Citizen Promaster FUGU NY0138-14X Asia Limited Edition 1989 pcs

The new Citizen Promaster NY0138-14X is housed inside a scuba oxygen tank designed box

When it comes to the world of affordable dive watches, Japanese watchmakers along with their fishes are often the top choice preferences. While Seiko has their Tunas, Orient and their Kamasu (barracuda), and last but not least Citizen with their Fugu puffer fish. Citizen has been producing watches for over a hundred years

Tapered SHARK Mesh Band & Massy Mesh Watch Band on both come in PVD Black coating matching well with the new Fugu

Despite making good quality watches for over a century, Citizen and other watch makers like Orient, are often living under Seiko’s massive shadow. However, if you look closely, you may find yourself liking Citizen more and more. Today, we’ll be talking about Citizen’s latest PROMASTER NY0138-14X Automatic Diver Watch.

Hexad Watch Band in PVD Black coating was on Citizen Promaster NY0138-14X

The Citizen Fugu is not a new collection for Citizen. The first generation Fugu prototype was actually released back in 1989 (original NY004 which was issued to the Italian Navy), distinctive design with the knurled bezel and crown at seven o’clock. It was nick named “Fugu” , mainly due to the unique bezel design that alternates between a smooth and ridged surface to make it easier to grip while underwater, and this design reminded the wearers of the puffer fish.

Suede Quick Release Watch Strap & Italian Suede Leather Watch Strap demo on Citizen Promaster NY0138-14X FUGU

The first thing to know about the NY0138-14X that may not be apparent in pictures is that they have increased the size from 42mm to 44mm. Mineral glass has been upgraded to sapphire crystal to improve resistance to scratches. This limited edition Fugu also double the number of teeth (120, from 60 teeth) in the unidirectional bezel’s click system that allows one to set remaining dive times with increased accuracy.

Pick up the color of the minute hand to match with this Italian Alligator watch band , truly a stunner

The NY0138-14X is powered by Citizen’s automatic Caliber 8204 movement, with 42 hours of power reserve , and 200 metres of water resistance in compliance with the ISO 6425 standard (standard for scuba diving). The principal characteristics for the Citizen Fugu watches are the unconventional and rarely seen left-hand crown position at 8 o’clock, which is meant to prevent inadvertent knocks as well as to provide more ergonomic comfort to the wearer.

The best watch bands for divers - Tropic Pro FKM rubber watch bands, Green & Black with Quick release spring bar details

The bezel is distinctive as well, with alternating smooth and serrated edges allowing for better grip when being operated under water especially with gloved hands. This particular Fugu is presented in an all black case and bezel, with a fully lume dial which perfectly contrasts with one another. It is strapped with a black polyurethane material that Citizen says is softer and more durable.

Beautiful laser engraving of the “Fugu”  is found on the case-back

The presentation case that holds the watch is a design of an oxygen tank. It also comes with a gold color coin with the imprint of the Fugu puffer fish, similar to the design as the case back, along with the individual numbered XXX/1989 pieces. With that being said, the Citizen Promaster NY0138-14X is an awesome dive watch.

on Citizen Promaster : Left & Right both are tapered leather watch straps + Zermatt Lining + quick release 

Specifications:

Brand: Citizen
Series: Promaster
Model: NY0138-14X
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Citizen/Miyota 21 Jewels Automatic winding Cal. 8203
Power Reserve: Up to 42 hours

FEATURES

• Water Resistance: 200 meters / 660 feet
• Functions: Date, Day, Hour, Minute, Second
• Luminous Hands and Indexes

CASE

• Case Size: 44 mm
• Case Thickness: 13.1 mm
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Crown Position: 08:00
• Case Shape: Round

DIAL

• Dial Type: Analog
• Dial Color: Green
• Glass: Sapphire Crystal
• Dial Markers: Baton Indexes
• Second Markers: Minute Markers around the outer rim
• Lumibrite on hands and indexes

BAND

• Band Type: Buckle
• Band Material: Synthetic Rubber
• Band Color: Black
• Band Width: 20 mm

With the cost being well under 500 USD, it is powered by a reliable Japanese automatic movement, with a great attention to detail and an exceptional level of fit and finish. Even thought it may not have the most ground-breaking performance, but it is certainly recommended to those who are looking for a great dive watch at a bargained price. 

Written by Sam , image by Toni

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