Officially known as the Citizen Promaster Dive Automatic NY015x series, but most frequently referred to simply as the “Fugu” by collectors and enthusiasts, this lineup of ISO-certified models reimagines an iconic Citizen dive watch that originally appeared in 1989 and was subsequently used by members of the Italian Navy. The collection’s “Fugu” nickname means pufferfish in Japanese, and it is a reference to the round shape of the watch and the unique design of its bezel, which features large prominent grooves, similar to the spines on an inflated pufferfish. While the new Citizen “Fugu” follows the same overall format as the original, it has been updated with modern materials and a new generation of movement, along with being offered in additional colorways and configurations that were never available for the original lineup of models.

The new generation of Citizen Promaster Dive Automatic “Fugu” watches feature stainless steel cases with either brushed or black ion-plated finishes that measure 44mm in diameter by 13mm thick. A signed screw-down winding crown protected by small integrated crown guards sticks out of the side of the case at the 8 o’clock location, while a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal covers the dial side of the watch. Just as you would expect from a proper professional diver, a unidirectional rotating bezel fitted with a 60-minute elapsed time insert sits on top of the case, while a solid screw-down stainless steel caseback adorned with a pufferfish engraving helps provide the watch with 200 meters of water resistance.

Unlike the original model that featured a plain stainless steel case fitted with a traditional black dial and bezel, the new lineup of Citizen Promaster Dive Automatic “Fugu'' watches offers additional dial color options such as blue or green, along with bezel colors that include black, blue, red, green, and even a bi-color black/blue insert. Additionally, the new Citizen “Fugu” watches feature standard 20mm lugs and they are available with either black vented rubber dive straps or matching stainless steel bracelets with fold-over clasps.

Powering the modern lineup of Citizen Promaster Dive Automatic “Fugu” watches is the tried-and-true Miyota 8204 automatic movement, which offers users hacking and hand winding, plus double quickset functionality for both the day and date displays that are located at 3 o’clock on the dial. The true definition of a workhorse mechanical movement, the Miyota 8204 runs at a frequency of 21,600vph and has a power reserve of approximately 42 hours with a proven track record for delivering reliable performance.