The diver I recommend most often, and why
By Kenji Watanabe, Osaka ยท
When a colleague at work asks me for a reliable watch for under 300 dollars, I nearly always point them to the BN0150 first. Light-powered caliber E168, 200 m, a date, a proper rotating bezel, a rubber strap. You put it on and forget about it for ten years.
Citizen builds most of its own components, which is the vertical integration Japanese watch people like to talk about, and it shows in how few of these watches ever come back with problems.
Now the honest part. The 44 mm case is big. Mine would sit fine on a 17 cm wrist, but someone smaller should try it first. The mineral crystal is a cost saving, and on a watch meant for rough use, I would have preferred sapphire. The rubber strap is functional but plain.
For divers, swimmers, fishermen, anyone who wants a watch with no maintenance and no emotional attachment, it is excellent. If you want something to admire on the train, look at an Orient Kamasu instead.