Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep (pun intended!) into the Citizen Promaster Diver NB6021-17E. This watch has been making waves in the watch community, and I'm stoked to give you my take on it. We'll cover everything from its design and features to its overall value and how it stacks up against the competition. So, buckle up and let’s get started!

Unboxing and First Impressions

Okay, so the first thing you'll notice when you get your hands on the NB6021-17E is the packaging. Citizen keeps it pretty standard, nothing too flashy, but it's functional and gets the job done. Inside, you'll find the watch nestled in a padded compartment, along with the usual paperwork – warranty information and the instruction manual.

But let's be honest, the real star of the show is the watch itself. My initial impression was wow, this thing looks even better in person. The dial has this incredible depth to it, and the overall finishing is way above what you'd expect at this price point. The heft of the watch is also immediately noticeable; it feels solid and well-built without being overly bulky. Slipping it on the wrist, it just feels right. The way the case curves and sits comfortably is a testament to Citizen's attention to detail. It's the kind of watch that makes you want to head straight for the nearest body of water (or at least start planning your next dive trip!).

Design and Features

The Citizen Promaster Diver NB6021-17E boasts a design that's both functional and stylish, blending ruggedness with a touch of sophistication. Let's break down some of its key features:

• Case: The 42mm stainless steel case is incredibly durable, featuring a brushed finish that gives it a tool-watch aesthetic. The size is perfect for most wrists – not too big, not too small.
• Dial: The black dial is highly legible, with large, luminous hour markers and hands. The contrast against the black background ensures excellent visibility even in low-light conditions. The date window is discreetly placed at the 3 o'clock position, blending in seamlessly with the overall design.
• Bezel: The unidirectional rotating bezel is a crucial feature for divers, allowing them to track elapsed time underwater. The bezel on the NB6021-17E has a satisfyingly clicky action and is easy to grip, even with gloves on.
• Crystal: Protecting the dial is a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, ensuring that the watch can withstand the rigors of daily wear and diving activities. Sapphire is known for its exceptional hardness, so you don't have to worry about scratches and scuffs.
• Movement: Inside beats Citizen's in-house Caliber 9051 automatic movement. This movement is known for its accuracy and reliability, and it features hacking and hand-winding capabilities. It's a solid workhorse movement that you can rely on.
• Water Resistance: As a dedicated diver's watch, the NB6021-17E offers an impressive 200 meters (660 feet) of water resistance, making it suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and recreational diving. You can confidently take this watch with you on any water adventure.
• Bracelet: The stainless steel bracelet is comfortable and well-made, with solid end links and a secure clasp. It complements the overall design of the watch perfectly and adds to its overall durability.

The design elements of the watch come together to create a cohesive and visually appealing timepiece. The careful attention to detail and the use of high-quality materials make the NB6021-17E a standout in its class. It's a watch that not only looks great but also performs exceptionally well, making it a reliable companion for any adventure.

On the Wrist

Okay, so how does the Citizen Promaster Diver NB6021-17E feel on the wrist? In short, fantastic! The 42mm case size is just right for my wrist (around 7.25 inches), and the watch sits comfortably without feeling too heavy or bulky. The bracelet is also well-designed and doesn't pull on my arm hairs (a major plus!).

I've worn this watch for everything from casual weekend outings to more formal events, and it always looks the part. It's versatile enough to be dressed up or down, and it always attracts compliments. The legibility of the dial is excellent, even in bright sunlight, and the lume is incredibly bright and long-lasting. Whether I'm checking the time during a meeting or glancing at my wrist during a nighttime hike, the NB6021-17E never disappoints.

One thing I particularly appreciate is the way the watch hugs the wrist. The caseback is slightly curved, which helps it sit snugly and prevents it from feeling like it's flopping around. The bracelet also has a nice taper, which adds to the overall comfort. It's the kind of watch that you can wear all day without even noticing it's there. I've found myself reaching for the NB6021-17E more often than my other watches simply because it's so comfortable and easy to wear.

The Movement: Caliber 9051

Let's talk about the engine that powers this beast: the Citizen Caliber 9051 automatic movement. This is an in-house movement, which is a big deal because it means Citizen has complete control over its design and production. The 9051 is a 24-jewel movement that beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), giving it a smooth seconds hand sweep. It also features hacking (the seconds hand stops when you pull out the crown) and hand-winding capabilities, which are essential for a modern automatic watch.

But what really sets the 9051 apart is its accuracy and reliability. Citizen claims an accuracy of -10 to +20 seconds per day, but in my experience, it's been much better than that. Over the past few weeks, my NB6021-17E has been running consistently within +/- 5 seconds per day, which is impressive for a non-chronometer-certified movement. It's a testament to Citizen's engineering prowess and their commitment to quality.

The movement also has a power reserve of around 42 hours, which means you can take it off on Friday night and it'll still be ticking away on Sunday morning. While it's not the longest power reserve in the world, it's more than adequate for daily wear. The 9051 is also known for its robustness and durability, so you can rest assured that it will withstand the rigors of daily wear and tear. It's a movement that's built to last, and it's one of the main reasons why the NB6021-17E is such a great value for the money.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the pros and cons of the Citizen Promaster Diver NB6021-17E:

Pros:

• Excellent Value: You get a lot of watch for your money.
• In-House Movement: The Caliber 9051 is accurate and reliable.
• Great Design: The watch looks fantastic and wears comfortably.
• High-Quality Materials: Sapphire crystal, stainless steel case and bracelet.
• 200m Water Resistance: Suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

Cons:

• Plain Packaging: The packaging is functional but not very exciting.
• Bracelet Clasp: The clasp could be a bit more refined.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Citizen Promaster Diver NB6021-17E isn't quite your cup of tea, here are a few alternatives to consider:

• Seiko Prospex: Seiko offers a wide range of dive watches with excellent value and quality.
• Orient Kamasu: A budget-friendly option with a great design and reliable movement.
• Tissot Seastar 1000: A Swiss-made diver with a more refined aesthetic.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the Citizen Promaster Diver NB6021-17E? In my opinion, it's an outstanding watch that offers incredible value for the money. It's well-built, accurate, and looks fantastic on the wrist. Whether you're a seasoned diver or just looking for a stylish and reliable everyday watch, the NB6021-17E is definitely worth considering. It's a true all-rounder that punches way above its weight class.

I hope you guys found this review helpful! Let me know in the comments below what you think of the Citizen Promaster Diver NB6021-17E, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Thanks for reading!