatious.
In terms of time-telling, this Citizen is as simple as it gets. This is a three-hand watch, with a date window at the 3 o’clock position. It is simple, functional, and non-nonsense. Again, this is what you would expect from Citizen.
The Movement: Calibre H128
The watch is powered by the brand’s Eco-Drive Calibre H128. This is a solar-powered movement, with an accuracy of +/- 15 seconds per month. In addition, the watch features a perpetual calendar complication, as well as a radio-controlled module which allows for the watch to receive signals from radio transmitters to correct the time and date automatically.
In terms of functionality, this watch pretty much ticks all the boxes. For someone who is looking for a function timepiece, especially as a traveller, the Citizen can definitely meet all the requirements.
Competitive Landscape
The price of this Citizen Attesa Eco-Drive Radio-Controlled, in Duratect DLC Blue is US$1,080 (approximately S$1,394).
In terms of competition, we have a few other watches that may be worth some consideration as well.
If one is looking for a solar-powered watch, the Tissot PRC 100 Solar might be something worth a consideration. This is a no-frills, but well-made, three-hand timepiece with a date display. It is a solid and reliable watch, albeit with not many distinctive features. The price for the Tissot begins at S$620.
Next, we have another solar-powered timepiece, in the form of Junghans’ Max Bill Mega Solar (picture above courtesy of Junghans). This watch features the iconic minimalistic Max Bill aesthetics, while incorporating a solar-powered movement. This Max Bill also boasts a perpetual calendar, automatic conversion between summer and winter time, as well as a function to synchronise time using the Junghans’ Mega app. Prices of the Mega Solar begin at €1,125 (approximately S$1,680), and it is worth considering if one is a huge fan of its aesthetics.
Lastly, for someone who wants a timepiece almost like the Citizen Attesa but with a mechanical movement, the recently released Citizen Zenshin is worth some serious consideration. The watch features the brand’s Super Titanium case and bracelet, with a rather agreeable design to boot. No doubt, it does not have all the other bells and whistles that the Citizen Attesa can offer in terms of its features, but if one is looking for a robust timepiece, the Zenshin, which is priced from S$872 onwards, is certainly compelling.
Concluding Thoughts
We have had a great time with the Citizen watch. While we are always strong proponents of mechanical timepieces, the Citizen Attesa really had us think twice for a moment. The functionality of the timepiece – especially for someone who travels often – is excellent, and we really adore the overall packaging of the timepiece as well.
The Duratect Super Titanium case and bracelet is also worth a mention as well. While we did not take special care of the timepiece (we have to caveat that we did not hit the watch against any hard surfaces, or drop the timepiece), the regular desk-diving did not result in any scratches on the clasp or any surface of the watch. This is indeed impressive. It is also very lightweight due to the material, which makes the watch rather comfortable on the wrist.
At the end of the day, while most collectors do not buy a watch for practical reasons, it is definitely nice to have a practical watch that can be called upon as and when it is needed. This Citizen Attesa, without a shadow of doubt, fits the bill perfectly. And that fact that it can attract the attention of watch enthusiasts (including ourselves) speaks volume about this timepiece.
3 Comments
Pictured in a basement with no lights.
Great article and watch! I have a few Attesa’s in my modest stable of 20+ watches. Two more Attesa’s are on my acquisition list. I also have mechanical watches ranging from $$$ to $$$$$$. I have found over the last five years that my Citizen’s are some of the best timekeepers in the collection . . . next to my YES astronomical watch.
While mechanical watches provide a time-honored link to the past, they are not the be all – – – end all of Horology.
For those collectors who still (50+ years after their invention) may be a bit snobbish about Quartz watches, I would offer this:
You must always be willing to truly consider evidence that contradicts your beliefs, and admit the possibility that you may be wrong.
Intelligence is not knowing everything.
It is the ability to challenge everything you know.
Thank you for your comment. Indeed Citizen is now still a well kept secret where only the cognoscenti appreciate.