Cheaper And Better Than Grand Seiko! Citizen Chronomaster AQ4030-51A

00:00 Intro
04:38 Packaging
06:25 Dimensions
09:23 Movement + Accuracy
11:15 Why Not Grand Seiko
13:27 On Wrist
14:49 Moans + Niggles

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Sleeper luxury? Ultimate GADA? Not one for the show offs, because it is just so plain, it looks like a regular Citizen. I am not ruling out a GS at some point, but until they do a titanium with lume and a 9F, I'll be very very happy with my Chronomaster. Cheers, Jody

[carlkim]

I have an earlier version of this. People won't get it until you try on this watch. The crystal is so clear that you think it isn't there. Sometimes I catch myself poking the dial to make sure it didn't fall off. The comfort from the perfect balance of weight is incredible.

[EricPark]

I have been sticking with Citizen since 1995 and have never been disappointed

[jeffone]

Beautiful watch for those who prefer understated perfection in timekeeping. Very impressive!

[praajesh]

Oh my God, this is what peak Quartz looks like. Mind-blowing piece

[AlexanderB.]

Finally Citizen get the appreciation from you they deserve. Details like the artisanal handmade paper worked into the dial is what I love about Japanese watchmaking, subtle nods to Japanese culture that aren't in your face though. But all things considered, a Grand Seiko would give me more tingles.

[poulwinther]

"The Japanese finish titanium better than the Swiss finish steel." Honestly, this is the first time I've seen titanium looking good enough for me to be interested. WOW!
I am totally with you on the understated perfection for aficionados only.

[bjorn]

I’ve got a Citizen Exceed which syncs with clock towers, uses same solar, same duratect titanium, same water resistance, same crystal face, same perpetual calendar, same alignment perfection etc. It only has illumination on the arms, but this really is my go-anywhere watch as it doesn’t have the same price either.

It’s run PERFECTLY for the last 12 years and I absolutely adore it.

[asvpxbrendan]

Quartz watches are awesome and Seiko/Citizen have such a lot of really cool options. Have a GS SBGF021 from mid 2000's. Lumed indices + hands, 200m wr, 36mm, +/- 10s a year and independently adjustable hour hand. Great pickup Jody!

[cpascual]

Got the hand dyed indigo blue dial one. I love how it looks so plain, but when the sunlight catches the dial, the washi paper details really pop. There's nothing like it offered by any watchmaker. Also when given compliments by a watch repairman and salesman, you know you got something special.

[goldencalf]

Good to see Citizen giving Seiko a run for its money, just like it did back in the day.

[timrosenthal]

I love it, it's beautiful. I have never understood the 'vanilla' reference to Citizen. To me, an average watch person, they have always been as good as any Seiko, at least in my price range anyway.

[gyrfalcon]

Absolutely gorgeous and I love the accuracy. Titanium is a huge bonus. I have the GS SBGV243 and love it but I can see these Citizens giving it a run for the money! In regard to GS accuracy…I sent mine to GS for a battery replacement. It was still under warranty so it didn’t cost me a dime, not even for shipping. In any event, they also serviced the movement. And…drum roll, it’s now at plus 0.017 seconds per day. That’s plus 6 seconds per year. Pretty cool for a watch that is rated at 10. I’ve read about others getting even better, right out of the box. 🎉🎉🎉

[cursedrake]

Beautiful watch, the AQ4020, a very similar model, may be my next purchase. I currently have a 9F quartz, the SBGP017, and it’s one of the +-5 secs a year like your Citizen, but still no solar charging or perpetual calendar like you have here. I’m really happy both Grand Seiko and Citizen give quartz the respect it deserves!

[carstenhuberonlinecoaching]

I just ordered a AQ4091-56E yesterday 😬. I also own a Gs Sbgv207. I am even more excited now for the Citizen after i've seen your video. Thank you very much for your review!

[felixchong]

I own the black face. Got mine while in Japan. Definitely wearing this more than my Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT.

[mattmcgriff]

I just got in the AQ4080-52L, which is the steel The Citizen, same movement but more of a classic oyster style dress watch. Simply stunning. Love it!

[justaguyyouknow]

I have this exact watch but man sizing the bracelet is super super difficult, and all the local jewlers just basically looked at it and didn't want to bother. The watch otherwise is incredible. Quartz at this high of quality is so rare, and this watch was ultimately, I realized, what I was looking for during my whole journey in watches, the whole time. The only fault is that it's not blue and white at the same time!

[spicydragon]

Citizen in my opinion is overlooked far to often by far too many. They have a ton of offerings and build some outstanding watches. I've always loved this watch but have for some reason been nervous to pull the trigger. I love the classic understated, as you said, "if you know, you know" design. I have Rolex, Patek and Omega that were passed down from my father, so I'm always nervous wearing them out and about. Thank you for another honest review and helping me to makeup my mind. :)

[craig]

Great looking quartz. Love that it hits all of the markers. Brilliant purchase.

[charanjeev]

Was about to skip the packaging part then I hear about the savings, excellent hook there sir 👌🏻