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| Pictured, from left to right - the Citizen AW1877-09X and AW1870-08A. |
If you’re a fan of no-nonsense, purpose-built tool watches, Citizen just dropped a pair of new releases that deserve a spot on your radar. Stepping away from the busy dials of aviation chronographs, the brand is returning to the roots of military horology with the new AW1870-08A and AW1877-09X. These watches prioritize legibility, rugged construction, and the hassle-free convenience of Eco-Drive technology, all wrapped in a classic, wearable 40mm case.
Let's dive into what makes these new Citizen field watches a compelling option for your collection.
Back to Basics: A True Field Watch Ethos
The field watch is defined by simplicity and utility. Born from a need for reliable timekeeping in the trenches and on the battlefield, its hallmarks are a clean dial, high-contrast numerals, and a robust build. Citizen’s new duo nails this brief perfectly.
Both models feature a compact 40mm case diameter and a slim 10.4mm profile. This is a notable and welcome shift from the larger 43mm pilot-style watches we often see, offering a more historically accurate and universally wearable size that will slide comfortably under a shirt cuff.
Two Personalities, One Purpose
While both watches share the same dependable DNA, Citizen offers two distinct aesthetic choices.
The Citizen AW1870-08A is the classicist's choice. It features a bright, matte white dial with bold, black Arabic numerals. A pop of red on the minute track adds a subtle dash of color, while the black hour and minute hands are generously coated with luminous material for easy reading in low light. It’s a crisp, highly legible take on the field watch formula.
For those preferring a more modern, tactical look, the Citizen AW1877-09X delivers a "stealth" vibe. The case is treated with a grey PVD coating for a darker, scratch-resistant finish. It pairs this with a textured olive green dial, creating a cohesive and rugged appearance ready for adventure.
Faithful to their military heritage, both watches come mounted on heavy-duty green nylon straps with standard pin buckles—a comfortable and authentic choice for a field watch.
Ready to see the specs and pricing up close? You can check out the detailed listings for the Citizen AW1877-09X and the Citizen AW1870-08A at our authorized retailer, Joyeria Pato.
The Heart of the Matter: Eco-Drive Reliability
Powering both new models is Citizen's renowned Caliber J810 Eco-Drive movement. This is where the practical magic happens. As an Eco-Drive, it converts any light source—sunlight or indoor lamp—into power, eliminating the need for battery replacements. A full charge grants an impressive 8-month power reserve, and a simple date window at 3 o'clock adds daily utility.
The watches are built to handle everyday knocks and the occasional dunk, boasting a 100-meter water resistance rating (10 bar) secured by a screw-down caseback. This makes them more than capable for swimming, showering, or weathering a storm.
It’s worth noting that, likely to keep the price accessible, Citizen opted for mineral glass over sapphire crystal. While perfectly durable, sapphire is more scratch-resistant, and its absence might be a consideration for buyers who are particularly hard on their watches.
Pricing and Final Thoughts
This is where the Citizen value proposition shines. In the Spanish market, pricing through Joyeria Pato starts at approximately €143 (around $169) for the silver AW1870-08A and €152 (around $180) for the grey PVD AW1877-09X.
For under $200, you’re getting a solar-powered, robustly built watch from a major brand with a classic military design. It’s a package that’s hard to beat for someone seeking a reliable, low-maintenance everyday watch with genuine tool watch heritage.
Whether you’re drawn to the crisp, classic white dial or the tactical olive and grey combo, Citizen’s latest field watches offer a solid, solar-powered entry into a timeless category.
Looking for other reliable options? You can also explore the popular *Citizen BN0150-28E Promaster Diver on Amazon* for a different style of tool watch excellence.