Spoiler alert: after spending some time at HQ, the dive watch is “Free Willy” again. Did you know that orcas sometimes strand themselves intentionally? They do it to hunt coastal seals, for example. It's a spectacular sight, but there are quite a few risks involved, and watching them struggle to return to the sea is a nerve-wracking experience. Last week a Citizen Promaster Eco-Drive Diver Orca washed up on the shores of Fratello – was she hunting Fratelli?
The discovery of the stranded Orca
Finding the 46×14.6mm beached Orca with a 50mm length “fin to fin” was quite a surprise. We quickly discovered we weren't on the Orca's menu, and after playing with the 118g beast, we sent it back. This is the story of the time we spent together.
The original Citizen Orca was “discovered” in 2006. The watch was housed in a 48mm titanium case and became something of a cult hero before disappearing. In 2022, the Orca resurfaced. It was 2 mm smaller and no longer made of titanium, but of steel and with three different colors.
Observe the Citizen Promaster Eco-Drive Diver Orca
Before diving deeper with the Citizen Promaster Eco-Drive Diver Orca, it's best to look at it first. The watch from the Promaster Sea collection has a shape clearly inspired by the shape and colors of the orca, the majestic black and white killer whale with no natural predators.
The striking, somewhat organic and at the same time futuristic design of the Diver Orca is also sporty. Rounded shapes dominate this functional dive watch, which sports a black three-hand dial with a date window at 3 o'clock. The white and domed hour markers as well as the indentations of the bezel are very “orcesque”.
Details that stand out
The bright orange marker at 12 o'clock, the text “DIVER'S 200m” at 6 o'clock on the dial, and especially the bright minute hand stand out like buoys in the ocean. The Promaster Eco-Drive Diver Orca complies with ISO 6425 and also offers resistance to shock and magnetism.
As you'd expect from a 200m water-resistant watch, it has a screw-down crown. You also get a unidirectional bezel with huge numerals, hands and indexes filled with luminescent material. The indexes glow blue while the hands glow green, ensuring the watch is readable in the dark.
A practical polyurethane bracelet
The black polyurethane strap imitates the shape of the orca's fin and closes with a pin buckle. Additionally, since the bracelet is very long, it will easily fit over your wetsuit.
Inside the Orca's sturdy frame beats a light-powered movement. The E168 Eco-Drive quartz solar caliber can go without light for 180 days before falling flat.
Wearing the Orca, a matter of taste
The Citizen Promaster Eco-Drive Diver Orca is a matter of taste. Yes, it has visuals that scream “killer whale” loud and clear, but while the beauty, grace and power of its namesake that rules the oceans is undisputed, the Orca dive watch is not.
Its rugged nature and solid construction make it a great dive watch. Plus, the combination of functionality and a quirky look, which someone at HQ called “fun,” makes it a casual, easy-to-wear vacation watch.
“Free Willy”
Full disclosure: I devour orca documentaries and am in complete awe of them (did you know that researchers have discovered that the IQ of orcas is equivalent to that of 15 or 16 year old humans?). The Promaster Eco-Drive Diver Orca, on the other hand, is not for me.
Hey, I'm not saying it's a stupid watch. On the contrary, I appreciate its original look. I just don't like the rounded bezel, even though it is (apparently) easy to handle with wet gloves. I also don't like the way the bracelet is shaped and blends into the case. Everything is just a little too rounded for my taste.
The Citizen Orca is also too big for my wrist, which will never be covered by a wetsuit. That’s why I felt no regrets when I had to let the Orca go “Free Willy”. I'm sure she'll be better off sailing the seas on someone else's wrist.
Nevertheless, for €279 you get a solid, sporty and multifunctional dive watch with unique design features. The Citizen Orca is certainly unlike anything else on the market today.
Ultimately, if you're looking for a funky, rugged and affordable dive watch, the Citizen Promaster Eco-Drive Diver Orca might just be the perfect companion for your underwater adventures. But if, like me, you prefer a more classic design and a more modest size, you might be tempted to let it wash up on the shores of another wrist.
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