Citizen has long played second fiddle to Seiko in the affordable dive watch arena, but their latest release makes a compelling case for reconsidering that hierarchy. The new Promaster Eco-Drive Professional Diver 300m isn’t just another budget-friendly dive watch—it’s packing some serious technological firepower that could make even Swiss luxury brands a bit nervous. How does a full 365-day power reserve sound? Yeah, we thought that might get your attention.
The One-Year Wonder
Let’s cut straight to what makes this watch special: the new Caliber E365 movement. While Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology has always been impressive (who doesn’t love never changing a battery?), this latest iteration takes things to another level. A full year of operation on a single charge means you could literally stick this watch in a drawer after this summer’s beach vacation and pull it out next year with the correct time still ticking away.
This isn’t just a party trick—it’s legitimately useful for a professional dive watch. Imagine being a commercial diver who rotates between several watches depending on the job. No more worrying about your backup being dead when you need it. For the average enthusiast, it means you can add this to your collection without the usual guilt of letting a watch sit unworn for too long.
Not Just Another Pretty Face
While the tech inside is revolutionary, the aesthetics are comfortingly familiar. Citizen has wisely based this new model on their fan-favorite BN0150-28E, a design that’s become something of a modern classic in the affordable dive watch world. The offset crown at 4 o’clock, distinctive handset, and chunky bezel all carry over, creating a sense of continuity within the Promaster line.
However, this isn’t just a repackaged greatest hit. The gradient dials—available in deep black or a rather striking crimson red—add visual depth that mimics the experience of descending into darker waters. There’s a subtle luxury to the glossy finish that elevates the watch beyond its price point. The lugless case design also makes it wear smaller than its substantial 46mm diameter might suggest.
Serious Diving Credentials
Don’t let the reasonable price tag fool you—this is a legitimate saturation diving watch. The 300-meter water resistance is a significant upgrade from the 200 meters of its predecessor, and the inclusion of a helium escape valve means it can handle professional-grade deep-sea adventures. For context, most recreational divers rarely go below 40 meters, so this watch has enough capability to handle nearly anything you’d throw at it.
The ISO certification isn’t just marketing fluff either—Citizen has been making professional dive instruments for decades, and the dive helmet engraved on the caseback serves as a reminder of the brand’s underwater heritage. The unidirectional 120-click bezel has also been upgraded with a stainless steel ring for improved durability and a more premium feel.
Eco Cred That Actually Matters
In an era where “sustainability” often feels like an empty buzzword, Citizen has made some meaningful choices here. The strap is made from BENEBiOL, a plant-based polyurethane material that offers superior resistance to hydrolysis (the chemical breakdown that occurs when traditional polyurethane gets wet repeatedly). This means your strap won’t deteriorate after repeated exposure to salt water—a genuine functional benefit that happens to be better for the planet.
Combine this with the inherent sustainability of never needing a battery replacement, and you’ve got a watch that quietly does its part without shouting about eco-credentials from the rooftops.
Spec Sheet
Case Size: 46mm diameter x 16.3mm thickness
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 300m (suitable for saturation diving)
Movement: Caliber E365 Eco-Drive solar-powered quartz
Power Reserve: 365 days on full charge
Special Features: Helium escape valve, 120-click unidirectional bezel, screw-down crown at 4 o’clock
Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Dial Options: Gradient black (BN1024-01E) or gradient crimson red (BN1024-01Z)
Strap: BENEBiOL plant-based polyurethane with strap extension
Lume: Hands and indices
Pricing & Availability
The Citizen Promaster Eco-Drive Professional Diver 300m will be available starting April 2025 through Citizen’s website and authorized dealers. Priced at $675, it offers exceptional value for a legitimate ISO-certified saturation dive watch with a one-year power reserve.
Recap
Citizen Promaster Eco-Drive Professional Diver 300m
Building on their popular BN0150 design, Citizen’s new professional-grade dive watch offers saturation diving capabilities, a year-long power reserve, and an eco-conscious approach all for under $700—making it one of the most compelling value propositions in serious dive watches today.
