Citizen Watch Company, under the Promaster line has come out with some heavyweights in dive watches in the last few years. The brand's extreme dive watches, capable of withstanding 1,000 meters of water pressure under the Godzilla series have become iconic with collectors. The two famous models, the Citizen Promaster Eco-Drive Professional Diver 1000M Titanium BN7020-09E Solarzilla (left of the photo below) and the Citizen Promaster Autozilla 1000m Titanium Divers Watch NH6930-09F (NH6931-06E) (right of the photo below) are Kings of the Hill for Citizen.
Although both came from the same stable with similar performance specifications, they are unique in their own right. Below is a comparative table of the specifications of both watches.
Although both are designed in the similar fashion with the same depth rating and basic material, there are subjectively more differences than similarities.
The first and most obvious difference is the engine that powers them. For the Solarzilla, its an Eco-Drive engine; the J210. For the Autozilla, its an automatic engine; the Miyota8203. The second difference is the complications. For the Solarzilla, an additional power reserve indicator has been provided to show how much energy stored in the battery. For the Autozilla, a day wheel is also available. The third difference is the locking mechanism. Apart from the bezel locking systems on both watches (concept is the same but design is slightly different), the Autozilla also has a locking system for the bezel. The fourth difference is the crown location. For the Solarzilla, it is located at 4 o'clock while on the Autozilla, it is located at the 9 o'clock. The fifth difference is the location of the HEV valve. For the Solarzilla, it is located at 10 o'clock while on the Autozilla, it is located at the 2 o'clock.
The sixth difference is the strap design. For the Solarzilla, the strap is more angular with only the rectangular holes for the buckle hook to go through while the Autozilla has more radial-like designs with rounded holes not only for the buckle hook to go through but also "breathing" holes for air to flow to the skin. The seventh and final difference is the buckle design and strap follower. For the Solarzilla, the buckle is a basic buckle with two independent follower made out of polyurethane bands while on the Autozilla, the buckle is integrated with a follower while the single independent follower is a titanium band.
There are other minor differences apart from these seven items but those are not major. If you want to know more, do visit the full review on the two watches (links provided earlier in this posting).
Above are individual photos of the buckles on the two watches (L: Solarzilla; R: Autozilla). Here you can see on the Solarzilla, the brand is chemically etched on the buckle whereas on the Autozilla, the sub-brand is stamped on the buckle. I believe this change is very important going forward. I believe, as a brand, Citizen realised the importance of minimizing brand diversification by always promoting one common brand - Citizen. Take Seiko as an example. That brand has so many sub-brands but the word "Seiko" is always in prominence. If there is a need to print the sub-brand, Seiko always put the main brand as well as a reminder to everyone that "Seiko" is absolute. In the case of the Autozilla, the word "Promaster" is not sufficient in the current context but due to the lack of surface, for the Solarzilla, Citizen just added the main brand on the buckle instead. From a marketing and franchise value perspective, this is the right way. Best to reduce brand confusion especially when Citizen has the following brands in its stable: Citizen, Campanola, Q&Q, Arnold & Son, Bulova, Bulova Accutron II, Bulova AccuSwiss, Wittnauer, Caravelle New York, Bulova Clocks, Frank Lloyd Wright, Harley-Davidson, Frédérique Constant, Alpina, Ateliers de Monaco (as of the date of this report).
The case-back of both watches (T: Solarzilla; B: Autozilla). Both same the diving bell embossed stamping. The Solarzilla has the more angular surfaces whereas the Autozilla has more rounded surfaces.
Below is a side-by-side photo of the strap designs (L: Solarzilla; R: Autozilla). The Solazilla is more 'utilitarian' whereas the Autozilla is more 'stylish'. Personally, I have no issues with both designs except perhaps the material used. Nevertheless, due to a number of rubber strap failures suffered earlier, I am quite wary of pure rubber in straps.
A number of interesting observations can be seen in the photo below (T: Solarzilla; B: Autozilla). Note the more angular shape of the Solarzilla compared to the Autozilla. Also note the printed text on the side of the watch casing of the Solarzilla that is not found on the Autozilla.
The zero-point lugs on both watches help wearability immensely. Unfortunately, the proprietary size does limit the strap choices. At the juncture, I cannot confirm whether the straps are interchangeable. If anyone reading this knows, please leave your answer in the comment section below.
Below is a visual proof of the thickness of both watches (L: Solarzilla; R: Autozilla). You would have imagine the situation should be reversed since quartz movement are much thinner in design compared to an automatic movement.
Conclusion: I would not be able to wear the Solarzilla as a normal watch. It is just too big for my taste. Even though the Autozilla is smaller, it is still relatively big on my wrist. Both are tool watches and should be treated as such. I personally would vouch for the Autozilla over the Solarzillar.
Although both came from the same stable with similar performance specifications, they are unique in their own right. Below is a comparative table of the specifications of both watches.
| Specifications | Solarzilla | Autozilla |
| Movement | J210, Eco-Drive | Miyota8203, Automatic |
| Strap | Black polyurethane strap with signed buckle | Black rubber strap with signed buckle |
| Dial | Analogue, date, power reserve indicator | Analogue, date, day |
| Diameter | 52.5 mm | 48.0 mm |
| Lug width | Proprietary | Proprietary |
| Lug-to-lug | 52.5 mm | 48.0 mm |
| Thickness | 22.0 mm | 19.0 mm |
| Weight | 180 gm | 135 gm |
| Crystal | Domed sapphire (with anti-reflective coating) | Domed sapphire (with anti-reflective coating) |
| Power source | Solar | Mechanical |
| Base material | Super Titanium™ (Duratect DLC+MRK+TIC) | Titanium with Duratect protection |
| Water rating | 1,000 meters | 1,000 meters |
| Diver's extension | Extension strap | Extension strap |
| Complications | Date, power reserve indicator, HEV | Date, day, HEV |
| Year | 2017 | 2002 |
| MSRP | YEN260,000; RM9,820 | USD1,750 |
Although both are designed in the similar fashion with the same depth rating and basic material, there are subjectively more differences than similarities.
The first and most obvious difference is the engine that powers them. For the Solarzilla, its an Eco-Drive engine; the J210. For the Autozilla, its an automatic engine; the Miyota8203. The second difference is the complications. For the Solarzilla, an additional power reserve indicator has been provided to show how much energy stored in the battery. For the Autozilla, a day wheel is also available. The third difference is the locking mechanism. Apart from the bezel locking systems on both watches (concept is the same but design is slightly different), the Autozilla also has a locking system for the bezel. The fourth difference is the crown location. For the Solarzilla, it is located at 4 o'clock while on the Autozilla, it is located at the 9 o'clock. The fifth difference is the location of the HEV valve. For the Solarzilla, it is located at 10 o'clock while on the Autozilla, it is located at the 2 o'clock.
The sixth difference is the strap design. For the Solarzilla, the strap is more angular with only the rectangular holes for the buckle hook to go through while the Autozilla has more radial-like designs with rounded holes not only for the buckle hook to go through but also "breathing" holes for air to flow to the skin. The seventh and final difference is the buckle design and strap follower. For the Solarzilla, the buckle is a basic buckle with two independent follower made out of polyurethane bands while on the Autozilla, the buckle is integrated with a follower while the single independent follower is a titanium band.
There are other minor differences apart from these seven items but those are not major. If you want to know more, do visit the full review on the two watches (links provided earlier in this posting).
Above are individual photos of the buckles on the two watches (L: Solarzilla; R: Autozilla). Here you can see on the Solarzilla, the brand is chemically etched on the buckle whereas on the Autozilla, the sub-brand is stamped on the buckle. I believe this change is very important going forward. I believe, as a brand, Citizen realised the importance of minimizing brand diversification by always promoting one common brand - Citizen. Take Seiko as an example. That brand has so many sub-brands but the word "Seiko" is always in prominence. If there is a need to print the sub-brand, Seiko always put the main brand as well as a reminder to everyone that "Seiko" is absolute. In the case of the Autozilla, the word "Promaster" is not sufficient in the current context but due to the lack of surface, for the Solarzilla, Citizen just added the main brand on the buckle instead. From a marketing and franchise value perspective, this is the right way. Best to reduce brand confusion especially when Citizen has the following brands in its stable: Citizen, Campanola, Q&Q, Arnold & Son, Bulova, Bulova Accutron II, Bulova AccuSwiss, Wittnauer, Caravelle New York, Bulova Clocks, Frank Lloyd Wright, Harley-Davidson, Frédérique Constant, Alpina, Ateliers de Monaco (as of the date of this report).
The case-back of both watches (T: Solarzilla; B: Autozilla). Both same the diving bell embossed stamping. The Solarzilla has the more angular surfaces whereas the Autozilla has more rounded surfaces.
Below is a side-by-side photo of the strap designs (L: Solarzilla; R: Autozilla). The Solazilla is more 'utilitarian' whereas the Autozilla is more 'stylish'. Personally, I have no issues with both designs except perhaps the material used. Nevertheless, due to a number of rubber strap failures suffered earlier, I am quite wary of pure rubber in straps.
A number of interesting observations can be seen in the photo below (T: Solarzilla; B: Autozilla). Note the more angular shape of the Solarzilla compared to the Autozilla. Also note the printed text on the side of the watch casing of the Solarzilla that is not found on the Autozilla.
The zero-point lugs on both watches help wearability immensely. Unfortunately, the proprietary size does limit the strap choices. At the juncture, I cannot confirm whether the straps are interchangeable. If anyone reading this knows, please leave your answer in the comment section below.
Below is a visual proof of the thickness of both watches (L: Solarzilla; R: Autozilla). You would have imagine the situation should be reversed since quartz movement are much thinner in design compared to an automatic movement.
Conclusion: I would not be able to wear the Solarzilla as a normal watch. It is just too big for my taste. Even though the Autozilla is smaller, it is still relatively big on my wrist. Both are tool watches and should be treated as such. I personally would vouch for the Autozilla over the Solarzillar.
Thanks for the comparison! I own the Autozilla and am always surprised about the wearability with its integrated band. I tried the custom lugs with leatherstrap, but it lets the watch come out to bulky and floppy. The solarzilla looks great would love to own one. But is to expensive for a quartz for me… the autozilla takes a beating (yes it needs to handle this in normal day wear, it likes doorsills). Cheers, T.
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