Updated review of Citizen Eco Drive Titanium Skyhawk
by Mark G.
(Atlanta, GA., USA)
This watch has features galore, from the UTC, timer, calendar, chrono, alarms, world time setting features, to customized display settings. It can be a bit overwhelming at first to set up and program, but as you whip through it, it becomes second nature and due to its' accuracy and EcoDrive solar/light powering, chances are you may never have to do as much work with this watch as in first setting it up. The CD and manual are very clear, simple and self-explanatory. I bought this version new, and recently. The 3rd gen has atomic timing and a backlight for the LCD as some of its' improvements over this model, but for me those things weren't a big deal. I am a businessman, not a pilot - (though I have taken lessons) hence I only need the multiple time settings for travel, not every day. This watch is SO accurate, I won't miss out on the AT by having to set my watch - at last look it was keeping perfect time and has only ever been off by only 1 second +/- EVER.!! The backlight on the 3rd gen isn't SO spectacular that I need it, most of the time with just a wee bit of light, even in a movie or dark room is all I need to see. The luminous hands work very well for the few times things may get pitch black. Lastly, the 3rd gen just looks TOO military for me for what I use this watch for. In this version the watch looks just as friendly with business or formal attire as some of my other watches, and I own Rolex, Breitling, Movado genuines and several more timepieces. If I want the more military look, I can go wear my Chrono Avenger. More formal, then something else. Sometimes I don't feel like waving my arm around just because, and the accuracy of the Eco Drive speaks for itself. Of course, did I mention NO batteries, ever? That's right, no batteries - ever.!
That moves up to powering. If you know anything about watches, how they run and Citizen, then you know about Eco Drive. Ecologically friendly solar and light powered system. Never needs batteries and when fully charged can go as long as 4 years (rated) and spring right back to life. Stop waving your arms wth automatic watches, or putting batteries in others at an ever increasing cost as the watch ages. It has several power saving modes that remind and show you when the watch is running low, all you need is light to power it up again. One cool factor is when the watch is away from a light source for several minutes, it will shut down and go to "sleep" if you will, and when light is found again, come back to life with arms moving and digitals coming on!
Styling is great and the watch has the unique look to go well looking formal, business like or rugged and military, yet techo packed and gadgets abound for the more 21st century minded owners. The titanium version is what I own, and the understated buffed grey look stands out without being too flashy or gaudy. for those who want more shine , or bling, there is a stainless steel version as well, and a Black Eagle version with hardened black metal composition. I treat my watches with respect, but I don't baby them, I wear them. I have not found the titanium to be as problematic as some other reviewers have. I have no scratches and all it takes to keep clean is some cloth cleaning and polishing if one desires. The links form a gentle yet firm shape, the titanium will stand up on its' own. Solid double lock clasp, with room to make adjustments inside of it. I am a normal sized adult male, 6'1" - medium build, and my wrist is 8 inches, the watch has that and room to spare. I could take a link or two out, but for others this is just a matter of whether you like your watch to fit snug, or loose.
Now, the price. Originally a $600.00 piece and up, in most places this 2nd generation Skyhawk can be found for half that amount. Price difference of over $200.00 from the 3rd gen, and I don't feel I sacrificed at all, especially because of the timeless, elegant and classy look of the watch. As I stated, it goes well with any occasion, and mode of dress, and for functions can't be beat. Most folks cannot figure out WHAT it is until they get a look see demo up close. I was not aiming for this factor, but it is a nice compliment.
People buy watches for any number of reasons. My brother teases me that it is the same time on his Fossils and Casios and Timexes as it is on my high end pieces. This from a guy who will drop thousands on computers and speed skates without a thought.! My joy is in watches, some I own, others I admire, others I treasure, and a few I actually like. I respect and admire my brother's pieces(and ALL timepieces for that matter) and own a few other types of watches as well, even a watch that only costed me less than 5 bucks in a shoe shop because I admired the look and the movement. I only say that because I am not snobbish and other than the ownership value don't automatically suscribe to the theory that more money makes a better watch. Depending on a lot of other factors and criteria, more money usually just means a more expensive watch. Dollar for dollar, I feel the Skyhawk is a great value, and the longer you own one, the greater the value - especially at today's reduced prices.!! Feature wise, this watch holds its' own against most anything out there, other than a specialty one function watch. Both versions are water resistant so a quick shower or jump in the pool won't hurt. This watch will be my mainstay for a good long while, and I don't have to feel like I lost my car or house when purchasing one, or if it got misplaced. Whether this watch is an upgrade from a less functional piece, or a common sense decision as I feel mine was, you will be pleased.
UPDATE: JANUARY 2010
I originally wrote this reiew a few weeks ago and it has posted several place, please forgive that if you are an avid WIS. In regards to scuffing and scratches, I have the Ti model and have given it some serious, yet accidental brushes and bangs, and because of the strength of the titanium, it has NO marks or scratches whatsoever. My battery bars once reaching full capacity have not left the fully charged state yet and the watch is keeping accurate time (0+/-) set to www.time.gov standard.
