Full Metal Fugu: Citizen Promaster NY009

The original 1993 Citizen Promaster NY004 diver made an impression with two signature elements: the left-hand positioning of its crown, and the smooth and serrated-edged bezel that inspired its pufferfish moniker. This first “Fugu” remained unchanged for the next 25 years but finally got an update last year in the NY008, featuring new baton indexes (formerly round) modelled after another of the Japanese brand’s dive icons, the Aqualand JP2000 from 1985. In 2019, the refurbishment continues with the NY009 series presented on stainless steel bracelets.

Rubber straps are typical diving watch wear, but it ain’t that sexy. Metal, on the other hand, has a natural polish that is enhanced with spray glistening off it. Rugged without being strictly utilitarian, it spruces up the wrists of desk divers without ever being in an aquatic environment.

The NY009 series is an Asian regional release comprising of several colour styles, the biggest catch being the Southeast Asia Limited Edition in matching green dial and bezel — a hue that horology has been hooked on in 2019. Available in 1,989 numbered pieces to mark the year of the Promaster’s debut, the watch is exclusive to Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Other Asia Special Editions feature classic black, blue or red bezels with black dials, with the black and red variants sporting rose gold-plated accents on the logos and markers. There’s a pair of two-tone models in stainless steel and gold plating for dressier occasions, matched with either a blue rubber strap or bicolour bracelet. The Asia Special Editions are limited to 2,000 pieces each and have an expanded territorial offering that includes Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Additionally, Citizen is releasing a Limited Edition NY009 of 888 pieces in December for the 30th anniversary of the Promaster. The watch showcases a pristine white dial that goes swimmingly with a bright bathing suit and deep tan — more so than actual diving — contrasted with a bezel in the same shade of red used in the Promaster logo since inception.

The entire NY009 series retains the 42mm sizing, 200m depth rating, and automatic day-date calibre with 40-hour power reserve of its predecessors. Like the NY008, these delectable catch of the day features an engraved Japanese pufferfish on the case back as proof of pedigree.