Citizen Promaster Nighthawk (Review)

When I first lay my eyes on a watch, the initial impression it leaves on me carries a lot of weight. In most cases, if a watch fails to impress me within the first 30 seconds, it becomes an uphill task for it to win me over. While this approach has proven to be reliable, there have been instances where I have grown to like watches that initially seemed unimpressive.

However, the Citizen Nighthawk is an exception. From the moment I opened the box, I was struck by its intricate dial, and the overall build quality felt sturdy and top-notch. It is evident that this watch is designed for serious business.

One of the reasons why I find the Nighthawk endearing is its five-year warranty, which is a rare feature for watches in this price range. This only adds to the watch’s overall appeal.

Let’s dig into the specs and reasons why the Citizen Nighthawk is the best tool watch that every man should own.

Case

The Nighthawk boasts a perfect size, with a case diameter of 42mm that can comfortably fit a range of wrist sizes. Crafted from solid stainless steel, it features a screw-down crown and case back, ensuring sturdiness and durability. The lugs are 22mm wide, and the version I own comes with a high-quality stainless steel bracelet.

The Nighthawk’s case features sharp and angular cuts that enhance its rugged and pilot-inspired aesthetic. The bezel has a polished finish, while other areas of the case have been brushed, giving it a contemporary and distinct appearance that exudes quality.

The Nighthawk’s popularity can be attributed to its ability to tick multiple boxes. Firstly, its tough exterior is complemented by a captivating dial that I still find myself admiring, even after two years of ownership. While I haven’t quite figured out how to use all of its functions, it doesn’t diminish my love for its intricate markings. Secondly, the thin bezel gives the watch a smaller profile than its 42mm case diameter suggests. Furthermore, it has the utility of a tool watch without being a dive watch.

The Nighthawk’s brushed and slightly polished case and lugs give it a sporty look that is suitable for a variety of settings, ranging from a casual work environment to outdoor adventures or even a day at the beach. It is, without a doubt, a versatile timepiece that can handle anything you throw at it.

Dial

At the core of the Nighthawk lies its impressive dial, which has the ability to track two time zones, as well as a date window located at three o’clock. One of its standout features is the pilot’s slide rule which is incorporated into the design.

Additionally, there is another crown located at the 8 o’clock marking that controls an inner rotating bezel capable of performing various pilot functions.

The Nighthawk boasts an impressive GMT/Dual Time Zone function. Positioned at the center of the dial are two semi-circles, each with 24-hour markings. The smaller hands are tipped with white and red airplanes that correspond to the 24-hour markers. Not only does this allow for easy tracking of military time, but it also enables you to keep track of a second-time zone.

The dial of the Nighthawk is the primary draw for most consumers, and in this regard, Citizen certainly delivers. The intricate markings on the dial are protected by a flat, mineral crystal that features an anti-reflective coating.

However, if there is one area of criticism, it would be the quality of the lume. In my opinion, it is merely average and could benefit from additional layers of Citizen’s proprietary lume formula.

Movement

The Nighthawk watch features Citizen’s solar-powered movement B877, which is Eco-Drive proprietary technology. This movement can be charged through exposure to natural or artificial light sources, including light bulbs.

According to Citizen, the watch is accurate within +/- 15 seconds per month, though my own experience with the watch shows it to be off by less than one second per month. The watch has never run out of power on me, and a single charge typically lasts well over six months.

Compared to many quartz watches, the Nighthawk with Eco-Drive is remarkably quiet, producing no loud ticking noise like some Timex models. This is especially useful if you want to leave the watch on your nightstand and are a light sleeper. While many collectors move past quartz watches in their collection, I believe this can be a mistake.

A reliable quartz watch can be incredibly valuable as a “grab n’ go” piece that you can quickly and easily set and wear without fussing with the time and date settings. The Nighthawk excels in this regard and will continue to accurately display the correct time even months after the last charge.

Bracelet

In general, steel bracelets on watches priced under $300 are not typically noteworthy. However, the Nighthawk’s bracelet is surprisingly impressive. Firstly, it features solid end links and a milled clasp, which already sets it apart from other watches in its price range. Additionally, the bracelet has shorter links, allowing for a more precise fit when adjusting the size.

It also has more intermediate adjustments than other bracelets I’ve encountered. The buckle includes three micro-adjustments, ensuring an even better fit. The bracelet tapers from the 22mm lugs to 20mm at the clasp, creating an overall cohesive look.

It’s worth noting that the Nighthawk has one weakness: the gap between the case and spring bars is narrow, which can make it difficult to fit thicker straps or NATO bands. However, if you want to wear it on a NATO strap (which looks great), you can purchase one with a thinner weave from Ritche Watch Bands or Clockwork Synergy.

Additionally, the end links have wide openings near the spring bars, making it easy to swap the bracelet for a strap using a spring bar tool or even the tip of a pocket knife in a pinch.

Performance and Accuracy

Accuracy is just one aspect I consider when evaluating the performance of a quartz watch. The Nighthawk excels in terms of wearability, making it a versatile, all-purpose timepiece. Whether worn on its bracelet or a strap, it exudes a sporty or rugged vibe, respectively. In addition to its precision, the Eco-Drive movement’s solar power capability is a valuable feature to have in a watch.

If you invest time in understanding how to operate the slide rule and bezel functions, you could potentially use them to navigate a plane and find your way back on track.

Personally, I simply appreciate the utilitarian appearance of tool watches. Although the lume is just satisfactory, the generously sized hands and markers make reading the time effortlessly. The watch sits comfortably on the wrist and feels great all around, aided by the top-notch bracelet.

Conclusion

The price of the Nighthawk can differ, as with many Citizen watches. You may find discounts on Amazon, like a “deal of the day” or a special for Black Friday, and Jomashop often holds Citizen Watch sales events.

Generally, you can purchase the watch for approximately $300 or less. At that price, given its features, the Nighthawk is an excellent value, particularly since you’re acquiring a durable watch that will last for nearly ten years without any issues.

The Nighthawk’s versatility is another reason why it offers great value, as I mentioned earlier. It can serve multiple purposes: as a tool watch that can be dressed up or down. It looks sporty on the bracelet and can have a completely different appearance with various straps.

Additionally, it’s sturdy enough to handle rough usage without causing any worry. This is why I rate it highly; it’s a powerhouse on the wrist that can perform multiple functions. Plus, with a water resistance of 200m, it can be used for swimming, diving, or even surviving a shipwreck.

There are many watches available in the same price range as the Nighthawk, but few offer as many features. Additionally, the high-quality bracelet is a standout feature that sets it apart from other watches.

Finally, the Nighthawk’s versatility allows it to be worn for a variety of occasions, from casual outings to outdoor adventures, making it a reliable daily companion.