Before you buy the Reissue Citizen Challenge Diver NB6021, know its history! Citizen 52-0110 Review
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- Опубликовано: 7 июл 2024
- In depth review of the Citizen 52-0110
Citizen is finally reissuing the Challenge Diver NB6021. But before you buy this watch, you should know its very unique history and understand where it gets its roots!
I have owned four Citizen 52-0110’s over the years and I wanted to take a “deep dive” in its history, and unique features between different references. It’s one of my all time favorite vintage divers, and I wanted to share this with the Citizen Diver fans around the world.
I reference a few sites, so here are some links to those:
Fratello on the Challenge Diver 62-6198
www.fratellowatches.com/vinta...
Worn and Wound 52-0110
wornandwound.com/review/affor...
Sweep-hand.org 1962-1980 divers
sweep-hand.org/citizens-vinta...
Watchuseek post on the “flying diver”
www.watchuseek.com/threads/ci...
Vintagecitizenwatches.com 52-0110
vintagecitizenwatches.com/201...
0:00 Intro
2:30 History
5:15 Bezel differences
8:35 Dial specifics and differences between references
11:45 crystal
13:35 Case dimensions
16:00 Movement
16:52 Strap and Bracelet
18:20 PAF variant
19:20 Dial variants
20:10 Caseback and how to read
20:56 Citizen 51-2273
21:50 Wearing the 52-0110
22:17 Wearing with bracelet
23:35 Challenge Diver 62-6198
24:48 Owning Japanese vintage divers 
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Hey Blake! Your Watch Maker, Matt here. Great job with the video, I’ll be installing those crystal for you this upcoming week. You inspired me to pick up the re-issue for myself. New favorite diver in the collection. Great channel man!
Thanks, Matt! Btw folks, Matt is at the Clock Doctor in Scottsdale, AZ! If you all have any questions for a watchmaker, he’s your man. I can’t wait to see the reissue on your wrist next week! Cheers!
Been wearing my cq150 since 1981 ,never misses a beat ,bezel only turns one way and has lugs around the crown
I am a retired watchmaker. I prefer the Eco-Drive models. Great time keeping. I have the Divers Titanium
That is a solid recommendation, sir!!
Just 2 thirds through this video, I already love this timepiece, it's a really good quality example. Nice review.
Thank you, Robert. I love these vintage divers!!
I want the new re-issue Citizen NB 6021 sooo bad!!!!!!… YOU’VE PRETTY MUCH MADE UP MY MIND!!!!!!😖😊
Excellent video & great background on the Challenge Diver!!!
Thank you very much, I hoped it would be informative and let buyers know there is some rich history behind this amazing diver. I am looking forward to the new one too!
Thank you so much for posting. I am a huge Promaster fan and have been wearing my trusty NY0040 for years. Love your enthusiasm for the brand and this niche watch. So refreshing. Can't for the life of me see why the SKX gets all the attention having owned them...and sold them!
Thanks, John. I love Citizen, but I admittedly love my SKX007J too. I own several Seikos and Citizens. Just love Japanese styling and engineering! I appreciate you watching!
I got a brand new Citizen NY0040-17L for Christmas 2023 loving it in most ways.
So beautiful and wonderful history. Enjoy your reviewing style.
Thank you for the kind words!
This is a great detailed review. Thanks!
Thank you and so glad you enjoyed it!
The reissue of the Challenge Diver has a very long history. I hope you enjoy this review of the Citizen 52-0110. I have owned a few of them. And if you have too, please feel free to comment and add (or correct) anything that I say in this review. For those of you "vintage Citizen diver" fans, I hope this makes you proud! Cheers!
Excellent. Thanks for producing and uploading this video.
I'm looking to buy the reissue and thought that the case looked soft around the lugs when compared with vintage references. I'm hopeful that the new model will prove good value as a functional yet characterful watch, though it's useful to be aware of all the differences.
You are welcome. and I feel the same as you about the new case. But having the modern upgrades will be great for an everyday wearing watch (I think)
I just inherited a 1980 52-0110 with the H style Strap. Thanks for the informative video. Very cool to get some info on the watch and its history!
Wow, that is a keeper 👍and I’m so glad you enjoyed the video
The Barnacle! that's a fantastic looking piece.
Thank you, Min. It's one of my favorites in my collection, hands down.
Blake, such a great review. You channeled your enthusiasm/nerdiness as a watch lover through this Citizen. This style of review makes for a more interesting and entertaining video than the standard watch review channels. Well done. I'm on the fence between the remake of this watch and the Seiko SPB149.
Thank you so much, and sorry for the late response. Just today I released the video that compares this one to the new fujitsubo. Check it out. And THANK YOU for the kind words! I really appreciate that.
Hey, cheers for the very informative video. I am saving up for the re-issue(haven't decided on which colour yet) and stumbled upon this video. I didn't know much about Citizen when I started my watch hobby/obsession early last year but what you said about them being the "Toyota" of watches seems to be a common theme, plus for the modern Citizen watches in the U.K the service costs are very reasonable in comparison to other brands. Great video again, many thanks!
Get them both. Okay, today I just released a new video on the vintage and the new Fujitsubo. You will enjoy it for sure. And thank you for the comments!
The new reissue second hand actually has a longer extension out from the lollipop than tge original versions. My favorite watch in this price range. Great job with your video, I learned so much!
Thank you 🙏 so much. I’m really happy to share the information with you. Cheers my friend 👍
New watcher and fan thank you the review hits the points a watch fan wants to know
Thank you for the kind words, sir!
Great video! Blake my first time watching one of your videos! Not the last!
Thank you kind sir!
Nice video mate. I like vintage watches too. I bought about three of them in the early days of ebay., that's when I realised that it was hard to get replacement bracelets for my large wrist.
I bought a Seiko pepsi pogue and a Citizen "spider", and another Seiko........
I recently managed to get an aftermarket bracelet for the Seiko, pogue which was brilliant.
The watch was serviced by Seiko in the UK. It is in prettyy much A1 condfition, better than what I now see on ebay. The case is original and does not appear to have been refurbished.
Not had much luck with the Citizen though...
Love vintage watches, but tend to steer clear of them now...
Sounds like you got some nice funds! I love the spider, that is an awesome movement. I had the citizen speedy, but at 38mm it did wear a little small. But those movements are awesome
i owned this 52-0110 from my late father,,i was amazed about its history upon checking on production date its 1970 march.
I would truly cherish that one, Edwin!
Hi Blake ! Fantastic video. All watch reviews should be made this way ! Thanks ! I just bought the blue one yesterday. Perhaps you can make a video of the NY0125 model. It's such a cool reissue if another vintage Citizen diver.
Congratulations on the blue one! Please let me know your thoughts if you can! I’ve come very close to buying the ny0125. But I’m not sure I can do the yellow gold plating
@@threehandhunter This is gonna be a hot model. Overall it's very well made and Citizen's Duratect Super Titanium is super tough and scratch resistant. However, I do find the case finishing rather unrefined compared to Seikos. Perhaps it's purposely done this way for the the vintage vibes ?
@@fungus70 I'll take it: function over form anyday. Seikos are beautiful but the 6R movements are hit and miss at best and the overall value of their offerings is dwindling year after year, specially for their low to mid range mechanical watches.
Strap monster bro. I got one of these today and I need therapy now after trying to decide which strap to use!!! vintage Tropic: Check. (holes and no holes versions). nato: check, canvas 2 piece in OD green: check, suede in OD green: check. All look awesome!
Seriously...you can pretty much cycle through the whole 20mm collection!
Wearing my NY0085 today. South paw Coke Bezel. Good video. Thx.
Thank you sir, I love the “coke look” too!
Very cool content👍
Thank you very much!
thanks mate!
My pleasure 👍
The 1969 Seiko Rally Diver also has a similar crystal which is also beautiful. It's flat on top and domed on the inside. Gives a really neat distortion on the inside.
Isn't that the coolest look? love those crystals!
@@threehandhunter Yes, wonder why nobody does that now?
@@threehandhunterThe challenge divers of the 1970’s to early 1980’s have screw down crowns which shows how underrated Citizen are compared to Seiko as their Seiko contemporary’s do not use screw down crowns but locking crowns.
That was my first watch, and I still have it. Heavily scratched now :-)
It's a "keeper" for sure!!!!
Great review !! Thank you!! What is the strap on the first watch ? Looks like a rubber rally strap ??
Gorgeous ❤️🔥
Thanks, buddy!
Can you share the info for the Repro Crystal ?? I need one too... Amazing Video and keep up this kind of content...
Thank you for the kind words!! I’m so happy you appreciated the content. Here’s a link to that crystal www.ebay.com/itm/224509434879?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=Yt0sHQvfRcq&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=F4waKVH-TmG&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
The watch isn’t perfect but even with the flaws- i love it.
Me too. Love mine. Thank you!
Muy buen video muy completo y detallado este año salo otra reedición asequible por 250 a 300$ saludos
¡Gracias por las amables palabras! Sí, esa nueva edición por unos 300 dólares es realmente bonita. ¡Me gustaría conseguir uno!
the watch found in Australia was a 1977 CITIZEN 52-0110 dial type-1 [stamped dial], Citizen would take a blank dial and stamp all her details [logo, hour markers, date window] they would then apply black paint on the dial and polish off the excess paint from the details , easiest way to know if ur dial is a type-1 the letters on the Citizen logo are all separate, the 52-0110 should have a BLACK [numerals] date wheel
Great information, thank you!!
Thank you Blake! Great review. I am thinking to get one of those, especially my birth year is 1977. There are not that many remakes that represent 1977. If you happen to know any other watch, please let me know.
Will do, great watches and great year!
Hey bud. I just acquired a ‘78 52-0110 Orange dialed 17 jewels through a knife trade that I made with its second owner that got it from the first owner soon after purchasing it himself. It’s a wild and funny story that I’ll tell if you’re interested. I just came to tell you that I am not looking for a ‘77 as it is also my birth year. It’s a great year for watches my friend… check out the Seiko Willard worn by Martin Sheen in Apocalypse now. And the citizen speedy which requite come in in the 77 year. Just to name a few. Cheers!
Commenting now so I don't forget at the end, maybe more then lol
And I very much appreciate it haha
Hey Blake, great video. New subscriber. I just got a April of ‘78 Orange dial 52-0110 17 jewel in trade for a knife. The gentleman was the second owner of the watch but he got the watch from the first owner after just a few short months. The watch has gone through quite the adventure since then. I will tell the story if you’re interested. Anyway, thank for for such a great lecture on the 52-0110. I’m starting to become quite the fan of these citizens now that I have one. I’ve always been a Seiko guy and in particular a Willard guy. My question to you is although the bezel is in pretty pristine shape the lens is a bit cloudy with hairline scratches all over it. The watch is all original and never been serviced, so I’d like keep the same crystal. Do you could recommend polishing it using poly watch? Thanks!
First of all…the Orange dial is the bomb!! Congrats! Keep the insert since an aftermarket will just decrease the value. I’d try polywatch with a dremmel. It’s not hardlex so it just takes some elbow grease. If you get an aftermarket crystal, get the mineral. I just put a sapphire crystal on the 0110 (and the mineral on a 51-2273) and with no anti reflective treatment I kinda wish I just went with the mineral instead.
Anyway those are my recommendations. I’m a Seiko vintage guy too, but really can appreciate Citizen as well! Welcome to the club!
I have a 62-6198 challenge. I'm trying to get a replacement bezel insert. Can anyone help me?
I have tried for so many years and can’t find any. How bad is yours! Patina (or scratches) are beautiful to an extent imo
@@threehandhunter - The existing bezel insert has, according to my Watchmaker, been Hand Painted!
So, it looks like there's a lot more of us in the same boat.
Apparently, there's a bezel, (and it's inserts), from another more recent model, that fit's and works fine on our 62-6198's ?!?!? But I've been unsuccessful in finding any more out?
If you do? Please share any findings? As I'm dead keen to get this Citizen Restoration project right?
Allan.
What sup Blake!
Sup!
Citizen should hire Seiko to do proper polishing for the case, and to make a nicer clicking bezel.
Right? Seiko is the best Japanese polisher hands down!
And Seiko can hire Citizen QA people to make sure their bezels are aligned lol
@@paulbonaventura4969 and manufacture movements that keep consistent time.
This is a tool watch. I think it looks good like this. Rough and serious.
Seiko will never rich quality and consistency of Citizen even if started the innovations earlier but doesn't follow her own path
Miyota 9051 is better in this mid class of mechanisms than Seiko
Will win who that keeps struggling for innovation
And this is Citizen even if it doesn't have zaratsu polishing
Come on confess what you don't have the brave to admit it
ORIGINAL CHALLENGE DIVER ....have his heritage in two actual model....NB 6021 (dial) and NY129 (crown dimension. Bezel. Steel...)
Very cool! Hold onto them!
I want to know is why are they so expensive especially the Y version. I can't find anything on why some of the divers are over 1k-2k for these wtaches
Good question. I guess just more rare
These seem to go for $800 USD. Where did you see this for 200 USD?
Haha I was talking about when I first started buying them back in 2014 or so. Yeah, I have watched them creep up in price over the years
@@threehandhunter at this point the Fujitsubo reissue is a better buy. It may come down in price. I wish Citizen made an eco drive version.
I compared my black NY0040 on a grey tropic strap with the Fujitsubo reissue at Macy's. I have to say the case of the old design NY0040 wears better than the Fujitsubo. But i like the titanium and the sapphire.
xlnt video. HOWever, i'll never understand how a watch lover would use a hollow endlink bracelet on a watch they love, especially with the clamp that clamps against the back of the lugs and over time just eats and digs into the lug back. if you look at old rolexes you'll see the damage they do. but otherwise great video.
Hey Johnny! Thanks for the kind words. I hear you….and if I wore the bracelet more than 1 day a month I may have a different opinion. But I love the old SKX and citizen bracelets. Weird…I know!
Just re-read your post about the hollow end links. Yeah, I totally get that. I store and wear it on rubber mostly and the bracelet usually is for a “night out”
Just saw the video, run to my closet open the safe box, and notice that my father in law gave my that watch didn’t nothing about it, great inheritance that I just got, I just thought it was a citizen 😢 my bad
DUDE...what a nice gift from him. Cherish it!
I dont know about that story of that watch he found sounds like a fish story lol. Good way to sell some wathes though
Well, it’s in Citizens museum. So…. 🤷♂️
That would make it official then
Citizen needs to re-release the paddle hands in a no nonsense diver that stays true to Citizens ethos
Wearing my 62-6198 that keeps time with an unknown service history
I think the paddle hands are so cool! And that would be awesome to have a modern interpretation of those
sorry ...you mentioned the strap later...duh....
No problem, thanks for listening in!
I think , the modern reissues crown is too small and so the thread not robust enough. I prefer the original .I have a watch with a non - waterresistant dial from 1974 with Citizen 6000 movement inside .And i had the luck to get a rare sapphire replacement crystal .The case is not refurbished and the bezel in top condition .🤗🤗Handle the original always as non- waterproof because of its age !🧐🧐
Wow… Sapphire replacement Crystal? What a find!!
Those bracelets for the 040 are junk, total junk. Always used the rubber strap.
I like that "junk" haha
ALL I KNW IS WHEN UR 200 METER BELOW THE OCEAN U DON'T GIVE A SHIT ABOUT THE SMALL DETAILS ! U GET TO WORK AND MAKE SURE THE WATCH WORKS OR U TOSS IT OUT FOR A CITIZEN ! LOL
Haha great point!!!!
All jokes aside ! Great review by the way ! :)@@threehandhunter
Right away the hands are too small...
True…
That is better than the Re-Issue !
I think so too. I’ve handled both as well.