Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver BN0195-54E
By: Michael Penate
Trying to stay on top of Japanese watch releases can feel pretty daunting at times. More often than not, the only real way to find something new is by combing through hundreds of SKUs until you find some obscure “NEW” label or a vague mention of something being a recently released product. That’s partially what happened when I discovered this new Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver BN0195-54E, a blacked-out version of one of Citizen’s most popular models. But, rather than immediately lose my lunch all over my keyboard and desktop monitor, I decided to evaluate the model with an open mind – even though I’m not really a fan of blacked-out watches.
The Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver BN0195-54E takes a familiar Citizen design, plus the robust quality Citizen is known for, and serves it up in a stealthy, modern package. Aesthetically, it’s everything I hate in some ways but I’m finding it more important to explore these personal reactions to design in order to grow as a watch collector. Upon closer inspection I think the Promaster BN0195-54E would absolutely kill it on a tropic rubber strap – but that’s just me.
The key feature of the BN0195-54E is the black ion-plated stainless steel case with a matching bracelet. It measures in at 45mm wide with 200m of water resistance. That’s a big watch but I suppose this is the kind of piece folks will reach for when they really want to feel something substantial and sporty on-wrist. Luckily, red accents on the bezel and handset break up the all-black color tone and the high-contrast hands, hour markers, and elapsed time scale seem to support a highly-legible design.
Another cool feature I fixated on was the BN0195-54E Promaster’s crown, which is almost “oniony” by design and appears easy to manipulate. I’ve found this to be an issue on some quartz Citizen divers, but I suppose the overall large form factor Citizen pursued here should be accompanied by a substantial crown. Eco-Drive caliber E168 powers the watch and an AR-coated mineral crystal gets the job done. Really though, that bracelet has to go if you ask me. Luckily, Citizen offers a similar stainless steel version on rubber only, so one could hope that the same option will eventually be offered with the Promaster Diver BN0195-54E.
Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver BN0195-54E Specs
- Case Diameter: 45mm
- Water Resistance: Rated for 200m
- Movement: Eco-Drive Caliber E168
- Crystal: Mineral
- Bracelet: Black Ion-Plated Stainless Steel
- Price: $425 (Check out Amazon prices – way lower*)
I personally love watching the Promaster Diver line evolve – even if there are some models that don’t really resonate with me. The Promaster BN0195-54E really should satisfy enthusiasts that are into the look and curious about taking the plunge into Eco-Drive as well. Get this thing on an Isofrane, and we’ll talk. For now I’ll watch from afar even though this really does seem like an awesome piece. Let us know what you guys think!
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.