Citizen Altichron Eco-Drive Watch

Presented in May 2013 in Basel is a watch from the beautiful design that gives feeling of strength and precision, analog and fully equipped with Altimeter. What curious is definitely the fact that the entire dial is studded with numbers, suitably arranged in a manner apparently not chaotic (at least on paper). The Citizen Altichron Eco-Drive born as a clock, so first of all you should be able to read the time.

Always from the images that Citizen has released a preview seems that the goal has been achieved: the eye is ” impressed ” by 3 hand main (hours and minutes and seconds), and you can read the time without too much difficulty (the day of the week is displayed at 3 o’clock, still in analog).

But if we go beyond simply reading time discover that there are other numbers and other 3 hands, two of which are wider and shorter, the ” Non-standard ” that informs us in a ” tasty ” and completely analogue to what height we are!

One, the short, wide, indicates the 100 meters, the other indicates 10 meters. The first moves in a small circle placed around the center of the dial, the second shows the units of 10m in a small crown placed in the outer most part of the watch. The third pointer indicates the units of 1000 meters and is placed in a small circle at 9 o’clock.

It seems paradoxical that the classic numbers from 1 to 12 indicate that, in fact, the hours are not printed on the dial, represented only by the equally classic ” fingers ” but the stroke of genius of the designer Citizen has been just that.

The numbers are important for a clear reading of the height and should not be confused with the time. I think it is a good compromise. Also interesting is the fact that the altimeter operates in a very wide range that goes from -300 to 10,000 meters. Certainly, the degree of precision will be lower than any digital altimeter for obvious reasons but if the sensor is good enough the backsight should approach a lot of real altitude, may be reported on some road sign.

But the news do not end here! No, because the Citizen Altichron Eco-Drive is even equipped with a compass and Eco-Drive technology, which guarantees, according to Citizen, 330 days of independence. I suppose in the absence of sunlight.

There is also a power reserve indicator at 4 levels. Citizen, finally, ensures excellent water resistance (200 meters).

As for the compass will immediately notice that the 4 cardinal points are printed in the outer ring of the watch, but it is not yet clear operation. Venture just a guess: by pressing the appropriate button the hands move in the direction of magnetic north, a little as in Casio ProTrek PRW 5000 and 5100.

However, I do not know what foundation my guess since Citizen tells us that the information in compass and altimeter will be displayed together with the time.

In short, sporty look, yellow and orange, bright colors and deliciously in contrast with the sleek satin gray case, advanced and clean energy solar charging. A great mix, do not you too? Citizen Altichron Eco-Drive has advanced features, accessible by analogy with a vintage vein.