A Modern Pilot's watch, for the Modern world

Citizen watches have always been synonymous with forward-looking, inventive, and innovative timepieces for the modern era, though the Citizen watches that I knew and that I’ve grown up with have traditionally been predominated by bland, affordable solar-powered watches. But there’s a lot more to the brand that meets the eye. The brand has also been pioneering impressive technological innovations such as their proprietary Satellite wave GPS, Super Titanium, and of course, Eco-Drive, which is what we’ll be looking at today.

For me, the words “Citizen” and “Eco-drive” practically go hand in hand with each other, though the brand is also known for its other innovations too as I mentioned. The Eco-drive technology was what solidified the brand’s prowess in technological innovation. Being the first to create a light-powered watch in 1976 is no small feat, and though mechanical and battery-powered watches are still the norm in the industry, solar watches have left a not so insignificant imprint in the history of watchmaking and it shows.

With examples ranging from traditional solar powered 3-handers to complex and state-of-the-art timepieces with incredible functions, they have them all. Today, we’ll be taking a look at a rather iconic piece from the latter of that range, the distinct, and unarguably cool Citizen Promaster Skyhawk A-T JY8078-52L

Having looked back (briefly) at Citizen’s history of otherwise traditionally-made watches, I think it’s only appropriate that we take a closer look at where they are now with the modern and innovative ‘Blue angels’ Skyhawk JY9078-52L. The Citizen Promaster Blue Angels A-T is a testimony to their team’s dedication.

It is equipped with radio control signalling to provide precise atomic timekeeping in 43 cities. This Promaster Blue Angels A-T appears in a stainless-steel case measuring 46mm diameter and comes with either a steel bracelet or a leather strap.

Today, we’ll be reviewing the version with the steel bracelet. The case itself is rather conventional; round with a brushed finish, flanked by massive lugs on either end. The bezel carries yellow accents over the dark blue base with white inscriptions. The dial is also in dark blue. The hour indices are large bars, with Arabic numerals for 3, 6, 9, and an arrowhead for 12.

The dial is inspired by cockpit instrumentation, with the case having a resemblance to the fuselage of a plane. The dial is rather busy, with a mixture of LCD windows and printed analogue displays with hands to indicate the plethora of information it is required to show. A manually operated mechanical slide rule makes the bezel appear very complicated.

Other features include a chronograph, perpetual calendar, dual time, alarms, countdown timer, digital backlight and UTC display, and a power reserve indicator/Light level indicator. Secondary indicators also crowd the dial to indicate the signal information from radio transmitters. The Blue Angels logo also adorns the printed nomenclature on the dial alongside the brand name and model designations.

All in all, the JY8078-52L is a worthy testament to the innovation and technology that Citizen is more well known for these days and is undoubtedly a great addition to anyone’s collection.