In 1985, Citizen revolutionized dive watches by introducing the world’s first timepiece with an electronic depth meter—a feature that automatically displayed underwater depth on its digital screen. Now, four decades later, the Japanese watchmaker has unveiled a special edition tribute: the Citizen Promaster Aqualand 40th Anniversary Limited Edition, a near-faithful recreation with subtle contemporary upgrades.
A Dive Watch That Measures Depth—and More
While the Aqualand includes standard dive watch features, its defining innovation remains its depth-sensing technology. The watch’s digital display and a protruding sensor at the 9 o’clock position work in tandem to provide real-time depth readings.
When submerged, the built-in pressure gauge detects water pressure, converting it into precise depth measurements—accurate down to 0.1 meters. Beyond real-time tracking, the watch logs recent dive depths and includes a rapid ascent alarm to prevent decompression sickness.
This blend of retro engineering and practical functionality makes the Aqualand a standout choice for diving enthusiasts.
A Stylish, ISO-Certified Diver
Even without its depth sensor, the Aqualand is a robust ISO-compliant dive watch. The 40th-anniversary model features a 43.5mm gray stainless steel case, a black dial and bezel, and gold accents—a nod to the original design.
Key functional elements include:
- A unidirectional rotating bezel for dive timing
- A 4 o’clock crown with protective guards
- 200-meter water resistance
Precision Quartz Movement
Powering the watch is Citizen’s C520 quartz movement, which maintains accuracy within ±15 seconds per month. While not groundbreaking, this reliability—combined with the watch’s accessible price—makes it a compelling option for divers and collectors alike.
The Promaster Aqualand 40th Anniversary Limited Edition merges nostalgia with modern utility, proving that Citizen’s pioneering dive technology still holds water today.
