Citizen Promaster Marine Fugu automatic black dial steel bracelet 42 mm

PROMASTER: 35 years of excellence

In 2024, the Citizen Promaster collection celebrates its 35th anniversary. Since its creation in 1989, this range of watches has become a benchmark for adventure and extreme sports enthusiasts. Promaster models, designed to push back the limits, combine robust design, advanced functionality and innovative technologies.

Whether on land, at sea or in the air, Promaster watches accompany explorers in their most daring challenges. The limited editions created to mark this anniversary are a fine tribute to the brand's heritage and testify to its commitment to always going the extra mile.

The NY004 series, an undisputed icon

The first model in the “Fugu” series, the NY004, whose nickname means “puffer fish” in Japanese, was presented in 1989 at the launch of the Promaster collection. At the time of its release, this watch was interesting not only for its technical capabilities as a diving instrument, but also for the simplicity of its design and the size of its case. These factors made it not only a watch that diving professionals could use in the course of their work, but also a reliable everyday watch for the general public.

Four characteristic technical features of the NY004 would come to define the series. The first, the crown on the left, was designed to prevent inadvertent shocks and provide ergonomic comfort for the wearer. The second, the distinctive bezel - with alternating smooth and serrated edges for a good grip in wet conditions, inspired by the pufferfish. Third, the 42 mm case size. And finally, the inclusion of the proven CITIZEN Cal.8203 caliber.

These features making this diver a standard of robustness were not lost on the Italian military navy, which used this Promaster NY0040 in the mid-90s for around 10 years. At the time, the watch was the same version as the NY0040, with the same movement and the same case. Only the dial and water-resistance (500 meters) were different.

To mark the 35th anniversary of the Promaster collection, Citizen proposes with its new NY016 series, to build on the heritage of the original NY004 produced over 15 years. With the return of the 42 mm diameter, an evolved caliber and a refreshed look, here's a quick overview...

An ideal diver

Respecting the strict ISO Diver 6425 standard, this Fugu is a true diver's watch in the strictest sense of the word! It features a 42 mm, 12.7 mm thick polished-satin steel case, identical in size to the original model. The crown is screw-down, the bezel is aluminum and Citizen has chosen to use a flat mineral glass. A strange choice for some, but ideal if you want a retro look! Back to basics, just the way we like it.

Aesthetically, this model also incorporates the updates that have been made to the model since it was relaunched in 2018 as the NY008 series. For example, it features redesigned hour markers that match CITIZEN's first AQUALAND model, the iconic JP2000, as opposed to the circular markers of the NY004 series. However, everything else, including the case design, has remained true to the original.

This new NY016, is equipped with an updated movement, caliber 8204. This caliber offers improved specifications compared to the original caliber (caliber 8203), as it features a stop-second system and a more advanced anti-magnetism system. For the rest, nothing changes from a technical point of view: 21,600 vibrations per hour, 21 jewels and 42 hours of power reserve. Sure, it's not a “modern” caliber, but it's a real tractor with proven reliability!

An additional case and bracelet

This watch comes with a limited-edition box in the shape of a golden copper-colored diving bottle. In addition to the metal bracelet, this watch from the NY016 series is offered with a polyurethane strap suitable for diving.