In an unexpected twist of fate, a Citizen Challenge Diver watch washed ashore on an Australian beach in 1983 after spending several underwater years in the Pacific Ocean.
Clad in barnacles, this intriguing find surprisingly began to tick the moment it was recovered.
This incident sparked Citizen’s creativity, leading to the 2022 debut of the Promaster Mechanical Diver, affectionately known as Fujitsubo—a Japanese term meaning “barnacle.”
Citizen’s Dive Watch Legacy
Citizen’s journey with dive watches has a rich narrative.
The adventure began in 1982 with the introduction of the Professional Diver 1300m, Citizen’s first foray into titanium dive watches.
This milestone laid the groundwork for a collection that would leave a significant mark on the watchmaking industry.
Then, in 1985, the launch of the Aqualand model pushed boundaries by integrating a depth meter and featured a signature electronic sensor at the 9 o’clock position.
The Promaster line, introduced in 1989, took aesthetics up a notch with models like the Promaster 1000m Automatic, endearingly referred to as the “Autozilla” or “Eco-Zilla.” The legacy continued with the release of the 1000m Eco-Drive Professional in 2016, a testament to its capabilities as it was tested with a submersible that explored depths beyond the watch’s impressive 1,000-meter rating.
Meanwhile, the Promaster “Orca” launched in 2006, illustrating how contemporary dive watches can seamlessly blend functional design with unique style.
Today’s Citizen dive watches often incorporate innovative elements alongside Eco-Drive technology, typically featuring a Super Titanium case—the origin of which traces back to 1970, with Citizen’s X8 Titanium Chronometer.
Fujitsubo: A Modern Classic
For enthusiasts who prefer a classic mechanical dive watch, the “Fugu” model, first introduced in 1993, holds a legendary status.
Characterized by its distinctive 8 o’clock crown, this model inspired the new Promaster Mechanical Diver 200m Fujitsubo, which pays homage to one of Citizen’s most elegant mechanical dive watch designs from the past fifty years.
Available in two distinct styles—the NB6021-17E with a striking black dial and the NB6021-68L showcasing a vibrant blue dial—this new model is powered by the cutting-edge Miyota Cal. 9051 movement, encased in Super Titanium that is five times more scratch-resistant yet 40 percent lighter than stainless steel.
Inside, the Cal. 9051 movement boasts impressive specifications, maintaining a daily accuracy of -10 to +20 seconds.
To enhance resistance against magnetic fields, Citizen has integrated anti-magnetic materials into the balance spring and other components, ensuring functionality even when exposed to intense magnetic fields up to 16,000 A/m. This resilience shields it from everyday interference, such as that emitted by smartphones, making it a suitable companion on magnetic-compass-equipped vessels.
Additionally, the Promaster meets ISO compliance for dive watches, rated for depths up to 200 meters—potentially offering enhanced resistance to barnacle growth compared to earlier iterations.
Thoughtful Design and Functionality
When Citizen first launched this dive watch model in the 1960s and 1970s, it likely didn’t aim to redefine industry aesthetics.
The original featured a straightforward case design, a Mercedes-style hour hand, large markers, and a black bezel insert.
The latest Fujitsubo iteration, however, has evolved, showcasing updated design elements such as larger numerals on the aluminum bezel and a sleeker case profile, now measuring 12.3 mm in thickness and capable of withstanding 200 meters of water pressure—an increase from the previous model’s 150 meters.
Weighing just 70 grams with its black rubber strap, the watch is made with a proprietary alloy that has been surface-hardened, while the bezel has a polished finish and the case features brushing that adds character.
At first glance, the Fujitsubo may seem a bit understated or even generic, yet a closer inspection reveals several thoughtful design features, including the elegantly angled lugs and shiny bezel.
The sapphire crystal’s flat top and domed underside, complete with beveled edges, lend a robust, vintage feel.
Combined with thick embossed markers, a lollipop second hand, and a skeletonized Mercedes hour hand, these elements create a cohesive and eye-catching design.
While the strap is undeniably functional and comfortable, a more traditional choice like a textured NATO strap or a Tropic-style band might provide a nice contrast to the watch’s subtle aesthetics.
Nevertheless, if the strap is the only minor criticism, it’s clear that Citizen has successfully crafted the Fujitsubo.
Priced at $795 in the U.S. market, the NB6021-17E serves as an intriguing entry point for collectors interested in the intricate Cal. 9051 movement.
Both the case back and buckle carry a sensible design, featuring a lightweight plastic holder that keeps the watch comfortably wearable.
Overall, the Fujitsubo emerges as one of the most appealing mechanical dive watches on the market, especially at its price point, blending thoughtful design with impressive functionality.
One can’t help but reflect on the unfortunate sadness of losing a remarkable watch like this to the depths of the ocean once more.
Source: Watchtime