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| The Citizen Promaster Navihawk CA4664-60E. |
For years, aviation watch enthusiasts have faced a specific dilemma: to wear a pilot’s watch meant committing to a "flight instrument" that often felt more like a dinner plate than a timepiece. Citizen is finally addressing that headwind with the release of the Citizen Promaster Navihawk CA4664-60E, a model that signals a significant shift toward more compact and wearable aviation chronographs.
While the Navihawk line has historically catered to those who prefer massive wrist presence—often featuring cases soaring above 45mm—this new blacked-out colorway takes a different approach. It packs the full toolkit of a pilot’s watch into a versatile 40mm stainless steel case.
A "Midi-Sized" Marvel with Mission-Ready Aesthetics
The reduction in size is the headline feature here, but the CA4664-60E doesn’t sacrifice legibility or functionality to achieve it. The watch features a striking black sunray dial that plays with light beautifully, shifting from matte to luminous depending on the angle. Against this dark backdrop, Citizen has applied high-contrast red accents on the chronograph hands and indices, ensuring that critical information is accessible at a quick glance—a non-negotiable feature for any genuine cockpit tool.
Encircling the dial is the iconic bi-directional slide-rule bezel, a staple of the Navihawk line. Traditionally used by pilots for calculating fuel consumption, distance, and conversion rates, this analog computer retains its full functionality, proving that downsizing the case doesn't mean downsizing capability. This "midi-sized" approach fills a long-standing gap in the market for pilots and adventurers who demand professional-grade instrumentation without the oversized wrist profile of the past.
Powered by the Sun: The Eco-Drive B620 Caliber
At the heart of the CA4664-60E beats Citizen’s reliable in-house B620 Eco-Drive movement. As a solar-powered caliber, it eliminates the hassle of battery changes; any light source keeps it running. Once fully charged, the watch boasts a substantial 270-day power reserve, meaning it can be taken off the charger and stored in a drawer for most of the year without skipping a beat.
Performance-wise, the B620 doesn't disappoint. The 1/5-second chronograph can measure elapsed times up to 60 minutes, complemented by a 24-hour sub-dial that helps with day/night orientation—a subtle but useful feature for travelers or those spending long hours outdoors.
Citizen has also armored this timepiece appropriately. The inclusion of a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating is a significant upgrade over mineral glass, ensuring clarity and durability. Furthermore, with a 20-bar (200-meter) water resistance rating, the Navihawk goes beyond mere "splash resistance." It is technically viable for swimming, snorkeling, and serious water exposure, blurring the line between aviation tool and sports instrument.
Citizen vs. Seiko: A New Battle of the Chronographs
This release arrives at a strategic moment, hot on the heels of the retail launch of Seiko’s popular Prospex Speedtimer series. While the two Japanese giants are often compared, the new Navihawk positions itself as the more utilitarian counterpart.
The newly listed Seiko Speedtimer references (SSC961P1 in white, SSC963P1 in pink, and SSC965P1 in mint green), priced around $963.60 SGD, lean heavily into vintage racing design cues. They feature a 39mm footprint and a retro aesthetic inspired by the automotive world.
In contrast, the Citizen CA4664-60E presents a more technical, tool-like profile. While the Seiko offers a similar solar chronograph experience via its V192 movement, the Citizen counters with a lower entry price and a clear technical advantage in its depth rating. Outclassing the Seiko’s 100m water resistance, the Citizen’s 200m rating makes it a true all-terrain option.
Final Approach
The Citizen Promaster Navihawk CA4664-60E proves that you don't need a massive case to make a massive statement. By shrinking the footprint to a universally wearable 40mm, Citizen has opened up its aviation lineup to a wider audience. It combines the rugged functionality of a pilot's watch with the everyday versatility of a sports chronograph, all powered by the convenience of light.
For those who have admired the Navihawk line from afar but found the dimensions daunting, the skies have just cleared. The CA4664-60E is a confident step forward, proving that sometimes, the best things come in smaller packages.
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