2023 is the year of Citizen with countless new releases and configurations on classics, the Promaster E02020-08E Eco Drive watch continues this barrage on the midrange watch market, in a crowd pleasing 36.5mm case size.

Arguably the Promaster range of watches are some of Citizen’s most popular and recognisable with clear dive watch aesthetics and eco drive tech. Having had a runaway success with their iconic 44mm options, they have now answered the deafening noise which seems to follow every new watch release at the moment, with a reduction in case size to a unisex 36.5mm option. This will please many, including myself as I owned the 44mm version but lamented the big case size.

Everything is pretty much as the 44mm version, that distinctive but simplistic brushed stainless steel case design and the bold flush 60-click aluminum bezel, with its distinctive knurled grip pattern. Finished with the classic bright stubby lumed hands and bulky lumed hour markers. Some pleasing flourishes have been added though, with those hour markers now having polished surrounds, elevating it slightly from that tool/dive watch nature. And the rubber strap has been updated with vent holes and a brushed clasp to match the sharp angled case.

But functionality is where this watch excels – the lume is strong and dependable with a slight nod to vintage dive watches with a bezel lume pip at 12 o’clock. A discrete framed date window at 4 o’clock is welcome – but arguably not needed – and ties nicely with the screw down crown position, making this a very comfortable workhorse. 44mm lug to lug and 11.6mm thick make this a joy to wear all day in all conditions thanks to the supple, ribbed rubber strap which assures great contact on the wrist, meaning you don’t have to wear this watch tight to get a comfortable fit. Bezel action is solid, not too soft, with no play between clicks. Accuracy and legibility is assured with fine pointed hands and a clear minute track on the steep angled rehaut.

Dial text is as expected from Citizen, minimal and classic. Balancing the matte black dial perfectly. If black is not your colour though, a blue version or a pink and grey option are available, easily catering for everyone’s taste.

Due to the size there are some negative aspects to be aware of. One being this watch wears small. With that thick bezel, the dial aperture is markedly reduced and you may argue makes the dial overcrowded with those bold hour markers and stubby hands. And due to this small dial that date window is not the easiest to read at a glance. It obviously doesn’t make a true dependable divewatch, but if you want the aesthetic with no oxygen tanks tied to your back, this is the way to go.

Also the crown is small and not the easiest to operate, I can see what Citizen have tried to do here, but prioritizing functionality over proportions may have been better suited to this mid size watch.

Apart from those minor issues, this watch is a joy. Smart looking, comfortable, lightweight and just a classic Citizen done extremely well. Its 200m depth rating assures its no slouch when called upon for outdoor adventures. These will sell extremely fast and will no doubt contribute as a classic dive watch in anyone’s collection.

Currently competitively priced these will surely be a top pick for a summer watch, yes devoid of colour, but it screams jumping in the pool or snorkeling in crystal clear warm waters. Ear to the ground! People have been comparing this watch -hoping it would be an alternative- to the scarce Seiko SKX013. In hindsight, I think not. I can see why with the obvious size comparison but the SKX wears bigger and is relatively more dependable purely from a functional perspective. Basically forget that comparison and plump for the Citizen Promaster E02020-08E: a better, cheaper more reliable watch to satisfy that urge.

Pros
– great unisex size

– rock solid

– hassle free Eco-Drive tech

Cons
– it wears smaller than the numbers suggest

– small date window

– small crown

Quality
99

Style
90

Value
85

Wearability
90