Man, I just bought a Nighthawk Blue Angel yesterday on special and have been scouring all the videos on them as we do lol This Citizen looks awesome but it's $544 AUD! still a great watch, and as far as I'm concerned Citizen is doing it better than Seiko!
I'm still a big Seiko fan, but I'll readily admit that Citizen is really giving them some serious competition. And possibly... okay, probably beating them in terms of value for money.
My Blue Angles version is my favorite go to! It's an outstanding watch. I think it's the best spec for the money and mine, anecdotally, hits all the ticks!
That is a beauty! Reminds me of the Citizen my brother-in-law had in the 90s. I would always joke that I was going to leave my Timex there and take his Citizen (as a joke). He always noticed. A few years ago I did get a lower end Citizen field watch. The crystal got a fine crack in it very quickly. Never got one like it in a Timex weekender (lol). Thanks Shane - love your videos.
Your review inspired me to pick up the blacked out version. I love the dial and case updates,especially the angular case. As you pointed out, I think I prefer the older handset but overall, I’m very happy with my first Citizen watch.
This video got me to look at the Nighthawk again, so thank you, I'm glad I did. I like the look of the old one better, and I found it new for $200ish, so I bought it. I like it a whole lot more than I thought I would. One thing I hadn't considered is that the old one comes on a bracelet, and it's a damn nice one for the price. For as long as the old one is still available, it's well worth the money, and I think a better buy than the new.
I always liked this watch, more so than the Seiko Flightmaster, which is very similar to this watch. I never pulled the trigger on a Nighthawk for one reason. I HATED that it had NIGHTHAWK written across it. It made it look cheap, in my opinion. This new version solves that issue for me. I'll defiantly pick one up once the price drops below 300.00. Great review, as always. Thank you! 😉👍
Thanks for the memories Shane! A Citizen Chandler Chronograph was the first review I saw from you. Always been a fan of Citizen's military range - it's one of the few with modern stylings that don't slip into futuristic/sci-fi.
Very enjoyable review, as always. I really like this new version, the old one was too busy for me. You are 100% right about Citizen lume. I have the Promaster diver and the lume on that one easily lasts all night. It is better than my Turtle and on par with my Sumo. People tend to think Citizen lume is weaker because initially it is nowhere as bright as Seiko Lumibrite.
I have the Blue Angel version. I noticed somebody wearing the watch and then I looked it up and said wow they updated it. I'm thinking of buying one after watching your review. Thank you
Thanks for another awesome review! I just picked one of these up a couple weeks ago from another collector. It is a very nice piece and goes well with my blacked out "stealth" Nighthawk that I also just acquired second hand. I do really like the fit and finish of the Citizen Promaster grade of watches.
Great review. I think the new dial is a big improvement, separating the slide rule and leaving a clear watch dial makes it so much easier to read. I could see myself buying one of those.
I've found CITIZEN watches at TJ MAX for under 100.00 dollars. I actually reviewed a ECO DRIVE I found at a TJ MAX in NORFOLK VIRGINIA. The watch your reviewing is definitely something I'd be interested in as I think it's not only a AVIATION TIMEPIECE, but kinda has a MILITARY/TACTICAL look to it. As always, I enjoy watching your videos, and I'm about to share this video on Facebook with some of my friends. Great review!⌚👍
Great job Shane. It looks pretty good. I only own one Citizen watch which is the indestructible tank of a tool watch appropriately named the Tough. It’s as Plain Jane as can be but can take a pounding and laugh it off. It has a monocoque case made of hardened steel, 200m WR and a sapphire crystal. They can be had in the $200-$250 range. It’s never going to turn any heads but it won’t ever let you down.
Really wish they would do a thunderbirds version. Also the new model slide rule is better because it actually allows you to use the ruler whilst inflight without having to take watch off
I've been looking for a flieger style pilot's watch to add to my collection. Watched a few reviews on this and the original nighthawk. I love the metal bracelet and lower price of the original, but prefer this design, with the bezel crown on the right side, and the more flieger looking markers. I'll probably wind up getting this one.
I'm waiting for my BJ700-52E to be delivered. People will say the new version is more legible and not quite a busy and they have a point, but i like the internal rotating bezel and the two knurled crowns. It is a pretty busy watch dial, but, I'm just going to be old school and own it. I have a Flightmaster, and it's pretty busy too, but it looks great on the wrist, just like the Citizen will.
Great review, first one I've seen on youtube. Seems like these new versions got released last year and no one noticed at all. I like the looks of them, but the original is such an icon that it would always be difficult to overshadow it. The original DID in fact have a screw down crown, like most Promasters. That green strap is nice, but I'd love one of these on a bracelet. Citizen has always done really good bracelets in their respective price ranges. Awesome review, Shane!
Good looking watch, I agree with your assessment too! Unfortunately I don't see much of anything getting cheap per with time. The great reset, and all!
You're right about the hands. They should have kept the old ones. These are field watch hands. Other than that, I think it's an improvement on the old Nighthawk. Great review! 😃
As a pilot, I'm a little shocked that someone in quality control missed the fact that the index arrow (the small triangle in place of the 60) is upside down! The arrow should point to the outer row of numbers, like it is on every other E6B (pilot computer) in the world.
Great review! I honestly fell in love with the new and cleaner look. Once the lockdown is over I will put in on my wrist. This one is on my list to check it out!
I like the looks of this version. It has quite a sober and wearable design. I would be interested to know how the 200m WR works without a screw down crown.
Looks like a perfect travel watch. I’m always wondering what time it is at home and what something would cost in my home currency. I’d set the slide to perform a currency conversion, and the GMT to track my home time. As its a quartz, its likely to remain accurate enough if unworn for months. Would be perfect with a HAQ movement, so it offered real set it and forget it accuracy and a sapphire crystal.
I have a Blue Angels with the original dial version, which I think looks better as the applied markers really sparkle under the right light. The crowns are better too, with traditional knurling - the new design looks a bit cheap. On another issue, if you are as old as me, you probably learnt how to use a slide rule at school, however if you are that old, there is no way you can see these markings!
I am really enjoying mine. It does look great on different straps, but I do agree that I wish it had a domed crystal or Sapphire at least. I like the little details of the angled knurling of the bezel, the crowns, and the inner bezel track, but I thought it reminded me of a turbine engine pattern. I did find that my factory strap was much softer than expected as well.
I quite like the design of the watch overall. The first thing I thought is what a cool watch strap it was. Besides the mineral crystal, what puts me off most is the black PVD coated bezel. I guess it won't take long until it shows marks. Cheers Shane!
About two years ago, I was considering a Blue Angels Nighthawk, but went with the Blue Angels World Chronograph (AT8020-54L) instead. More money, but radio controlled, a chronograph and a sapphire crystal. From a person that is old enough to have actually used them, it’s slide rule, not slide ruler.
Interesting- cleaner looking and like the lume. I’m with you, wish it had a sapphire crystal (maybe with a very shallow dome?). I’m going to be working on refining my collection and accumulation. I think I’ll go down to 3 mechanicals- a Citizen NY diver (red bezel), my Sarb017 and Sarx045. The rest will be like this - nice quality set and forget watches. Though at some point I’ll be adding an AquaTerra.
Take the face, hands and sliderule from the refresh, the bezel and bracelet from the original, add a saphire crystal, and it's a perfect watch. I like how the smaller hands have less risk of covering the 24h hands. OK, so it looks slightly less "pilot", but it's just more functional this way. What I don't like about the refresh is how the bezel now looks like it can be turned but can't (except of course with the second crown).
great review Shane I had the previous model and i loved the look of it a lot! but it was very hefty for my chicken wrists so its gone. in my opinion it is a good night hawk to go with the old one. I hope not to replace it.
Cool. Tempted by the Red Arrows version, if only they made an automatic I'd get one for sure...quartz is as appealing as a fit bit or i-watch.😱 Cheers mate 👍🏻
@@Alias_Anybody indeed, been looking at Chris Ward & Steinhart for budget options. Just can't do quartz, had a Flightmaster never wore it & ended up giving it to a friend. Thanks for your comment 👍🏻
What if it was a High Precision Quartz? Citizen has their older chronometer, the new 0100 caliber, and they own Bulova with their precisionist line. Be interesting if they could incorporate one of those here.
@@RelativeTime fair point, but I've had many quartz over the years ( I'm 50) & I doubt I'll ever have another, tho I do understand the grab & go & accuracy appeal. Just not my thing... Been into watches since the late 1980s so my tastes have become quite focused 😉 Cheers 👍🏻👍🏻
I think they lost one of the things that made the last version so great. The bracelet. It's a really nice bracelet that's well integrated with the watch, has the airfoil style links to tie into the pilot watch theme, milled clasp, etc. It's up there with the BN01xx dive watch bracelets for Citizen. Hopefully they'll release a version of the new one on a similar quality bracelet.
Thanks. I actually noticed a new version of the Avion too. One with a world timer. Might take a look at that sometime. www.citizenwatch.com/us/en/product/BX1010-11L.html
I really like the design of this one (even though I own the Blue Angels Nighthawk), but I'm upset their discontinuing the older one. They both look different enough that both should be produced imo. Also, I much prefer a bracelet over a leather strap, hence why I'd still take the older one and wish it stays in production.
If they come out with a blue angels edition of this one I will be compelled to buy it… Somehow I fell into collecting different citizen blue Angel models. I think the change to printed indices is a big draw back on the new one… I really like the older model, that I have, with applied indices. They stand off from the dial and the beveled edges reflect off the dial at diffent angles. I think it adds depth and interest to the watch.
Good review, Shane. I've got the original Nighthawk. It has a screw down crown. I wonder how they kept the 200m WR without it? Not that it can't be done, just a little unusual.
Is it actually 20bar wr with a push - pull crown???I won't go diving with it.... but it's always comforting to know my watch that says 20bar wr is actually resistant
Awesome new version of an icon! I like a few design elements on the new one (Numerals, rotating bezel), I don't like the new case design, especially its lugs. My older (european) version looks better in this regard. If I can find a new one for 300-400 (Euro, as I live in Austria) I'd buy one (got my Nighthawk used for 230€ a few years ago).
This is a sharp watch. I still regret not getting the original Nighthawk, but I found the Blue Angels version on sale (just under $200) a few months ago, and it scratches that itch nicely. Otherwise, this would be very tempting. Edit: Last I checked, the original Nighthawk seemed to be getting hard to find and the price was creeping up over $400. I thought it had been discontinued. This made me look again, and it's readily available for $300 or under. I don't think I need another one, though.
I'm not sure if it is or isn't. I noticed the price getting higher and higher on Amazon, but Joma still lists it for $229. Although they say it wont ship for 3-4 weeks, so not sure what that is about.
I think I prefer the previous case (60:40, either way.) But I really like the dial, this more Type A than the last design and I like the replacement of red with yellow. With a sapphire and a bracelet this would be a killer watch. As it is now, it's just OK. Like Shane said, one step forward, two steps back. With applied markers, a bracelet, a sapphire and the Promaster Tought's monocoque case this would be an insane piece. Not really a lot of competitive options, either. So if you like this sort of thing it's a short list of choices.
St steel bezel makes the watch looks more like a tool pilot watch.new model looks more like a fashion watch,and again i cannot read the date,Citizen has to raze the date wheel closer to the frame to all models,nice review,cheers.
@Clarc King. The Citizen CB5887-55H watch is the PCAT watch not a Nighthawk watch. If you were thinking of the radio-control version of the Nighthawk watch, there is the Citizen Nighthawk black ion-plated stainless steel, metal links band radio-control watch the as I recall has the model number AT4817-56H (or 57H, but I'm not exactly sure). Citizen also manufactured a silver-color, stainless steel (or possibly titanium) Nighthawk Pilot's radio-control watch a number of years ago which, as is typical of Citizen, was not marketed for their USA watch market.
First of all: you deffenetly have one of the best filming-skills on all watch youtubechannels. the pictures are allways fantastic. This Nighthawk is a bit of a mixed bag compared to the older model. I like the clean Font of the new one, but its sad, that they are not applied. I like the new Sliderule, but the "sudo" Divetimebezzle-styling is not my cup of tea. The Rest of the Case looks great. I like to position of the Sliderule crown, but this industrial design of the older one was just phantastic..
Like this watch but prefer the previous Nighthawk. But no matter. It was a tough choice, but I ended up buying the Seiko Flightmaster over the Nighthawk. The single dome watch crystal broke the tie. Love that distortion!
@@happydogg312 Nice! I’m actually now starting to dabble in watch modding. Unfortunately, that wasn’t on my radar when I was choosing between the Flightmaster and the Nighthawk. Single dome sapphire crystals are definitely the way to go!
@@happydogg312 Citizen and Seiko both. If the Chinese AliExpress brands can put sapphire crystals on $60 watches, it’s difficult to understand how big watch companies can’t do it for all their watches. I’m currently upgrading all the mineral and flat sapphire crystals in my watches to single or double dome sapphires. So far, so good. 👍
I bought the Blue Angel version last year and I've been watching with dismay the official price drop steadily for months. It's now at 40% what I paid and now I know why :-) I'm conflicted about this new one - moving the bezel crown from 7 to 2 is a good idea, making it stumpy is not. I'm coming to the conclusion Citizen intend us to take the watch off to use the slide rule. Overall I think I prefer the previous version, even though the dial is so very busy
The blue angels version is really cool. They are still selling them directly on Citizen's site so I don' think they are discontinued (yet). Maybe they will just sell that one as the original version.
From a few things I've read, on a typical diver most of the waterproofing comes from seals inside the watch. A screwdown crown helps a little, but not as much as you might think. It's more to prevent you from accidently turning, or pulling out the crown at depth. Which could cause a failure to the system.
I'm guessing it's been discontinued, but you can still find it. Amazon seems to be high, but Jomashop looks like it has it for about $230 and blues angles version for $270 bit.ly/3aP4fsF
@oren ovadia. Just keep checking eBay because although the original Citizen Nighthawk Pilot's watch (probably in most if not all of its' original versions) is a discontinued model, one or more may eventually appear for sale/auction on eBay.
As a CFII … I have never known anyone to actually use the slide rule on a watch. It’s too small and awkward to use. Keep the features, change the Bezel to a standard dive timer … 100% more useful in flight
@@RelativeTime mostly we use FOREFLIGHT for the iPad. It does everything we ever wished we could have back in the old days. Even real time weather and traffic. Students do learn the E6B Flight computer principals, but the “Electronic Flight Bag” is what everyone relies on these days.
For a watch that's not even made in Japan (making the the cheapest between Swiss made, Made in Japan, Swiss Movt and Japan Movt) it should have sapphire at this price.
The slide rule has less functions than on the previous model (the time scale is missing). The date window is still too small so the date wheel lying deep inside is still hard to read. The diameter is still too small for the slide rule to be useful as it stays too hard to read. It doesn't matter that the slide rule crown is now at the 2 instead of the 8 position as one needs to take the watch off the wrist anyway in order to operate (= READ!) the slide rule. Still no AR coating whatsoever on a blackhish dial with a flat glass results in a big mirror instead of a legible watch face. I see no point in buying this model for the gain of numbers instead of markers, swapping the 12 for a triangle and !osing time calculations. Remember the Breitling Navitimer before they shrunk it (prior 1993 I think)? THAT was a decent slide rule. I still regret I bought the previous (Blue Angels) version. This one I would regret even more.
I think the new design Is significantly stronger than the old one, and the colours (especially on the blacked out one) are also better. Just needs a massive price drop, lol.
I am a very humble bloke with watches generally. I demand value for money and Citizens offers that in spades. Mind you Casio analogue variants have a few more spades in their shed.A citizen would be my posh watch.
The dial appears to me to be less complicated then those before. First thing came to mind user friendly. I do wish they would have kept the gnarled crowns and dumped that silly faux bezel.
According to Citizen "..the Promaster Nighthawk from Citizen is a timepiece designed to capture the sleek, sophisticated lines of a stealth helicopter." Although now that you mention it... it does look more like a tire than a helicopter.
An interesting looking watch, but personally, not liking the black bezel. A stainless bezel with a nice stainless bracelet, would make it into a beautiful looking watch.
As much as I love Citizen Eco-Drive watches, they have a number of drawbacks which I've discussed in detail in other comments about Citizen watches on TH-cam. The Nighthawk Pilot's watch is ,unfortunately, no exception. The original hour and minute hands on the Nighthawk Pilot's watch (as the narrator of this video review of the 2020 version of the Nighthawk Pilot's watch says) were better than the narrower design hour and minute hands on the "refresh" version of the Nighthawk Pilot's watch introduced in 2020. One of the well- known drawbacks of Citizen watches is that they deliberately alter the pin placement on the lugs of their various model watches which makes their watch bands non- interchangeable. This is really annoying because it means that, for example, you can't replace a Citizen leather band with a Citizen stainless steel or titanium links band. You can't even replace a Citizen stainless steel band of one design with a more appealing design Citizen stainless steel band. Another irritating thing about Citizen watches is that they usually put subdued lume on the watch markers/numerals of their watches instead of putting on the watch markers the same beautifully vividly bright lume that is found on the hour and minute hands. They also only put a luminescent tip on the second hands of their divers' watches.They also annoyingly usually only put full-length lume on the watch markers of their top-of-the-line Skyhawk, divers' and GPS watches, but not on many of their Nighthawk and many of their radio-control watches which is totally inexcusable considering the very expensive MSRP prices they charge for a lot of their Eco-Drive watches ( especially the expensive prices that they charge for their radio-control watches). The lume on the black ion-plated, stainless steel , metal links band Nighthawk radio-control watch has only luminescent dots above the watch markers instead of full-length lume on the watch markers. If you want full-length lume on the watch markers of an original design Nighthawk Pilot's watch, then you have to purchase the stainless steel, metal mesh band version of that watch (or possibly the Blue Angels version of that watch), because the original black ion-plated, stainless steel , metal links band version only has luminescent square-shaped and rectangular-shaped dots above the markers. The 12 and 6 o'clock numerals on the black ion-plated, stainless steel , metal links band version of that watch has the subdued lume on them and not bright lume. The stainless steel, metal mesh band version, although it has full-length lume on the watch markers, has vividly bright white lume on the hour and minute hands , but the lume on the markers is blue-green. Obviously the lume on that version's hour and minute hands should have been blue-green just like the lume on the watch markers! But Citizen apparently does that deliberately because they obviously don't want their watch customers to be completely satisfied with their purchase of a Citizen watch because if they were to manufacture, for example, a black ion-plated, stainless steel , metal links band , Eco-Drive watch with only desirable features (such as hour and minute hands and watch markers with no silver edging on them--silver edging is too glitzy-looking) and no undesirable features, then fans of black ion-plated, stainless steel watches would only purchase one or two or three of that model watch and never buy another Citizen watch again. So Citizen tries to tempt watch fans into buying as many Citizen watches as possible by apparently deliberately not manufacturing a watch with only desirable features and no understandable features. It is also frustrating that Citizen tends to only manufacture their best design Eco-Drive model watches for their European, Asian and UK watch markets. A lot of their best design watches are not marketed for their North American watch market. A perfect example of this is their "Land" model watches which have the very desirable, traditional,classic, rectangular three-letter day-of-the-week/date calendar window to the left of the 3 o'clock position. Citizen manufactured their "Land" watches for their Asian watch market but not for their North American watch market. In fairness to Citizen, they are not the only major watch manufacturer that apparently deliberately does not manufacture a perfect black ion-plated, stainless steel, metal links band watch with only desirable features and no undesirable features.
Yeah, at this point I've just given up on all that. It's so common with quartz watches. Out of all the ones I've seen, I think I've only run into 3 or 4 that are perfectly lined up.
Yes , the original variants are discontinued 100% sure . Says so in two places . Citizen website & the discontinued list website . New ones will never reach the iconic status of the originals I'd say . Fortunately have one basking by the Window 🥂
Man, I just bought a Nighthawk Blue Angel yesterday on special and have been scouring all the videos on them as we do lol This Citizen looks awesome but it's $544 AUD! still a great watch, and as far as I'm concerned Citizen is doing it better than Seiko!
I'm glad someone else likes citizen more than sieko. I think citizen are a lot better at the moment ngl
I'm still a big Seiko fan, but I'll readily admit that Citizen is really giving them some serious competition. And possibly... okay, probably beating them in terms of value for money.
For the money, the Blue Angels version is the one to get. These are cool, but not worth the extra money.
@@RelativeTime I paid $249AUD or $194US and that was a bargain! I just ordered a sapphire crystal from yobokies but it wasn't cheap at $74.
Untill Citizen has a premium company like GS, they remain just a bit under par to Seiko... Otherwise another epic company, citizen..
I’ve loved the Nighthawk for some time, and I still like the original bezel version better. Great review as always Shane!!!
My Blue Angles version is my favorite go to! It's an outstanding watch. I think it's the best spec for the money and mine, anecdotally, hits all the ticks!
Great review. I have to say I like the old handset and applied markers better, but the slide rule change is a nice improvement visually.
Though I like the look of the old hands, they do tend to cover the 24h clock sometimes, so slimmer hands are an improvement functionally, I think.
That is a beauty! Reminds me of the Citizen my brother-in-law had in the 90s. I would always joke that I was going to leave my Timex there and take his Citizen (as a joke). He always noticed. A few years ago I did get a lower end Citizen field watch. The crystal got a fine crack in it very quickly. Never got one like it in a Timex weekender (lol). Thanks Shane - love your videos.
Your review inspired me to pick up the blacked out version. I love the dial and case updates,especially the angular case. As you pointed out, I think I prefer the older handset but overall, I’m very happy with my first Citizen watch.
This video got me to look at the Nighthawk again, so thank you, I'm glad I did. I like the look of the old one better, and I found it new for $200ish, so I bought it. I like it a whole lot more than I thought I would. One thing I hadn't considered is that the old one comes on a bracelet, and it's a damn nice one for the price. For as long as the old one is still available, it's well worth the money, and I think a better buy than the new.
I always liked this watch, more so than the Seiko Flightmaster, which is very similar to this watch. I never pulled the trigger on a Nighthawk for one reason. I HATED that it had NIGHTHAWK written across it. It made it look cheap, in my opinion. This new version solves that issue for me. I'll defiantly pick one up once the price drops below 300.00. Great review, as always. Thank you! 😉👍
Your a great watch reviewer. So soothing to listen to. I enjoy your content
I replaced my original Nighthawk crystal with double domed AR coated sapphire. Great improvement for $75 plus either tools or pay the jeweler.
I have been looking for one. How did you do that?
Thanks for the memories Shane! A Citizen Chandler Chronograph was the first review I saw from you. Always been a fan of Citizen's military range - it's one of the few with modern stylings that don't slip into futuristic/sci-fi.
Thanks. Citizen has a lot of great watches, but I think because they are quartz they often get overlooked.
I REALLY dig this new refresh! Especially the markers and the new shapes for the inner bezels.
Thanks for the vid!
I deliberately decided to get the old version. For me, it's the more classic design.
Very enjoyable review, as always.
I really like this new version, the old one was too busy for me.
You are 100% right about Citizen lume.
I have the Promaster diver and the lume on that one easily lasts all night.
It is better than my Turtle and on par with my Sumo.
People tend to think Citizen lume is weaker because initially it is nowhere as bright as Seiko Lumibrite.
Thanks for brining this model of the Nighthawk to our attention. I'd love to see more colorways for this model (blue would be awesome).
Blue dial would be rally cool. Maybe in time.
I think this is an improvement. Much more readable than the original.
I have the Blue Angel version. I noticed somebody wearing the watch and then I looked it up and said wow they updated it. I'm thinking of buying one after watching your review. Thank you
Glad I could help!
Thanks for another awesome review! I just picked one of these up a couple weeks ago from another collector. It is a very nice piece and goes well with my blacked out "stealth" Nighthawk that I also just acquired second hand. I do really like the fit and finish of the Citizen Promaster grade of watches.
Thanks for reviewing different & less reviewed watches like the Nighthawk. Always appreciate your thoughtful opinions.
Great review. I think the new dial is a big improvement, separating the slide rule and leaving a clear watch dial makes it so much easier to read. I could see myself buying one of those.
I've found CITIZEN watches at TJ MAX for under 100.00 dollars.
I actually reviewed a ECO DRIVE I found at a TJ MAX in NORFOLK VIRGINIA.
The watch your reviewing is definitely something I'd be interested in as I think it's not only a AVIATION TIMEPIECE, but kinda has a MILITARY/TACTICAL look to it.
As always, I enjoy watching your videos, and I'm about to share this video on Facebook with some of my friends.
Great review!⌚👍
Great job Shane. It looks pretty good. I only own one Citizen watch which is the indestructible tank of a tool watch appropriately named the Tough. It’s as Plain Jane as can be but can take a pounding and laugh it off. It has a monocoque case made of hardened steel, 200m WR and a sapphire crystal. They can be had in the $200-$250 range. It’s never going to turn any heads but it won’t ever let you down.
Really wish they would do a thunderbirds version. Also the new model slide rule is better because it actually allows you to use the ruler whilst inflight without having to take watch off
I've been looking for a flieger style pilot's watch to add to my collection. Watched a few reviews on this and the original nighthawk. I love the metal bracelet and lower price of the original, but prefer this design, with the bezel crown on the right side, and the more flieger looking markers. I'll probably wind up getting this one.
I'm waiting for my BJ700-52E to be delivered. People will say the new version is more legible and not quite a busy and they have a point, but i like the internal rotating bezel and the two knurled crowns. It is a pretty busy watch dial, but, I'm just going to be old school and own it. I have a Flightmaster, and it's pretty busy too, but it looks great on the wrist, just like the Citizen will.
Great review, first one I've seen on youtube. Seems like these new versions got released last year and no one noticed at all. I like the looks of them, but the original is such an icon that it would always be difficult to overshadow it. The original DID in fact have a screw down crown, like most Promasters. That green strap is nice, but I'd love one of these on a bracelet. Citizen has always done really good bracelets in their respective price ranges. Awesome review, Shane!
Good looking watch, I agree with your assessment too! Unfortunately I don't see much of anything getting cheap per with time. The great reset, and all!
Only time will tell. I don't see too many selling if they don't.
Love the review. Good stuff as always. Ive had a Citizen Eco Drive Aquland in the collection for 20 years! They run forever!!
You're right about the hands. They should have kept the old ones. These are field watch hands. Other than that, I think it's an improvement on the old Nighthawk. Great review! 😃
Thanks!
As a pilot, I'm a little shocked that someone in quality control missed the fact that the index arrow (the small triangle in place of the 60) is upside down! The arrow should point to the outer row of numbers, like it is on every other E6B (pilot computer) in the world.
That's a big F-up for guys who actually use the wiz-wheel
Great review! I honestly fell in love with the new and cleaner look. Once the lockdown is over I will put in on my wrist. This one is on my list to check it out!
Still prefer the previous version
I like the looks of this version. It has quite a sober and wearable design. I would be interested to know how the 200m WR works without a screw down crown.
Looks like a perfect travel watch. I’m always wondering what time it is at home and what something would cost in my home currency. I’d set the slide to perform a currency conversion, and the GMT to track my home time. As its a quartz, its likely to remain accurate enough if unworn for months. Would be perfect with a HAQ movement, so it offered real set it and forget it accuracy and a sapphire crystal.
I have a Blue Angels with the original dial version, which I think looks better as the applied markers really sparkle under the right light. The crowns are better too, with traditional knurling - the new design looks a bit cheap. On another issue, if you are as old as me, you probably learnt how to use a slide rule at school, however if you are that old, there is no way you can see these markings!
Another nice looking watch! Wow! I have to stop looking at these videos or I am going to start buying again!
I am really enjoying mine. It does look great on different straps, but I do agree that I wish it had a domed crystal or Sapphire at least.
I like the little details of the angled knurling of the bezel, the crowns, and the inner bezel track, but I thought it reminded me of a turbine engine pattern. I did find that my factory strap was much softer than expected as well.
Appreciate your thorough review. Subscribed !
I quite like the design of the watch overall. The first thing I thought is what a cool watch strap it was. Besides the mineral crystal, what puts me off most is the black PVD coated bezel. I guess it won't take long until it shows marks. Cheers Shane!
About two years ago, I was considering a Blue Angels Nighthawk, but went with the Blue Angels World Chronograph (AT8020-54L) instead. More money, but radio controlled, a chronograph and a sapphire crystal. From a person that is old enough to have actually used them, it’s slide rule, not slide ruler.
I always love your reviews and this is my favorite watch channel. This one will be on the radar for sure. (pun intended) Thanks for the review
Glad you enjoy it!
Thanks Shane I'm checking one out Macy's. Enjoy the reviews
Glad to hear. I'm hoping some of these go on sale for black Friday this year.
Interesting- cleaner looking and like the lume. I’m with you, wish it had a sapphire crystal (maybe with a very shallow dome?).
I’m going to be working on refining my collection and accumulation. I think I’ll go down to 3 mechanicals- a Citizen NY diver (red bezel), my Sarb017 and Sarx045. The rest will be like this - nice quality set and forget watches.
Though at some point I’ll be adding an AquaTerra.
Take the face, hands and sliderule from the refresh, the bezel and bracelet from the original, add a saphire crystal, and it's a perfect watch. I like how the smaller hands have less risk of covering the 24h hands. OK, so it looks slightly less "pilot", but it's just more functional this way. What I don't like about the refresh is how the bezel now looks like it can be turned but can't (except of course with the second crown).
Beautiful, just ordered mine
How is it?
@@lionary One of my favourites
@@CorvusHyperion thanks for responding! 👍👍
@Corvus Hyperion one of my favorites as well now! "Beautiful" was the right word.
There's no mistaking a Citizen!,👍
Great review, absolutely love this watch !!! 😎👍
great review Shane I had the previous model and i loved the look of it a lot! but it was very hefty for my chicken wrists so its gone. in my opinion it is a good night hawk to go with the old one. I hope not to replace it.
Yet another great review Shane...thankyou.
Cool. Tempted by the Red Arrows version, if only they made an automatic I'd get one for sure...quartz is as appealing as a fit bit or i-watch.😱
Cheers mate 👍🏻
A Red Arrow would be pretty cool!
If you want a Swiss GMT with an inner rotating bezel be prepared to spend over a grand for far less accuracy and convenience than an eco-drive.
@@Alias_Anybody indeed, been looking at Chris Ward & Steinhart for budget options. Just can't do quartz, had a Flightmaster never wore it & ended up giving it to a friend.
Thanks for your comment 👍🏻
What if it was a High Precision Quartz? Citizen has their older chronometer, the new 0100 caliber, and they own Bulova with their precisionist line. Be interesting if they could incorporate one of those here.
@@RelativeTime fair point, but I've had many quartz over the years ( I'm 50) & I doubt I'll ever have another, tho I do understand the grab & go & accuracy appeal. Just not my thing... Been into watches since the late 1980s so my tastes have become quite focused 😉
Cheers 👍🏻👍🏻
I think they lost one of the things that made the last version so great. The bracelet. It's a really nice bracelet that's well integrated with the watch, has the airfoil style links to tie into the pilot watch theme, milled clasp, etc. It's up there with the BN01xx dive watch bracelets for Citizen. Hopefully they'll release a version of the new one on a similar quality bracelet.
you can just get a 3rd party bracelet
Just got original …….love it!!!!
Nice one Shane I like this have soft spot for Citezen piolot watches have 2 of their Avion models you reviewed some time back.
Take Care 😀
Thanks. I actually noticed a new version of the Avion too. One with a world timer. Might take a look at that sometime.
www.citizenwatch.com/us/en/product/BX1010-11L.html
@@RelativeTime Nice thank you 👍
I really like the design of this one (even though I own the Blue Angels Nighthawk), but I'm upset their discontinuing the older one. They both look different enough that both should be produced imo.
Also, I much prefer a bracelet over a leather strap, hence why I'd still take the older one and wish it stays in production.
If they come out with a blue angels edition of this one I will be compelled to buy it… Somehow I fell into collecting different citizen blue Angel models. I think the change to printed indices is a big draw back on the new one… I really like the older model, that I have, with applied indices. They stand off from the dial and the beveled edges reflect off the dial at diffent angles. I think it adds depth and interest to the watch.
Amazing photography my friend. Makes me want to run out and buy one. 😁👌
Been looking at these, thank you fir the timely video
Glad I could help
Good review, Shane. I've got the original Nighthawk. It has a screw down crown. I wonder how they kept the 200m WR without it? Not that it can't be done, just a little unusual.
Is it actually 20bar wr with a push - pull crown???I won't go diving with it.... but it's always comforting to know my watch that says 20bar wr is actually resistant
Awesome new version of an icon! I like a few design elements on the new one (Numerals, rotating bezel), I don't like the new case design, especially its lugs. My older (european) version looks better in this regard. If I can find a new one for 300-400 (Euro, as I live in Austria) I'd buy one (got my Nighthawk used for 230€ a few years ago).
Great review, thank you 👍😀
This is a sharp watch. I still regret not getting the original Nighthawk, but I found the Blue Angels version on sale (just under $200) a few months ago, and it scratches that itch nicely. Otherwise, this would be very tempting.
Edit: Last I checked, the original Nighthawk seemed to be getting hard to find and the price was creeping up over $400. I thought it had been discontinued. This made me look again, and it's readily available for $300 or under. I don't think I need another one, though.
I'm not sure if it is or isn't. I noticed the price getting higher and higher on Amazon, but Joma still lists it for $229. Although they say it wont ship for 3-4 weeks, so not sure what that is about.
Great review thank you
I have the OG and I cannot let it go. Selling him crossed my mind few times but as soon as I look into it... I cannot do it.
I think I prefer the previous case (60:40, either way.) But I really like the dial, this more Type A than the last design and I like the replacement of red with yellow. With a sapphire and a bracelet this would be a killer watch. As it is now, it's just OK. Like Shane said, one step forward, two steps back. With applied markers, a bracelet, a sapphire and the Promaster Tought's monocoque case this would be an insane piece.
Not really a lot of competitive options, either. So if you like this sort of thing it's a short list of choices.
Does the date change when the hour hand is moved past midnight? Or is is it only changed by the quickset crown function?
For under $300 on ebay, and a PVD version, this really gives my flightmaster a run for the money, which is saying something.
the green leather strap is significantly better looking than anything you've tried to replace it with
St steel bezel makes the watch looks more like a tool pilot watch.new model looks more like a fashion watch,and again i cannot read the date,Citizen has to raze the date wheel closer to the frame to all models,nice review,cheers.
The date seems to be an issue with Citizen. Got a Promaster Tough recently, I think thats even harder to read.
super review as always but confused me even more as i still don't which hawk to buy LOL night, blue, sky....
Citizen has a theme, and they are going strong with it. LOL
Thank you good clip.
I like the Nighthawk s/s Chrono CA 4377-53H, have you seen it yet? then there is the 'Atomic' Radio controlled CB5887-55H
@Clarc King. The Citizen CB5887-55H watch is the PCAT watch not a Nighthawk watch. If you were thinking of the radio-control version of the Nighthawk watch, there is the Citizen Nighthawk black ion-plated stainless steel, metal links band radio-control watch the as I recall has the model number AT4817-56H (or 57H, but I'm not exactly sure). Citizen also manufactured a silver-color, stainless steel (or possibly titanium) Nighthawk Pilot's radio-control watch a number of years ago which, as is typical of Citizen, was not marketed for their USA watch market.
First of all: you deffenetly have one of the best filming-skills on all watch youtubechannels. the pictures are allways fantastic.
This Nighthawk is a bit of a mixed bag compared to the older model. I like the clean Font of the new one, but its sad, that they are not applied. I like the new Sliderule, but the "sudo" Divetimebezzle-styling is not my cup of tea. The Rest of the Case looks great. I like to position of the Sliderule crown, but this industrial design of the older one was just phantastic..
Rod Sterling of watches... Cracks me up to listen to Shane.
Like this watch but prefer the previous Nighthawk. But no matter. It was a tough choice, but I ended up buying the Seiko Flightmaster over the Nighthawk. The single dome watch crystal broke the tie. Love that distortion!
@@happydogg312 Nice! I’m actually now starting to dabble in watch modding. Unfortunately, that wasn’t on my radar when I was choosing between the Flightmaster and the Nighthawk. Single dome sapphire crystals are definitely the way to go!
@@happydogg312 Citizen and Seiko both. If the Chinese AliExpress brands can put sapphire crystals on $60 watches, it’s difficult to understand how big watch companies can’t do it for all their watches. I’m currently upgrading all the mineral and flat sapphire crystals in my watches to single or double dome sapphires. So far, so good. 👍
How about a citizen altichron?
Idk it looks cheaper much cheaper than the original nighthawk, the indices are cheaper the case looks weird, i don’t think the lume is as good either,
I bought the Blue Angel version last year and I've been watching with dismay the official price drop steadily for months. It's now at 40% what I paid and now I know why :-) I'm conflicted about this new one - moving the bezel crown from 7 to 2 is a good idea, making it stumpy is not. I'm coming to the conclusion Citizen intend us to take the watch off to use the slide rule.
Overall I think I prefer the previous version, even though the dial is so very busy
The blue angels version is really cool. They are still selling them directly on Citizen's site so I don' think they are discontinued (yet). Maybe they will just sell that one as the original version.
Citizen second hands really don't want to hit any of the markers. :D So that, and sapphire, and I'll get one.
how did they manage a 200m WR without a screw down crown?
From a few things I've read, on a typical diver most of the waterproofing comes from seals inside the watch. A screwdown crown helps a little, but not as much as you might think.
It's more to prevent you from accidently turning, or pulling out the crown at depth. Which could cause a failure to the system.
No sapphire no sale. At $370 it should have one. I just ordered the black Promaster tough.
two questions
1. is the OG hawk still get-able?
2. where is the best price?
I'm guessing it's been discontinued, but you can still find it.
Amazon seems to be high, but Jomashop looks like it has it for about $230 and blues angles version for $270
bit.ly/3aP4fsF
@oren ovadia. Just keep checking eBay because although the original Citizen Nighthawk Pilot's watch (probably in most if not all of its' original versions) is a discontinued model, one or more may eventually appear for sale/auction on eBay.
As a CFII … I have never known anyone to actually use the slide rule on a watch. It’s too small and awkward to use. Keep the features, change the Bezel to a standard dive timer … 100% more useful in flight
Do they still use the larger flight computer slide rule things? Or these days does everyone just use an app when planning out a flight?
@@RelativeTime mostly we use FOREFLIGHT for the iPad. It does everything we ever wished we could have back in the old days. Even real time weather and traffic.
Students do learn the E6B Flight computer principals, but the “Electronic Flight Bag” is what everyone relies on these days.
What watch is that in the background during the opening shots?
The blue dial one in the back left? That's the Swiss Watch Company Bunker.
For a watch that's not even made in Japan (making the the cheapest between Swiss made, Made in Japan, Swiss Movt and Japan Movt) it should have sapphire at this price.
As people are saying the old handset is better and never should've been changed.
The slide rule has less functions than on the previous model (the time scale is missing).
The date window is still too small so the date wheel lying deep inside is still hard to read.
The diameter is still too small for the slide rule to be useful as it stays too hard to read.
It doesn't matter that the slide rule crown is now at the 2 instead of the 8 position as one needs to take the watch off the wrist anyway in order to operate (= READ!) the slide rule.
Still no AR coating whatsoever on a blackhish dial with a flat glass results in a big mirror instead of a legible watch face.
I see no point in buying this model for the gain of numbers instead of markers, swapping the 12 for a triangle and !osing time calculations.
Remember the Breitling Navitimer before they shrunk it (prior 1993 I think)?
THAT was a decent slide rule.
I still regret I bought the previous (Blue Angels) version. This one I would regret even more.
I think the new design Is significantly stronger than the old one, and the colours (especially on the blacked out one) are also better. Just needs a massive price drop, lol.
Yah... hopefully in time.
I am a very humble bloke with watches generally. I demand value for money and Citizens offers that in spades. Mind you Casio analogue variants have a few more spades in their shed.A citizen would be my posh watch.
I prefer the original way more... the only update it needed was domed saphire
The dial appears to me to be less complicated then those before. First thing came to mind user friendly. I do wish they would have kept the gnarled crowns and dumped that silly faux bezel.
That tire like bezel is a mood killer 👎
According to Citizen "..the Promaster Nighthawk from Citizen is a timepiece designed to capture the sleek, sophisticated lines of a stealth helicopter."
Although now that you mention it... it does look more like a tire than a helicopter.
An interesting looking watch, but personally, not liking the black bezel. A stainless bezel with a nice stainless bracelet, would make it into a beautiful looking watch.
As much as I love Citizen Eco-Drive watches, they have a number of drawbacks which I've discussed in detail in other comments about Citizen watches on TH-cam. The Nighthawk Pilot's watch is ,unfortunately, no exception. The original hour and minute hands on the Nighthawk Pilot's watch (as the narrator of this video review of the 2020 version of the Nighthawk Pilot's watch says) were better than the narrower design hour and minute hands on the "refresh" version of the Nighthawk Pilot's watch introduced in 2020. One of the well- known drawbacks of Citizen watches is that they deliberately alter the pin placement on the lugs of their various model watches which makes their watch bands non- interchangeable. This is really annoying because it means that, for example, you can't replace a Citizen leather band with a Citizen stainless steel or titanium links band. You can't even replace a Citizen stainless steel band of one design with a more appealing design Citizen stainless steel band. Another irritating thing about Citizen watches is that they usually put subdued lume on the watch markers/numerals of their watches instead of putting on the watch markers the same beautifully vividly bright lume that is found on the hour and minute hands. They also only put a luminescent tip on the second hands of their divers' watches.They also annoyingly usually only put full-length lume on the watch markers of their top-of-the-line Skyhawk, divers' and GPS watches, but not on many of their Nighthawk and many of their radio-control watches which is totally inexcusable considering the very expensive MSRP prices they charge for a lot of their Eco-Drive watches ( especially the expensive prices that they charge for their radio-control watches). The lume on the black ion-plated, stainless steel , metal links band Nighthawk radio-control watch has only luminescent dots above the watch markers instead of full-length lume on the watch markers. If you want full-length lume on the watch markers of an original design Nighthawk Pilot's watch, then you have to purchase the stainless steel, metal mesh band version of that watch (or possibly the Blue Angels version of that watch), because the original black ion-plated, stainless steel , metal links band version only has luminescent square-shaped and rectangular-shaped dots above the markers. The 12 and 6 o'clock numerals on the black ion-plated, stainless steel , metal links band version of that watch has the subdued lume on them and not bright lume. The stainless steel, metal mesh band version, although it has full-length lume on the watch markers, has vividly bright white lume on the hour and minute hands , but the lume on the markers is blue-green. Obviously the lume on that version's hour and minute hands should have been blue-green just like the lume on the watch markers! But Citizen apparently does that deliberately because they obviously don't want their watch customers to be completely satisfied with their purchase of a Citizen watch because if they were to manufacture, for example, a black ion-plated, stainless steel , metal links band , Eco-Drive watch with only desirable features (such as hour and minute hands and watch markers with no silver edging on them--silver edging is too glitzy-looking) and no undesirable features, then fans of black ion-plated, stainless steel watches would only purchase one or two or three of that model watch and never buy another Citizen watch again. So Citizen tries to tempt watch fans into buying as many Citizen watches as possible by apparently deliberately not manufacturing a watch with only desirable features and no understandable features. It is also frustrating that Citizen tends to only manufacture their best design Eco-Drive model watches for their European, Asian and UK watch markets. A lot of their best design watches are not marketed for their North American watch market. A perfect example of this is their "Land" model watches which have the very desirable, traditional,classic, rectangular three-letter day-of-the-week/date calendar window to the left of the 3 o'clock position. Citizen manufactured their "Land" watches for their Asian watch market but not for their North American watch market. In fairness to Citizen, they are not the only major watch manufacturer that apparently deliberately does not manufacture a perfect black ion-plated, stainless steel, metal links band watch with only desirable features and no undesirable features.
definitely more arresting than the og. but i'm still w/ the og (after several months of thinking about it)
Second hand still doesn't match up with the watch face indices I see. Especially noticeable between the 30 and 45 marks.
Yeah, at this point I've just given up on all that. It's so common with quartz watches. Out of all the ones I've seen, I think I've only run into 3 or 4 that are perfectly lined up.
Yes , the original variants are discontinued 100% sure . Says so in two places . Citizen website & the discontinued list website . New ones will never reach the iconic status of the originals I'd say . Fortunately have one basking by the Window 🥂
Nice
Nice review, Shane....but honestly, this one doesn't excite me.....especially that mineral crystal.
Why is my 2nd hand skipping every two seconds?
That means the battery is low. Stick it on a window sill, or wear it out for the next few days in the sun sun. Should be fine after that