【F】 Citizen Celebrates 40 Years Of Aqualand With A New LE

In 1985, Citizen revolutionized the world of dive watches by introducing the Aqualand. Among the many standout options of this then-state-of-the-art dive software had been the multifunctional digital show and built-in digital depth gauge. The latter gave the watch its distinct form, with the depth sensor’s {hardware} factor protruding from the left facet of the case. The primary Aqualand, reference CQ-1012-50, used the C020 motion and was the primary watch to supply this performance digitally. It did so two years after the primary commercially out there dive computer systems hit the cabinets.

Since 1985, the watch has loved a well-earned cult-classic standing amongst watch lovers. The Aqualand has appeared on Jean Reno’s wrist on the silver display and Ralph Lauren’s wrist by the runway. It has been a go-to for the Danish Navy’s Frømandskorpset and has shared a nickname (“Pingo”) with the king of that very same Nordic nation. In the present day, the model celebrates the dive watch’s fortieth anniversary by introducing a limited-edition mannequin. Its mixture of grey and gold PVD finishes nods again to a number of the rarest variations of the Aqualand ever produced. So, earlier than we take a look at this celebratory iteration, let’s examine our air provide and dive into the Citizen Aqualand’s 40-year historical past.

A quick historical past of the Citizen Aqualand

Now, let’s begin with some context for the Aqualand. Since its launch 40 years in the past, the watch has been produced in lots of variants. The sooner references launched in 1985 have been mis-referenced as “C0023” previously, however the “C02x” quantity on the case again refers back to the motion discovered inside. The even-numbered motion references (C020, C022, C026, and C028) measure depth in meters, whereas the odd-numbered ones (C021, C023, C027, and C029) achieve this in ft.

First-generation Aqualand fashions — Picture: bertroadkingcla (Pinterest)

The primary technology, or “C02x” motion sequence, consisted of metal and two-tone fashions (refs. CQ-1012-50 and CQ1021-50, utilizing actions C020, C021, C022, and C023). Fewer had been made in black PVD-coated titanium (ref. CQ-1039-50, utilizing actions C026, C027, C028, C029), and the rarest of all stay the ion-bonded-metal variations (refs. JH-0034-01E and JH-0044-07E, utilizing the C022 and C023 actions, respectively). These have a extra gunmetal-like end and had been solely made for a brief interval round 1992.

Early Aqualand references — Picture: Klocksnack

These early references had a case again secured with six screws and used three button-cell batteries. The “CQ” and “JH” references quoted above weren’t persistently used, so the motion code (mixed with the serial quantity) normally offers one of the simplest ways of discovering out extra about these older examples. You will get an thought of that first technology’s full spectrum of references on this video by Plastic Indices on YouTube and this put up from the Swedish watch discussion board Klocksnack. Over time, Citizen made minor enhancements, probably the most vital of which got here in 1996/97.

A Danish fight diver (Frømandskorpset) with a JP-2000 — Picture: soldaten.dk

The start of the fashionable Aqualand

That is when Citizen shifted to the JP-2000 reference and C520 motion (nonetheless in manufacturing immediately) and transitioned to a screw-in case again and single battery. The model additionally improved the motion’s accuracy, each in timekeeping and in its depth-measuring capabilities. Nevertheless, probably the most fascinating factor is how unchanged the system has remained. The case form, dimensions, dial format, and features are nearly similar. Even the double-arrow Promaster brand, which debuted on the Aqualand’s dial earlier than its official affiliation with the Promaster line (launched 4 years later), is ever current.

The creator’s 2023 reference JP2000-08E

In the present day, the watch exists as an reasonably priced, charming anachronism. Those that dive with it should by no means use it as their sole supply of data. But it surely does make for a superb backup (the use I think about the Danish “Frogmen” have for it) and a worthy companion for extra informal divers, as I can affirm. Experiencing the quirky pleasure of the Citizen Aqualand is one thing I wholeheartedly suggest to anybody studying this immediately.

The Citizen Promaster Aqualand fortieth Anniversary restricted version

The brand new Citizen Promaster Aqualand fortieth Anniversary restricted version (ref. JP2008-06E) celebrates 40 years of this inimitable dive watch. This new mannequin brings again a particular two-tone look. This mix of metal and gold-plated accents has not been featured in fashionable Aqualand fashions because the (long-discontinued) JP2004-07E. What’s new right here is the mix of gold PVD accents with the grey PVD case from the lume-dial JP2007-17W.

Picture: bertroadkingcla (Pinterest)

These paying consideration can have observed that this makes a refined nod to the gunmetal tone of the ion-bonded JH-0034-01E and JH-0044-07E fashions from the early ’90s. You possibly can see an instance above. The primary visible variations are within the colour of the bezel’s numerals and markings (which had a gold tone on the unique), the format and measurement of the dial textual content, and the brand new model’s black sunburst dial. Apart from that, the watch maintains its 44mm diameter (50.7mm together with the depth gauge and 38mm throughout the bezel), 47.7mm lug-to-lug, and 14.8mm thickness. The lugs take a 24mm strap. On this case, it’s a black hydrolysis-resistant, biomass-based polyurethane (BENEBiOL) strap with the signature venting and an added dive-suit extension.

The 60-click unidirectional bezel has an aluminum insert with a luminous pip. The dial sits beneath a mineral crystal, and the hour markers and arms comprise a beneficiant dose of lume. A knurled screw-down crown and screw-in case again assist it attain its licensed ISO-compliant 200m depth ranking.

The motion

Inside this restricted version remains to be Citizen’s venerable caliber C520. It retains time with an accuracy of ±20 seconds per thirty days and includes a 1/One centesimal-second chronograph (timing as much as 100 minutes of elapsed time), a day/date show, and a dive mode. You possibly can entry the “dive mode” by holding the bottom-left pusher. It’ll additionally routinely activate when the sensor detects water strain. The watch will show the present depth (right down to 80 meters). A dive alarm will warn the wearer if ascending too quickly. The dive log shops the final 4 dives on which the watch has been used. It shows the date, elapsed time, and most depth reached.

Remaining particulars and pricing

This fortieth Anniversary version of the Aqualand is a welcome addition to the vary and can undoubtedly enchantment to followers of the mannequin. The case again includes a particular “fortieth Anniversary” engraving impressed by the form of the depth sensor. Restricted to five,800 items, this newest model of the Citizen Aqualand is accessible beginning immediately for €479. Keep tuned for a hands-on evaluation.

Watch specs