BLOG #1 - CITIZEN NB1050-59L

Ok we’ve found the perfect size, but what about the technical specs?

Well, I was surprised to see that Citizen has equipped this watch, with one of their “better” Miyotas, the inhouse caliber 9011 (similar to Miyota 9015 that they are offering to other brands) with 28.800 bph. A 4Hz automatic movement that provides around regular 42 h power reserve with hacking second mechanism, handwind feature and a date complication. A power horse with +10 to – 20 sec per day accuracy, according to the official information of Citizen. But often, you will find a +8 to -8 sec per day accuracy maximum.

The details on the size, measured on my caliper are as follows:

◉ 46 mm lug to lug distance (52 mm between the positive mid links)

◉ 11 mm case height

◉ 38 mm case diameter from 3 to 9 without crown

◉ 38,9 mm case diameter from 2 to 8

◉ 5,5 mm crown

◉ 19 mm lug width

◉ Weight: around 132 g with all links on bracelet

What does this watch offer that makes it so special?

Within the price category of around 400 – 450 €, the finish of the NB1050 is very much relevant in comparison to other competitive models, like the SARB033 from Seiko, which is by the way higher priced and no longer produced. Let us address the elephant in the room: is this NB1050 a better alternative to SARB models? My answer is clearly: yes, because the finish on the dial, case, even the finish on the hands and applied hour markers are phenomenal. The watch literally shines, but not in that “cheap chrome plated” kind of way. Even the rehaut of this watch has a spectacular mirror finish. Reason behind this almost high-end finish, is because of the special Duratect coating on stainless steel, Citizen is using for some of their watches. So far, I couldn’t find another model for a lower price that provides the same technology. But let’s be fair the NB1050 is a modern watch and released only in mid of 2021.

Thus, this model contains many relevant advantages that you would expect from a modern watch. Such as the sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, 100m on water resistance, solid end links with an overall robust stainless steel bracelet, lume on hands and the squares above the hour markers and a beautiful date frame, that does not disturb the look at all. But the star of the show is the dial itself. A deep and rich blue with a sunburst effect. It is not one of those blue sun burst dials, that is black in winter and light blue in summer. No this blue remains blue even under different lightning conditions. Compared to the white and black dial variations, I would give this blue version even some extra points.

Ok, ok but there has to be some negatives? Right?

Let’s start with the fact that this watch has an exhibition case back, which is great to see the 9011 movement with a special designed rotor. But the crystal on the backside is not sapphire, I would bet on a mineral crystal. The crown is only a push/pull crown and not a screw-down crown and has no crown guard protection at all. But for 100 m water resistance, this should be ok. On the size, I have noted that the lug to lug distance is around 46 mm but the positive / male mid link to mid link is sized with 52 mm. But due to the wing shape design of the lugs, the watch does not wear larger for me. Maybe on a wrist under 16cm, it would create trouble. Another point that could be marked here, is the 19mm lug width. But on the other side, I don’t think that this watch wants to be a strap monster as it matches with the provided bracelet, which has no drilled lugs and comes with push pins instead of a screw system. And for the experts: it has no signature or printing on the crown!

And well, the biggest downfall is the fact, that this model is a JDM and hard to find elsewhere. So you have to pay the extra shipping costs, customs tax and fee, if you are not located somewhere in Japan or Singapore, where this model is often sold from.

I think, these negatives are still totally fine within the given price point.

Citizen NB1050 – is it a shiny Rolex DJ Doppelgänger, the modern recreation of the Citizen Eagle 7, the better alternative to a Seiko SARB or just a perfect value proposition.