Citizen "The Citizen" Chronomaster CTQ57-061
"Close to the hearts of people everywhere"
(Photo Courtesy of http://www.012.co.jp)
The watch was reviewed earlier last week here
This model was my favorite in the Chronomaster series. Not just because I happen to own this wonderful watch but because it was the most affordable 38mm "Oyster case/bracelet" variant, made in stainless steel with Citizen's Duratect surface treatment and lumed hands and dial markers. The photo caption above shows the fairly bright and long lasting luminosity of this watch. Probably one of the best among high end dress watches.
The steel CTQ57-0961 was introduced in 2005 along with the more expensive Titanium + Duratect 38mm oyster case variants with black, blue, white and champagne colored dials.
This watch retailed in Japan for 231,000 YEN. I can say that this is a lot of watch for the money. From build quality, finish, attention to detail and high end A660 thermo compensated quartz movement with perpetual calendar, independent set hour hand and -/+ 5 seconds per year accuracy, this watch is probably the only timepiece you'll ever need (For those of us hot and heavy into this hobby, there is no "One watch", but you get the idea).
Unfortunately, the main online Japan based retailers report "Sold out" status with this model. It is also not clear at this time if other Chronomaster models have been discontinued as well.
Looks like it will be replaced with the all new "Eco-Drive" solar powered Chronomaster unveiled at Basel World in March. See Jikan article here.
The new solar models will be released later this summer and have a lower retail price of 210,000 YEN. As more details about the new Eco-Drive models become available, rest assured that Jikan Watch Blog will bring you all the latest details and photographs right to your browser.
3 comments:
So is the CTQ57-054, alas. This is the blue faced Chronomaster in titanium. Its brother the CTQ57-055, also in Ti and with a black face remains. I'm not sure about the other ones in that series.
I have an 054 bought last December as a replacement for the first HEQ I ever bought, in late 2006. It was stolen from my house by a burglar in broad daylight. I don't know whether to hope he knows what he got or that he doesn't!
I believe the 054 was discontinued in 2009. I would love a blue dialed Chronomaster, a las, opposite to you, I prefer these in stainless steel. The heft is nice through not overwhelming and keeps the price in check as well.
I have also word that the 39.5mm sized Chronomaster "Active lifestyle" with 200m WR cases in titanium have also been discontinued. At 315,000 YEN (Tax-In) they did not find that many buyers either.
Can someone please define for me the terms "oyster case" and "oyster bracelet"?
South Pender
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