Citizen Eco-Drive Owner Review : Precise, stylish and atypical

The first time I saw this watch, I found it pretty ugly... And then, as time went by, I found it "interesting" and even funny. The beige-gold color of the dial and bezel, alternating with the black case (more like graphite gray), is pleasant, and especially the four "bulges" that give the watch its identity began to catch my eye. I watched video reviews, all very positive, and analyzed its specifications, which finally convinced me to take the plunge. You can find the model for under €300, so I wasn't taking a huge risk. The caliber E168 is a quartz, Eco-Drive movement that guarantees (or is said to guarantee) a 180-day power reserve after brief exposure to light. You don't have to worry about anything... My watch's drift has never exceeded 5 seconds per month. The case is made of titanium: Citizen's Super Titanium. The watch is even lighter than I expected. It's barely noticeable on the wrist. It's really comfortable, and despite its somewhat bulky feel, I find it fits my small wrist very well. The dial is easy to read with large indexes and large hands, except for the seconds hand, which is thin and lanceolate. I would have preferred it to lack the date, but the aperture is small and discreet, and I also find the 3 o'clock index to its right helps it blend in well. The bezel rotates like a tractor, reinforcing the overall impression of robustness. I find the crown, with its Citizen-style relief, to be a success. It's screwed down, and the watch is water-resistant to 200 meters. The luminescence is truly impressive, as always with Citizen. The rubber strap seems indestructible. It's stretchy, and the buckle doesn't pull any punches. Note that unlike many Casio G-shocks, once attached, it lies perfectly flat, which can be practical. I really recommend this watch if its looks don't put you off, for me it's the perfect watch for summer, and for backpacking: it's light but robust, water resistant to 200 meters, it requires no attention to operate, and it's super precise.