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| The Citizen CA0897-04H is basically a new grey-toned variant of its Nighthawk Eco-Drive chronograph on a nylon strap. |
The latest addition to the Promaster lineup brings understated military styling to the iconic pilot chronograph
Citizen has quietly expanded its legendary Nighthawk collection with a new variant that trades the usual blacked-out aesthetic for something more subdued. The CA0897-04H has been announced by Citizen USA, bringing a sophisticated grey-on-grey colorway to the long-running pilot chronograph series. While the watch hasn't appeared on Citizen's US website yet, it's already listed on the UK site, suggesting a broader international rollout is imminent.
Check out the official announcement and live images on Instagram here
A Legacy of Functionality
Since its introduction in the late 1980s, the Nighthawk has been a staple of Citizen's Promaster collection, drawing design inspiration from military helicopter cockpit instruments. The CA0897-04H carries forward everything enthusiasts have come to expect from the series: the inner rotating tachymeter bezel, screw-down crown, and impressive 200-meter water resistance that makes it as capable in the water as it is in the air.
Where this new model distinguishes itself is in the execution. The 42mm stainless steel case receives a grey tone instead of the black IP coating found on most recent Nighthawk releases. It ships on a matching grey nylon strap rather than the traditional bracelet, giving it a distinctly different visual character from the existing CA0890-54H, which uses the same B612 movement but comes in steel on a bracelet.
Power Meets Precision
At the heart of the CA0897-04H beats the B612 Eco-Drive caliber, Citizen's solar-powered movement that represents the brand's commitment to sustainable watchmaking. This reliable workhorse features a 1/5-second chronograph capable of measuring up to 60 minutes, a practical date indicator, and a dual-time 12/24-hour display. Like all Eco-Drive watches, it charges from any light source and never requires a battery replacement – a significant advantage for daily wearers.
Tactical Aesthetic
The grey dial, matching subdials, and nylon strap combination give the CA0897-04H a tactical, understated look that sets it apart from flashier Nighthawk variants. Watch enthusiasts might argue it leans closer to a field watch aesthetic than the traditional pilot chronograph styling we've seen from the collection. This design choice seems intentional, appealing to collectors who appreciate versatility and understatement in their timepieces.
Pricing and Availability
While official pricing hasn't been confirmed yet, the CA0890-54H bracelet model typically retails around $350-$375, suggesting the nylon-strap variant will likely fall into a similar or slightly lower price range. The watch is currently listed on Citizen's UK website, with US availability expected soon.
For those interested in exploring Citizen's Promaster collection further, you can browse the full range on Citizen's US website or check out the detailed specifications on the UK site.
If you're looking for a more affordable entry point into Citizen's dive watch lineup, the Citizen Promaster BN0150-28E on Amazon offers exceptional value with its classic dive watch styling and proven Eco-Drive movement.
Final Thoughts
The CA0897-04H represents a thoughtful evolution of the Nighthawk formula. By dialing back the aggression and embracing a more subdued color palette, Citizen has created a variant that should appeal to those who appreciate the brand's legendary functionality but prefer a less overtly tool-watch aesthetic. The grey-on-grey execution feels both contemporary and timeless – a combination that's harder to achieve than it looks.
As the Nighthawk continues its decades-long run, this new variant proves there's still room for fresh interpretations of a classic design. Whether you're a collector looking to add a new flavor to your collection or a first-time buyer drawn to the tactical aesthetic, the CA0897-04H deserves a closer look when it lands on US shores.
Source : @plus9time on Instagram, Citizen UK
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| The Citizen CA0897-04H alongside the older CA0890-54H. |