The Citizen Mechanical Caliber 0210, now with Date and Soon Available in Europe

First presented in 2021, The Citizen Mechanical Caliber 0200 truly impressed us, especially after we had the chance to spend time with it on the wrist. Coming from a brand that we tend to associate with accessible mechanical and solar-powered watches, this high-end, traditional mechanical watch with an integrated bracelet made quite an impact. Developed internally with input from La Joux-Perret (a Swiss manufacture owned by Citizen), The Citizen is now back in its second iteration, powered by the Mechanical Caliber 0210, upgraded in regards to its daily practicality and no longer reserved for the Japanese domestic market.

The Citizen is a sub-brand of Citizen Watch that was launched in 1995 on the occasion of Citizen’s 65th anniversary and, up until recently, has mainly been sold on the domestic Japanese market. The launch of The Citizen Mechanical Caliber 0200 in 2021 changed things quite drastically, giving the brand global visibility. In all fairness, the watch in question was and still is an impressive one: well designed, impressively built and mechanically interesting. That being said, the Japanese watchmaker has decided this wasn’t enough and now introduces several upgrades to this model by creating The Citizen Mechanical Caliber 0210. Already available in Japan since the end of 2023, it will find its way to Europe (and other markets) later this year.

The transition from The Citizen Mechanical Caliber 0200 to The Citizen Mechanical Caliber 0210 seems to be limited to the addition of a date. While this statement is true, it would reduce the importance of the changes that need explaining. Design-wise, the new model retains the same tonneau-shaped case as the original version, with its sharp angles, facets and pleasing dimensions – 40mm in diameter, 47mm lug-to-lug. The raised bezel, the combination of brushed surfaces and polished accents, everything indicates luxury sports watch, the Japanese way.

What has changed, then? Well, first of all, the case is now slightly thicker, at 11.2mm (vs. 10.9mm). This can partially be explained by the addition of a date complication, but not only. Importantly, the case of The Citizen Mechanical Caliber 0210 is now water-resistant to 100m, twice that offered by the Caliber 0200. The steel case and bracelet are otherwise identical and should deliver the same feeling of quality and refinement.

Besides the addition of a date window at 3 o’clock, the dial of this The Citizen has been ever so slightly revised. For instance, the applied faceted markers are now wider, mostly to accommodate the presence of the date. The double baton index at 12 o’clock has been redesigned with a trapezoidal shape. The rest of the dial, at least for the black edition, is identical and highly appealing. The hands and indices are sharply defined, and the sand-like texture obtained by an electroforming process is lively and refined. The small seconds counter at 6 o’clock, a slightly debatable choice in this sporty context, features a very fine concentric pattern.

Along with the black dial, The Citizen Mechanical Caliber 0210 will also be available in a white version, with a cloud-like texture also obtained by an electroforming process. The uneven, finely grained texture gives a new and more subtle look to this otherwise angular watch.

Moving from the Caliber 0200 to the Caliber 0210 wasn’t just about adding a date wheel on top. The movement has been cleverly revisited with a date that has been integrated into the recessed mainplate, avoiding adding thickness to the movement. The base of the movement, visible on the back, remains identical and is the result of an internal development with the help of Swiss maker LJP. Beating at 4Hz, this movement stores 60h of power reserve with an accuracy exceeding chronometer standards (-3 to +5 seconds a day). Made in Japan, the decoration was defined with inputs from LJP and is appealing – diamond-cut bevels, polished countersinks, linear brushing…

Available now in Japan and expected to hit Europe in late summer 2024, the two versions of The Citizen Mechanical Caliber 0210 (NC1000-51E black – NC1001-58A white) will retail for EUR 8,500. For more details, please visit www.citizenwatch-global.com and citizenwatch.eu.