Predators and herbivores. For our consciousness, this division speaks not only about the type of food, but also forms a certain image, causes associations. Predators - strength, aggression, beauty, love of freedom, unpredictability. Herbivores - calmness, reliability, predictability, benefit.
In the world of watches after the quartz revolution, there is also a similar division. Predators are, of course, mechanical watches. They are ready to tear our funds to pieces in the purchase and maintenance. Capricious and sensitive to the conditions of detention, they have a character and require attention. But in return they promise us beauty, prestige and some “live” sensations.
Herbivore Quartz is more numerous, quieter, and often even duller. It is not demanding at all, diligent and promises comfort, reliability and a lot of useful things to boot. But what if you want power, brutality and breed in sensations? Quartz "rabbits" and "lambs" will not give this ... However, there are bigger candidates. How about the "Japanese bull" Citizen Promaster Tsuno Chronograph Bullhead AV0070-57L?
Since we operate with zoological categories, we will try to classify our beast. Kingdom - quartz, type - Japanese, class - Citizen, detachment - EcoDrive, family - chronographs. For the watch neophyte, problems arise from the very beginning. Quartz? Yes, and CITIZEN? Fu, yes, it's a "calculator" brand!
Meanwhile, if I am asked what is the only watch brand I would leave, the candidacy of Citizen has every chance of becoming one of the main ones! If only because Citizen produces the world's most accurate wristwatches in excellent performance. And this is done with such amazing disregard for fame and advertising that most likely you have not even heard anything about this watch!
They said about the parent company. Now we determine the genealogy of the model and its generic features. The model is a creative re-release of a vintage chronograph from the 70s with a very characteristic feature - an unusual arrangement of the crown (at 12 o'clock) and chronograph pushers (at 11 and 1 o'clock). This arrangement is called "Bullhead" ("bull's head") because of the chronograph pushers pointing upwards. Used infrequently, but very athletic and expressive (referring to the image of a stopwatch).
By the way, OMEGA and TAG HEUER produced models in this style in their sports lines. As we can see, manufacturers from Japan also had experience in the production of bull chronographs. In this case, the presence of a certain historical prototype goes into the hands of the product.
Why? Because even though the model is equipped with a quartz caliber familiar to CITIZEN on a “light pull” (Eco Drive), there is a certain “mechanism” in it. And for mechanics, the presence of a “history” and belonging to a “heritage” are simply necessary.
However, the matter is not limited to words alone. The caliber of this watch, the CITIZEN E210, is amazing when taken apart. It is not clear whether it is mechanics or quartz. Instead of the expected plastic parts and wires, there are a bunch of pieces of iron inside - gears, levers, bridges. This is especially true when it comes to the chronograph function. The buttons are pressed with a noticeable mechanical force, the second hand runs in small mechanical steps of 0,2 seconds, and the return of the sensors with the right button to the zero position occurs mechanically instantly. It's like it's not quartz at all.
The alarm clock, although it squeaks quite electronically (by the way, the volume is rather weak), is controlled in the best mechanical traditions. Separate crown, hand 12-hour indicator. Disguised as mechanics and a retrograde power reserve indicator ... that is, the battery charge level.
High-quality finishing of the dial with accumulators-wells. Brutal, heavy, overall case with an integrated bracelet. Thick spherical sapphire crystal and 200 meters of water resistance complete the image of "mechanical" sports station wagons. It seems that such a beast simply has to be a "predator" - a branded model with a spring inside. But no, thoroughbred Japanese quartz. Hardy and reliable "herbivores" can also look powerful and impressive.
What can be said about the shortcomings? Yes, it’s like they don’t exist ... if you are a branded independent sports big man with a girth arm of 19 cm or more. If this is not entirely true, then doubts arise. I tried on a similar model (only on a belt and in orange). While I love CITIZEN, friendship with a heavyweight bull did not work out. For my average size, the watch was clearly large and heavy. Plus, without a bracelet, the weight distribution was unsuccessful. But that's how I wanted it.
However, now a similar model has been released in titanium. I think this is good news. For those who want a powerful "mechanical" experience with vintage notes along with the comfort and serenity of quartz. For those who are more demanding on quality than brand prestige.
If you are a bullfighter at heart, this is your chance!
