Citizen Promaster Marine BN0220-16E Eco-Drive Diver Super Titanium 200 meters (similar to BN0227-09L & BN0228-06W) - A Unique Designed Beater Watch, A Review (plus Video)

In March 2021, Citizen announced a launch of three new set Eco-Drive powered marine models under the Promaster line. These 200 meter dive watches have design features similar to the legendary Citizen 1,300 meter Professional Diver watch of 1982; a watch with the deepest depth rating at that time. 

Honestly, I was intrigued by the shape of the casing. The lug free design and the four very distinctive bezel guards gives the watch a visual perception of toughness as well as uniqueness. Despite the bulk, the weight is deceivingly light due to the use to titanium which I am fond of. 

There are three models to choose from.  I decided on the BN0220-16E (BN0220 for short) as this model closely resembles the 1982 icon. Although this model is available from a local vendor, I decided to go through my favourite Japanese vendor, SeiyaJapan. 

After taking into consideration the importation fees etc., the watch still turned out to be cheaper than getting it from a local vendor.

I did not have to wait long. The courier was very efficient, settling all the import taxes quickly and delivering the watch to me within 72 hours after making the order.

SeiyaJapan Original Watch Automatic Prototype 15pcs New - The Ideal Design By The Brand Owner Himself, A Review (plus Video)

Back in 2017, I ordered SeiyaJapan's first designed watch, the SeiyaJapan Original Watch Automatic A167-A (Dial Type A). The watch was officially offered to the public in the later part of 2016. SeiyaJapan has two options available, the Type A is more vintage in appearance while the Type B is more contemporary. The major differences are in the style of hands and the design of the time scale. For more information about the watch, please refer to this link.

In 2020, SeiyaJapan came up with another option but with a few tweaks based on feedbacks received as well as personal preference by the owner of brand itself, Mr. Seiya Kobayashi. To be honest, I did not noticed this new offering by SeiyaJapan until I received a personal email from Mr. Seiya.  

After reading the listing on SeiyaJapan's website, the SeiyaJapan Original Watch Automatic Prototype 15pcs New (let's call it the Prototype from now on) was designed based on Mr. Seiya's own personal preference. There are a number of departures from the two earlier models.

Within a week of the email, the watch arrived in Kuala Lumpur courtesy of Mr. Seiya Kobayashi.

SeiyaJapan Original Watch Automatic A167-A (Dial Type A) – Simple Yet Complete, A Review (plus Video)

When Seiya-san of SeiyaJapan started the project of creating his own version of a military watch back in early 2016, I followed with interest the development via his Instagram account. With the design specification finalized in the first half of 2016, production commenced and the first complete examples were ready for sale by the end of the year.

I took my time and finally I made the decision to get one. There are two models to choose from. The Type A and the Type B. The former is more traditional in the hands and dial design while the latter has a contemporary design. I chose the Type A or officially known as the SeiyaJapan Original Watch Automatic A167-A.


The reason I chose the Type A is because I believe this is Seiya-san’s favorite design. Based on his blog postings, he often brought up the subject of vintage military watches from bygone eras. He spends a lot of time researching and writing about these watches which has a similar design to the Type A. Although I am just making an assumption, all indications seem to point to that fact. If Seiya-san is reading this blog, do drop a comment on this at the end of the posting.