![]() While all feature paper dials, the brand’s “Super Titanium” as the case material, and light-powered Eco-Drive movements with perpetual calendar functionality, there are some more differences between the models than their dial color. Previous Citizen Chronomasters used black and white paper dials, but new deep hues of red, green, and blue add more options. On the Chronomaster, the paper is wedged between a layer of solar cells and a clear layer, giving elements like the printed text a subtle floating appearance. Textured dials not only offer some visual interest but are good for legibility. Japanese paper-making uses fibers from local plants and results in a relatively thick, tough, and highly textured product that is one of Japan’s well-known traditional crafts. That includes a high level of finishing as well as a “craftsmanship” element with dials that use traditional Japanese paper ( washi), and they are now offered in three striking new colors. Promising an accuracy to within five seconds per year, the Chronomaster is not only strong technically but adds characteristics more associated with luxury watches than the majority of Citizen’s relatively affordable offerings. I didn’t have the chance to talk myself out of it and I can honestly say, I’m much better off for it.While Citizen released the world’s most accurate solar-powered watch this year, its high-end Chronomaster is still a remarkably accurate and interesting watch that is most definitely worth knowing about. I’ve struggled with taking that plunge in the past but this rushed decision in many ways was exactly what I needed. However, even with the discount, it’s the most I’ve ever spent on a quartz piece. That made taking this leap of faith a bit easier. ![]() Now, I’d be remiss in not saying that one of the main draws of this specific Chronomaster was the fact that it, along with a few other Citizen Chronomasters, was on sale directly from the brand. That is the allure of a HAQ watch and why I now believe everyone should try one. And it’s probably the best timekeeper in my whole house, becoming the standard on which all others are set. For days now, I’ve settled on wearing it because it’s the one watch I own that’s always ready to go. Yet where it lacks some of the romanticism we put in a mechanical watch, it makes up for in spades with its ease of use. I know many will still look at this watch and immediately place it below anything with a mechanical heart. And with a white dial and standard lug size, it will be quite the strap monster as well. These decisions make it truly versatile, comfortable in both everyday use and dressy situations. That mix is all over the watch, from the hands and indices, to a comfortable seven-piece bracelet. Furthermore, the titanium has a mixture of both polished and brushed finishes. Add to that the claims of a hardness fives times that of stainless steel, and I’ve yet to see a scratch after weeks of wear. Made from Citizen’s proprietary Super Titanium, the watch feels almost non-existent on the wrist. With all that being said, when I finally met up with Neall for the watch, my visual sense was satisfied as well. And the icing on the cake? Perpetual calendar functionality, meaning the watch will show the right date, whether the prior month has 30 or 31 days. The hour hand can be set in one hour increments, forwards and backwards, making sure you don’t interfere with it’s accurate timekeeping. Accuracy is listed at +/-5 seconds a year. It is solar-powered, giving you seven months of power reserve on a full charge, with a charge indicator to inform you of its levels. In the realm of HAQ movements, it is one of the best. Powering this particular watch is Citizen’s A060 movement. ![]() And before you label me crazy, let me explain why. Yet, on specifications alone, buying this watch sight unseen was a risk worth taking. I didn’t even get to see it in person until after a good friend of mine (thanks Neall!) picked it up for me. It’s a watch that didn’t come to my attention until that same morning. It all started two weeks back when, with a spur of the moment decision, I purchased the Citizen Chronomaster AQ4041-54A. And it’s why now, as I hold my Citizen Chronomaster in my hand, I can’t get this silly smile off of my face. It’s this capability that has always attracted me to this subset. Instead, deviations are measured as +/- seconds for the year, which is a very high standard, even for a quartz watch. These watches don’t deal with deviations in timekeeping within a day or even a month. For those unfamiliar with the term, it stands for High Accuracy Quartz. I/trending 12390 Why I bought the Citizen Chronomaster and succumbed to the allure of High Accuracy Quartz Ricardo Simeįor years now, I’ve wanted a HAQ watch.
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