Always one to push the boundaries of technology, Citizen has breathed fresh air into the Promaster line, with the redesigned and reimagined SST series, named after its signature function, a split-second timer. To start, Citizen has released three members of this new family, each with a distinctive colorway. The reference numbers for the new models are JW0137-51E, JW0138-08L, and JW0139-05L.
Specifications
Brand: Citizen
Model: SST, JW0137-51E, JW0138-08L, JW0139-05L
Dimensions: 46mm diameter
Water Resistance: TBA
Case Material: Steel
Crystal/Lens: Sapphire
Movement: Eco-Drive SST
Frequency: N/A
Power Reserve: N/A
Strap/Bracelet: Steel bracelet or integrated leather strap
Price & Availability: $795 on bracelet, $725 on leather. All available beginning in Fall 2019.
The Promaster line has now been a part of Citizen’s lineup for 30 years. The range hosts extremely purpose-driven watches. The SST line is nested underneath the “Land” category of Citizen’s Promaster line, targeting it toward motorsports. The new SST models all feature a 46mm case with a large, visible dial, split with an analog/digital display. As we’ve come to expect from the Promaster line, the SSTs are jam-packed with functionality, able to track the time in 43 cities, recall up to 20 laps worth of timing information, approximate average speed calculations, and even have a countdown timer. Each of the three new entrants here is styled with its own colorway. The JW0137-51E is fashioned in a gunmetal-style steel case and bracelet with red accents; the JW0138-08L has a steel case and integrated leather strap with bright green accents; and the JW0139-05L has a steel case and integrated leather strap with orange accents. All three variants feature a sapphire crystal.
All the watches offer Citizen’s Eco Drive technology, a battery-powered movement that can be charged by any light source, which is part of Citizen’s approach to reducing battery waste — and also makes for a convenient watch because there’s no need for battery changes! Citizen always packs a ton of functionality into its Promaster line, and I’m glad to see the SST series reimagined. It’s worth noting that these watches do wear pretty large (even larger than the 46mm might suggest). But with that, you do get a ton of practical use with these models that just isn’t possible to find in a mechanical watch.
All three variants of the revamped SST line — JW0137-51E, the JW0138-08L, and the JW0139-05L — will be available starting in Fall 2019, with the steel braceleted JW0137-51E being priced at $795, and the latter two models priced at $725. Personally, I’d go for the green highlighted JW0138-08L, but I think they all represent a cool new option within Citizen’s Promaster lineup, especially for those with a particular interest in motorsports. Learn more at citizenwatch.com.