A Closer Look At The Citizen Super Titanium Armor

In August, Citizen celebrated 50 years since it introduced the world’s first titanium watch, the X-8 Chronometer (read HERE). Along with the limited-edition Satellite Wave GPS F950 Titanium 50th Anniversary Limited Edition (read HERE), the brand also launched a new line, the Super Titanium Armor.

These three new pieces represent yet another evolution of Citizen’s titanium watches – inspired by modern, high tech armor and designed to be tough but comfortable. Here’s a hands-on look at these hard-wearing timepieces.

Titanium isn’t always the easiest material to work with. The unique properties of Super Titanium (which Citizen touts as 40 percent lighter and 50 percent more scratch-resistant than steel) also make it harder to machine. Citizen’s designers took a bold approach when shaping the Armor’s cases by creating a faceted silhouette that recalls modern armor plating. The aesthetic is part Robocop, but the contours allow it to sit quite comfortably on the wrist – especially for such a big watch (they measure in at 41mm for the three-hand model to 44mm for the two chronograph styles).
 

A high-end looking integrated bracelet also creates a seamless look that reduces the bulk of these timepieces. The 1980s style single-link bracelet and deployant buckle also have a low profile for a nice fit and flow.
 

Other appealing design aspects of the Super Titanium Armor collection include having the crown at 4 o’clock. On the two chronograph models, the crown and pushers are partially hidden by a ratchet bezel to keep the case from looking too clunky.
 

All three models of the Super Titanium Armor collection are powered by Citizen’s proprietary Eco-Drive technology, which is powered by light, thus never needing a battery change.
 

In fact, the face of the three-hand version of the Super Titanium Armor pays homage to Citizen’s first light-powered watch, known as the Crystron, with dials that fit over the movement to let sunlight shine through to a photovoltaic cell. In the case of the new Super Titanium Armor line, all three have a two-tone grey dial, which provides a nice, rugged complement to the natural tones of the titanium. The reference CA7058-55E Chrono offers a hint of gold on the logo, around the date window, and on the second hand.
 

Another interesting design feature is the unidirectional, rotating bezel on the chronograph versions of the Super Titanium Armor models. It’s not a tool, but this asymmetrical bezel rotates to expose or hide the pushers and crown. It’s a fun feature that lets you play with the look of the watch – hiding the crown for a cleaner silhouette, showcasing the pushers for a sportier appearance. Whichever mood you want, the bezel locks into position with an easy sliding motion.
 

Overall, all three models offer a unique take on the sport watch style. And considering such desirable features as the integrated bracelet and lightweight titanium material, they are also superlative value. The Super Titanium Armor is $550 for the three-hander, $650 for the chronographs, and is now available in stores and at citizenwatch.com.
 

(Photography by Liam O'Donnell)