Originally debuting in 1989, the Citizen Altichron was the start of the ever popular Promaster series. Today, the Altichron has been taken to the next level, having incredible features that would truly be useful to the ultimate adventurer. This new solar powered multi-function tool, has an analog altimeter as well as compass that are capable of measuring as high as Mount Everest.
The Altichron has a titanium case that measures out at 49.5mm wide and 15.7mm thick. The watch actually wears incredibly comfortable and sits very well on the wrist considering its size. Thanks to the titanium, it is also very light weight which contributes tremendously to the comfort factor. Citizen utilizes their proprietary Duratect coating, which is a clear plating applied to make the watch 3-4 times harder than it normally would be. The strap is Citizen’s new liquid rubber, which is very soft and feels great on the wrist.
The features and functionality make this piece truly shine. The altimeter is activated by pushing the lower left button, which has a yellow ring to help match it to one if its altimeter hands. It is capable of reading as low as -300 meters and as high as 10,000 meters. This is truly impressive since the highest mountain in the world measures out at 8,848 meters. The models for the US market will measure in feet, so the highest reading you would see on this model is about 33,000 feet.
To read the altimeter, you would use the sub dial at the 9 o’clock sub dial. This measures increments of 10,000 ft. The orange hand will read your 1,000′s of feet and the yellow tipped hand will measure increments of 25ft. You can see in the picture above, the hands are reading about 1,450ft. You can leave the altimeter on and it will automatically shut off after 12 hours, but to turn it off, you just push the lower left button again.
To use the compass, you push the upper right button. You can actually use this feature while the altimeter is on at the same time. The orange hand will become your indicator for magnetic north. You will need to have the watch level in order to get an accurate reading and the compass will run for about 30 seconds after starting, before it automatically shuts off.
There is an inner rotating bezel that can be used by unscrewing and turning the upper right crown. For the altimeter, you can use it by putting the arrow at your 1st altitude measurement as reference and checking the difference as your altitude changes. You can also use the inner bezel to see your bearings for the compass.
The Eco-Drive aspect of this piece is also quite impressive. You have a power reserve indicator at the 9 o’clock, which will display as long as the altimeter is not active. The duration time from a full charge on this piece is 11 months, which is especially long especially considering its functions.
The overall design of the Altichron is incredible. The use of color is very appealing and not overdone. The legibility is actually very good considering the amount of complication and indicators. This as well as a DLC coated version BN5035-02F will be available this November. They will retail for $850 and $995.
AZ Fine Time is currently taking pre-orders for both Altichron models. Please feel free to call us at 1-800-486-3996 with any questions. Thanks for reading!
See our video review below…
