Citizen 51-2273
I’m not going to go into the vast history of the Tokyo-based, Citizen Watch Company, as there has been much written about it over the years. But I will go into some detail of this specific model and why it appeals so much to me.
For every Citizen watch design out there, most of the inspiration will have probably come from Seiko, as their mutual relationship or connection between them is seemingly parallel. The Citizen 51-2273 diver is a really good example of the rivalry between the companies, as the watch existed during the production run of Seiko’s well-known “Turtle” 6309 diver. The designs are quite different, but the specs are very similar. This is one of the 150m diver range.
My Thoughts
When you get up close, you notice the tough almost utilitarian case. The short lugs and sides are hidden beneath the bezel. The crown guard is subtle as is the small screw-down crown itself.
The striking bezel receives bold markings all the way around and features thicker ones at 10 minute intervals. The well-weighted 60-click unidirectional bezel with simple vertical knurling is silky smooth and worn well.
The straw coloured earthy patina on the “spade hands’ first drew me to this watch. Looking through the mineral glass, the lume filled round hour indices, look like green lily pads strategically positioned. The second hand has a lumed square pip halfway down and the watch has a English/Spanish day-date complication at 3.00. The Chrome Citizen logo at 12.00 contrasts well against the textured matte black dial.
Keeping the watch beating is the Miyota 8200A. It’s a 21-jewel movement that can be handwound, and has a power reserve of roughly 45 hours.
This really is a great looking watch. It wears smaller than it is and commands a great presence on the wrist. This is one of my great find watches, not really a rare piece, but with the patina dial, its one of my favourites for sure.
39mm
20mm
47mm
11mm
Mark:
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