Head-To-Head: Citizen Promaster Tough BN0211-50E versus Citizen Promaster Tough Chronograph CA0720-54H

This is a head-to-head between the Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Tough Black Dial Bracelet Watch BN0211-50E and the Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Tough Chronograph Stainless Steel Watch CA0720-54H. Both watches are part of the Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster series that has the designation of "Tough".




From a functionality point-of-view, the CA0720-54H has the additional chronograph function. However, from a manufacturing design point-of-view, the BN0211-50E has the seldom seen monocoque* watch casing design.

Specifications	Promaster Tough Non-Chronograph	Promaster Tough Chronograph
Reference	BN0211-50E	CA0720-54H
Movement	Eco-Drive Caliber E168	Eco-Drive Caliber B612
Power	Solar	Solar
Dimensions	Width: 42 mm Length: 51 mm Thickness: 10.75 mm Lug Width: 22 mm Weight: 174 gm	Width: 44 mm Length: 52 mm Thickness: 13 mm Lug Width: 22 mm Weight: 190 gm
Case Material	Stainless steel with titanium DuraTect coating	Stainless steel with titanium DuraTect coating
Case Design	Monocoque* casing with crown located on the right side and access only via the front	Typical design with pushers and crown at the right side and with a screw-down case-back
MSRP	USD495	USD595
Crystal	Sapphire with AR protection	Sapphire with AR protection
Functions	Date	Date, chronograph
Water Rating	200 meters	200 meters

* Monocoque watch casing or also known as a one-piece casing is a unique design where the watch casing is made with only one primary entry into the casing for the bulk of the internals such as the movement to enter (other secondary entry points for the crown and pushers are excluded from this definition). Entry into a monocoque watch is via the front. This means that to access the movement, one needs to go through the dial. Typical watches usually have a case-back that can be opened so that one can access the internals.



The image above clearly shows the case design as seen from the back. The monocoque casing saves a few millimeters off the height of the BN0211-50E.

Interestingly, despite being part of the same series, the bracelet design is different. The center link on the CA0720-54H has the waffle texture which I suppose creates an impression of 'toughness'. Honestly, I don't find this particularly useful. It makes sense if you want to stop the steel surface from reflecting but not putting the same texture on the rest of the bracelet defeats that purpose. I suspect it is more for styling.



The CA0720-54H watch is also thicker. Not surprising as the module required for the chronograph function does take some space. The crowns on both watches are signed with the Promaster logo but in different styling.

Also note the bezel for the CA0720-54H. It is actually a fixed bezel that does not rotate. I find this very strange that Citizen used the design of a dive bezel for this watch but decided against making it work as such. A lot of reviewers (as well as myself) felt very disappointed by this.


 

From a practical point of view, the basic BN0211-50E is more useful. Its smaller size has more utility than having a chronograph complication. As a pick-and-go timepiece, BN0211-50E's simplicity's reflects the tool-like nature of the watch. After wearing both watches, I can honestly say that the BN0211-50E wins hands down.


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