About Citizen
Founded in 1918, and producing timepieces since 1924, Citizen holds the distinction of being the world’s largest watchmaker (since 1986). With annualized revenues of over $2 billion (operating year 2010) Citizen is a world leader in quality and innovation.
Known for precise quartz watches, Citizen is perhaps most famous for its “Eco-Drive” line of movements.
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Review Summary
My experience with the Citizen CA0427-08E is mixed. I’m not a big fan of how it looks overall- they tried a little too hard to be techno-sporty. With an MSRP of $295, they are also on the expensive side of entry-level quartz chronograph, and the fact is that I’m not sure I’d spend $300 on this watch. Technically it’s a good watch, and if you like how it looks, I suppose that’s all that matters.
Citizen CA0427-08E Technical Specifications
- Model Number: CA0427-08E
- MSRP: $295
- Case Diameter: 41mm
- Alternate Models: This better-looking CA0435-51E
- Movement: B612 Eco-Drive
- Complications: Chronograph, date display, afternoon indicator
- Battery Life: Indefinite (solar powered)
- Water Resistance: 100m/330ft
- Crystal Material: Mineral
Setting the Time
The Citizen CA0427-08E has a day/night indicator (the middle-left dial) that makes it easy to tell am/pm. I always find this display convenient when adjusting a watch with a date display.
Read the complete user manual here.
How To set the time:
- Pull crown to the furthest position (position 3). Turn the crown clockwise to set the time.
How To set the date:
- Pull the crown to the middle position (position 2) and turn clockwise to set the date.
Citizen CA0427-08E Aesthetics & Design
December 26, 2015 Update: Citizen has apparently discontinued the CA0427-08E model. If you like this watch the only available model is the blue CA0421-04E.
Citizen has developed a process that enables them to apply colour that is scratch resistant and quite durable, called Chroma finishing. In the months that I’ve had the watch I’ve yet to encounter scratches/scuffs in the green finish on the stainless steel. While I may not be a huge fan of the colour overall, I can’t deny that it is indeed well-made and durable.
The rubber strap that comes standard is durable and well made. It’s more comfortable than most rubber straps I’ve worn, and it mates perfectly with the techno-sporty look that Citizen was going for with the CA0427-08E.
A few small details, such as the green-accented 0-20 second markers, help differentiate the chronograph functions. What’s interesting is that they chose not to accent the date window, which blends in with the white brand and WR letting directly above and below it.
I find this particular green to be off-putting, looking more like a deep-lime green in person than the photos suggest. It intertwines the stainless steel case, and is used as an accent on the crown and the hands/markers inside.
Unfortunately, minimal lume makes it difficult to see the CA0427-08E in low-light settings.
Citizen CA0427-08E Build Quality
Typical of Citizen watches, the CA0427-08E is built pretty well. The polished elements of the case show minor wear after a few weeks of regular use, though the chroma-finished green sections still look brand new.
Crystal, Case, and Dial
The flat mineral crystal avoids indirect contact. It is a standard mineral crystal and holds up to wear reasonably well. I suspect most people won’t ever have a problem with the watch crystal.
As mentioned, the chroma-finished green sections of the case are quite durable. Against keys, typical surfaces, and regular use it shows no signs at all of distress. There are no scratches visible. The color appears to be deeply embedded into the case, and I’m confident it will stay there for quite some time.
Strap and Clasp
The rubber strap is more comfortable than most, and it feels quite durable too. The stainless clasp is fairly standard and feels as if it will withstand years of regular use.
It’s worth mentioning that the holes on the top part of the strap do not actually penetrate the strap and are just for appearances.
More About the Citizen CA0427-08E
Movement
Citizen is using its B612 Eco-Drive movement, which features a chronograph, date display, and AM/PM indicator. It boasts an impressive six month power reserve, and to charge it you simply need to wear the watch.
I am a big fan of Citizen’s Eco-Drive movements, especially for people who want a watch that requires minimal maintenance or thought other than setting and wearing it. In this respect, the Eco-Drive movements simply can’t be beat. They are known to be reliable, long-lasting, and because they are solar powered they never require a battery change.
Read the complete user manual for the B612 Eco-Drive movement.
Value for Money
With an MSRP of $295, I find myself struggling a bit with the value proposition the CA0427-08E offers. One big plus is the B612 Eco-Drive movement inside of it. On the downside, it’s a pretty expensive “entry-level” watch. At $300 it isn’t exactly an impulse buy, and for that kind of money you can find a few more refined options.
But, if you don’t mind spending $300 on a sporty chronograph, there isn’t much of a downside to this watch. While I’m not a fan of how it looks, that doesn’t mean much if you are. Technically, as in the movement and build quality of this watch, it’s great.
It’s built well, has a great movement, and certainly does a good job servicing its niche. I’ve seen it on Amazon for the $220 range, and at that price I feel it’s a pretty good buy. I don’t think I’d recommend it at $295.
Photo Gallery
I actually purchased this watch in all-black a couple of years ago and I absolutely love it. I’m happy to have it in my growing watch collection. I can see where the green color scheme is rather off putting, but dont let that ruin the watch line for you as a whole.