Citizen Launches Compact Promaster Navihawk Chronograph with Eco-Drive Movement

Citizen has addressed a key gap in the pilot watch market with the launch of the Promaster Navihawk CA4664-60E – a compact aviation chronograph packing professional-grade functionality into a 40mm stainless steel case. This represents a significant downsizing from previous Navihawk models that typically exceeded 45mm, making it accessible to enthusiasts who found earlier iterations too bulky.

The CA4664-60E features a black sunray dial with high-contrast red accents and a bi-directional slide-rule bezel engineered for aviation calculations like fuel consumption and distance. At its core is Citizen's B620 Eco-Drive solar movement, which converts any light source into power and maintains a 270-day reserve when fully charged. The movement drives a precise 1/5-second chronograph with 60-minute capacity alongside a 24-hour sub-dial for day/night indication.

Technical enhancements include a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating – a notable upgrade from mineral glass in some competitors – and 200-meter water resistance (20 bar). This rating notably surpasses the 100-meter capability of Seiko's Prospex Speedtimer series, making the Navihawk technically viable for swimming and snorkeling where most pilot watches falter.

The timing positions Citizen against Seiko's newly released Prospex Speedtimer SSC models (SSC961P1, SSC963P1, SSC965P1), priced around $963 SGD. While Seiko's 39mm chronographs lean into vintage racing aesthetics, the Navihawk prioritizes utilitarian aviation functionality. Citizen's solar-powered Eco-Drive movement also eliminates battery replacements required by Seiko's V192 quartz caliber.

Key advantages for buyers:

• Size: 40mm case diameter vs. 45mm+ in previous Navihawks
• Power: Perpetual solar charging vs. battery-dependent competitors
• Durability: Sapphire crystal and 200m WR outperform many aviation watches
• Functionality: Slide-rule bezel maintains professional navigation utility

Available now through retailers including Amazon, the Navihawk CA4664-60E targets aviation professionals and watch enthusiasts seeking instrument-grade features without compromising wearability. Its balanced approach makes it a compelling alternative to similarly priced chronographs that sacrifice either technical specs or everyday comfort.

For buyers comparing aviation chronographs, this Citizen delivers notable upgrades:

1. Water resistance doubles the Seiko Speedtimer's capability
2. Power management via solar eliminates battery maintenance
3. Legibility enhanced by sapphire crystal and high-contrust dial

The Navihawk's launch signals Citizen's strategic shift toward compact professional tool watches, filling a long-unaddressed niche between oversized aviation instruments and minimalist fashion watches.