Citizen Promaster Nighthawk: The Pilot Watch for Your Next Adventure
Citizen is known for producing hardy outdoor survival watches that provide adventurers with an experience like no other. Skilled outdoorsmen are probably very familiar with how great the Citizen Promaster watches are. Whether you swim, hike, or mountain climb, the Promaster pieces come with essential functions to help you with it.
The Promaster collection is also a very wide range, with various intriguing sub-categories dedicated to different purposes. One great example is the Citizen Promaster Nighthawk. This is a line of pilot watches inspired by U.S military pilots’ uniforms and rank insignia. Featuring high-tech Eco-Drive technology and handy mechanical slide-rule bezels, the Citizen Promaster Nighthawk is a bold, rugged piece perfect for the consummate aviator. Read on to find out more about the Citizen Promaster Nighthawk, everything it has to offer, and some of the best models available.
All About Citizen Promaster Nighthawk
Citizen launched the Promaster Nighthawk watches in the early 2000s. The initial release consisted of eight watches for men with black and blue dials, all driven by the Citizen Calibre B612. Encased in large 43mm titanium cases, these were sturdy and affordable pilot watches that offered solar charging and superb functionality.
In 2017, the brand released a new batch of Citizen Promaster Nighthawk models. Unlike the earlier watches, these pieces were made from stainless steel materials and featured distinct red accents on their seconds hands. Like the original Promaster Nighthawk watches, these were chronograph pieces with large hour indices. However, these 2017 models ran on updated Citizen Calibre B620 movements.
Most recently, in 2020, the brand has launched its latest set of Citizen Promaster Nighthawk models. Powered by Citizen’s signature Eco-Drive technology, these watches showed off upgrades in terms of their screw-down casebacks, case materials, movements, and even the chronograph functions. Read on to find out more about the various Citizen Promaster Nighthawk models.
Anatomy of the Citizen Promaster Nighthawk
Case and Crown
All of the Citizen Promaster Nighthawk watches are made with highly durable case materials. The original Nighthawk watches in the early 2000s had 43mm barrel-shaped cases made of titanium. Despite their larger case diameters, these watches’ lightweight titanium construction meant that they wore quite lightly on the wrist.
From 2017 onwards, Citizen started producing the Promaster Nighthawk watches in slightly smaller 42mm cases made of stainless steel. Since stainless steel is heavier than titanium, the later Promaster Nighthawk models offered a more substantial heft against your wrist. They are also offered in various colours, such as blue, grey, black, and silver.
On most versions of the Citizen Promaster Nighthawk, you can find two crowns, protected by slim crown guards, on the right side of the case. These crowns are designed with knurled edges, so wearers can grip and turn them more easily. The main crown, which is placed at 3 o’clock, is used to set the watch’s time and date. The secondary crown, on the other hand, is placed at 2 o’clock. It is used to adjust the slide-rule bezel for more accurate in-flight navigation. That said, there are some Citizen Promaster Nighthawk variants that place the secondary crown on the left side of the case, at 8 o’clock, instead.
Slide Rule Bezel
The slide rule ring is the most noticeable feature in Citizen Promaster Nighthawk watches. It is controlled using the watch’s secondary crown, which is typically found at either 2 or 8 o’clock. This is an internal bezel, with a chapter ring that encircles the entire dial.
The slide rule bezel is essential to in-flight calculations. You can use this to measure your flying distance, fuel consumption rate, ground speed, flying time, and even the maximum flying hours. It is the perfect tool for pilots in the midst of a flight. This slide rule bezel even comes in handy during everyday life, as it can help you make basic calculations like addition, subtraction, division, and more.
Dial
The Citizen Promaster Nighthawk models typically offer dials in simple black or blue finishes. They are adorned with thick rectangular indices and large Arabic numeral hour markers in order to promote maximum legibility. On most models, these indices come in silver. Some variants, however, also offer all-black indices.
There are also versions of the Citizen Promaster Nighthawk that has orange or yellow accents scattered across their dials. Aside from adding a burst of colour to those watches’ faces, these vibrant accents also help create a greater visual contrast that is easier to read.
If you want watches which are generously treated with lume, check out the latest 2020 Citizen Promaster Nighthawk models. The hands and indices of these models are coated in lume. This helps light up the watch face in the dark, so it is more easily readable.
Different Citizen Promaster Nighthawk models also offer different complications. As we mentioned, this series contains chronograph pieces. As such, some Promaster Nighthawk variants showcase three chronograph counters on their dial. Others come with a GMT function. This takes the shape of two arches on the left side of the dial. The one to 12 indicators rest on the inner arch, while the markers for the 13th to 24th hours can be found on the outer arch.
If you are new to Citizen Promaster Nighthawk watches, their dials can be confusing as they are packed full of complications. However, as you get used to these dials, you will certainly appreciate the utility the Citizen Promaster Nighthawk offers.
Movement
One important feature of the Citizen Promaster Nighthawk watches is that they are all driven by Eco-Drive movements. This allows the watches to last for a longer time. Eco-Drive movements convert light energy into electrical energy, which will be stored in the battery for longer use. As such, you can use these solar-powered Promaster Nighthawk watches without worrying about the batteries running out of power, even when it gets dark.
You can charge your Citizen Promaster Nighthawk watch with either natural light or artificial light. These watches can be fully charged in just six straight hours, and you will be able to use them for several months before you need to charge them again.
Best Citizen Promaster Nighthawk Watches
These are the best models available in the Citizen Promaster Nighthawk collection.
1. Citizen Promaster Nighthawk 2020 Ref. BJ7138-04E
First up, we have the Citizen Promaster Nighthawk 2020 Ref. BJ7138-04E. With its black and olive green colourway, this watch closely resembles the classic U.S. military uniforms. It comes in a 42mm stainless steel case, coupled with a supple olive green leather strap. Affixed to the top of the case is a black-coated stainless steel bezel, which guards the watch face from any external damage.
The dial of this watch shows off a black sunray finish. It bears thick rectangular and Arabic numeral markers, a date window at 3 o’clock, and a GMT complication on its left side. The rim of the dial is surrounded by an internal slide rule bezel with a textured black finish, matching the dial itself. Orange accents can also be seen on the watch’s slide rule bezel and GMT display. All of these functions are powered by the Eco-Drive Calibre B877.
The Citizen Promaster Nighthawk 2020 Ref. BJ7138-04E is priced at $396 USD.
2. Citizen Promaster Nighthawk 2020 Ref. BJ7135-02E
For a more classic Promaster Nighthawk model, check out the Citizen Promaster Nighthawk 2020 Ref. BJ7135-02E. With its rugged yet versatile style, this piece makes for a great casual, everyday watch.
This watch is presented in a 42mm stainless steel case that is hard-coated, which boosts its resistance to scratches and gives it its sleek black hue. It is paired with a matching black leather strap, a black slide rule bezel, and a sunray black dial. Arranged on the dial are oversized sword hands, hour markers and indices, and a GMT display, all of which are painted in white lume. At 3 o’clock, you can find a date aperture, also outlined in white.
This Citizen Promaster Nighthawk watch runs on an Eco-Drive quartz movement. With a beat frequency of 32,768 Hz, this movement promises an excellent accuracy rate of +/-15 seconds per month. It is also highly durable, able to withstand water pressures of up to 200 metres and temperatures between 5°C to 35°C.
The Citizen Promaster Nighthawk 2020 Ref. BJ7135-02E retails at around $396 USD.
3. Citizen Promaster Nighthawk Chronograph Ref. CA0295-58E
Launched in 2017, the Citizen Promaster Nighthawk Chronograph Ref. CA0295-58E shows off a stealthy all-black aesthetic. It sports a 42mm black stainless steel case, coupled with a stainless steel bracelet in the same shade. It also boasts a rugged all-black dial. It comprises sword hands, thick trapezoidal indices, and Arabic numeral markers, all treated in dark grey luminous material. A compact date window is placed at 3 o’clock.
As a chronograph watch, this dial also contains three chronograph sub-dials for the 60-second, 60-minute, and 24-hour counters. A black internal bezel surrounds the dial. Unlike the 2020 Citizen Promaster Nighthawk models, this watch’s dial bears indicators for a tachymeter bezel. You can use this to keep track of your distance travelled and the speed you are travelling at.
Inside this blackout watch, you can find an Eco-Drive Calibre B612. It offers an accuracy of +/-15 seconds a month and a battery life of up to six months. Although this is a pilot watch, it also has a depth rating of 200 metres. This water resistance capacity exceeds even those of some dedicated dive watches.
The Citizen Promaster Nighthawk Chronograph Ref. CA0295-58E sells at $440 USD.
4. Citizen Promaster Nighthawk Ref. BJ7007-02L Blue Angels
Finally, we have the Citizen Promaster Nighthawk Ref. BJ7007-02L Blue Angels. This is easily the most vibrant and stylish Citizen Promaster Nighthawk model on this list. With its colourful blue and yellow hues, this watch is modelled after the Navy’s elite flight demonstration squadron.
This Promaster Nighthawk watch utilises a 42mm stainless steel case and a handsome blue leather strap with bright yellow stitching. The dial of this watch has a matte blue finish accentuated with vivid yellow accents, matching the hues of the strap. It is ornamented with thick white indices and Arabic numerals, a GMT display, and a date aperture. Surrounding the rim of the dial is an ion-plated slide rule bezel, which works as an aviation-style slide rule.
Underneath this lively watch face is an Eco-Drive Calibre B877. It provides a battery life that lasts for up to six months when fully charged and has an accuracy rate of +/-15 seconds per month.
Best Alternatives to Citizen Promaster Nighthawk
1. Citizen Promaster Pilot Eco-Drive Ref. CB5850-80E
The closest alternative to the Citizen Promaster Nighthawk you can get is probably the Promaster Pilot Eco-Drive Ref. CB5850-80E. Hailing from the same brand, this is a pilot’s watch that also provides all the essential features you need as a pilot or as a frequent global traveller.
This watch uses a 43mm lightweight titanium case and a three-link strap made out of the same material. Contrasting against its all-silver exterior is a matte black dial, which is accentuated with cool red highlights. It consists of trapezoidal hour indices, thick sword hands, a date complication at 4 o’clock, and three sub-dials for the 24-hour chronograph, day of the week, and mode counters. Affixed to the top of the case is a large slide rule bezel, which also bears indicators for 24 different timezones.
This watch runs on the Eco-Drive Calibre E660. When fully charged, this movement can last for up to an excellent ten months. It also offers an accuracy rate of +/-15 seconds per month.
This Citizen Promaster watch costs approximately $517 USD.
2. Casio Edifice Ref. EQB-800BR-1AJF
The Casio Edifice Ref. EQB-800BR-1AJF is another great alternative to the Citizen Promaster Nighthawk. This is a stylish racing watch, with a sleek aesthetic and racer-friendly functions.
This Casio Edifice watch is encased in a chunky 49mm stainless steel case and paired with a black Dura Fluoro rubber strap. As a racing-inspired timepiece, this watch is highly durable and able to withstand hard bumps and shocks. On top of the watch case is a metallic black bezel, with indicators for a handy tachymeter scale.
The dial of this watch also comes in matte black, complementing the bezel and strap. It is filled with rectangular applique hour markers, luminous sword hands, and a date window between 3 and 4 o’clock. At the centre of the dial, you can also find a power reserve and Bluetooth indicator, along with two sub-dials for the perpetual calendar and chronograph counters. Driving all of these functions is the solar-powered Calibre 5512.
This Casio watch can be purchased at just $341 USD.
Citizen Promaster Nighthawk: Affordable Watches With Great Quality
As the official timekeeper of the US Open and other international events, Citizen has long proved its credibility in watchmaking. The Citizen Promaster collection has some of the most remarkable watches on the market, and the brand has only upped the ante with the Citizen Promaster Nighthawk. Rugged and robust, these Promaster Nighthawk watches are Citizen’s perfect answer to pilot watches.
Photo credits: Citizen’s official website unless stated.
For more Citizen watches, check out our review of Citizen Chandler: The Reliable Field Watch For All.
