Good judgement comes from experience. Sometimes, experience comes from bad judgement. Often that's...
Good judgement comes from experience. Sometimes, experience comes from bad judgement. Often that's more fun, unless you're the one picking up the bill...
At the time of writing, this watch is the top of the Skyhawk model range, Citizen's take on aviation themed watches. In addition to the usual Skyhawk features, the A-T model synchronises with the atomic clock signal. As well as being able to receive the European signal, it can also be trained to the USA and Japan time signals by setting the relevant time zone - an advantage over some of the cheaper atomic watches offered by other manufacturers.
The watch is a chunky design with a stainless steel bracelet and base contrasting the black face and rotating slide rule bezel. The hands are metallic with luminous inserts, and all the hour markers also contain the luminous inserts. The watch weighs in at 178g (on our digital kitchen scales) and the glass is 34mm diameter, with the watch 47mm wide and 14mm deep (note: all measurements taken with a shatter resistant ruler and Mk 1 eyeball). Overall, for such a large watch you get used to the size very quickly, and the design of the bezel and glass means it doesn't snag on your sleeve.
It has a wide variety of functions - 2 alarms, chronograph, timer, date mode, 43 world cities for time zones, permanent UTC display in the top dial which is designed to look like a cockpit instrument and the slide rule. The slide rule requires some thought to use if you're not used to it, but can replace a calculator for most maths if you know how to use it. Otherwise, it simply enhances the look of the watch. The bezel movement is smooth and bi-directional.
The watch synchronises with the atomic time signal once a day - at around 2am (it will try again each hour until 6am if it fails) though I haven't witnessed this. It does keep very accurate time (+/- 15s per month according to the manual) even if no time signal is available. It can also be forced to synchronise manually, a process that takes a few minutes.
Overall, the only improvement that could be made to this watch is an option to have the case made of titanium (something other Skyhawks have).
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
(+) Arguably the best looking mens watch ever. Large clear display, Solar powered,Enough functions to keep you informed/amused forever. (-) Not G-Shock nor Atomic clock (via radio signal) contolled. You certainly need instuctions here as well.
(CITIZEN) Ladies Eco-Drive Watch (EW8364-57H)Regular exposure to light, Eco-Drive ... more
continuously recharges itself for a lifetime of use. Eco-Drive's revolutionary lithium-ion rechargeable battery stores enough energy to power the watch for an astonishing...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
(CITIZEN) Gents Eco-Drive Watch (BM1334-51A)Regular exposure to light, Eco-Drive ... more
continuously recharges itself for a lifetime of use. Eco-Drive's revolutionary lithium-ion rechargeable battery stores enough energy to power the watch for an astonishing ...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Arguably the best looking mens watch ever. Large clear display, Solar powered,Enough functions to keep you informed/amused forever. Disadvantages: Not G-Shock nor Atomic clock (via radio signal) contolled. You certainly need instuctions here as well.
Advantages: Quality, reputation, solid, diving potential, the tests they go through. Disadvantages: Automatics are a nightmare, too expensive, can do a lot better, you wonder if yours was ever tested.
Feb 4th, 2008
very helpful by (100%):
