A Closer Look: Citizen Premier And The Attesa Collection

Citizen Watch has unveiled Citizen Premier, a new category of watches for the brand that elevates its presence in luxury watchmaking. Combining more than a century of horological expertise with cutting-edge technology, Citizen Premier encompasses two collections: Series 8 and Attesa. While both lines reflect Citizen’s commitment to precision and design, Attesa takes center stage as the brand celebrates 55 years of titanium innovation.

Launched in Japan in 1987, Attesa was a pioneer in integrating titanium with advanced technology, offering durability and sleek design. Now, with the introduction of the first-ever Attesa ceramic bezel models, Citizen brings this adventurous spirit to a new level. These watches, powered by Eco-Drive Satellite Wave GPS, represent the perfect fusion of pioneering materials and groundbreaking functionality.

The new Attesa models showcase Citizen’s mastery of titanium. The watches feature cases and bracelets made of Super Titanium™, a proprietary material five times harder and 40% lighter than stainless steel. While this is similar to most titanium in terms of weight, Citizen’s Super Titanium is extra rugged thanks to the brand’s pioneering ventures.

It was in the year 2000 that Citizen entered its Super Titanium™ era with the ASPEC World Time watch. The titanium was treated with Duratect – a proprietary surface hardening technology that rendered the titanium even more resistant to scratches and other influences. Later, in 2006, the brand developed a way to add DLC to the Duratect coating for even greater hardening technology – adding stronger dent resistance.

Now, the new Attesa watches are not only crafted in Super Titanium™ but also boast a first for the series: an octagonal ceramic bezel with an alluring brushed finish that offers sporty appeal. That look is further underscored by the integrated case and bracelet and by the unusual pushers on the case side.

Beneath the sleek exterior lies Citizen’s most advanced movement—the F950 Eco-Drive Satellite Wave GPS. It delivers the fastest GPS time signal reception in the world, syncing with satellites in as little as three seconds. This ensures hyper-accurate timekeeping anywhere on Earth. The Double Direct Flight function allows users to seamlessly switch between home and local time across 26 time zones with just two steps, making it ideal for global travelers.

The black dial, inspired by raw titanium’s deep hue, is accented by three sub-dials with polished metal rings. A rough-textured dial ring adds contrast, creating a contemporary, industrial-inspired look. With a 44mm case diameter and 13.7mm thickness, the watch offers a strong wrist presence, reflecting the ongoing popularity of larger timepieces.

Two versions are being made, both in Super Titanium™ but one with a Duratect Titanium Carbide finish and the other in Duratect DLC black. The crystal on all watches is sapphire with an anti-reflective coating. The Eco-Drive runs for five years on a full charge when in power save mode. The watch offers world time, GPS, chronograph, light-level indicator, power reserve indicator, perpetual calendar and  more. Both models retail for $1,995.

Citizen and Titanium

While Citizen delved into titanium watches in 1970, with the launch of the X-8 Chronometer that may have been the world’s first titanium watch, it wasn’t until 1987 that the brand brought titanium to its then-new Attesa line. With a matte finish, that watch boasted an integrated bracelet and round case – developed using a processing technology that offered a sleek non-shiny finish appealing to those who liked a low-key look. Still, the material was so revolutionary for its time that customers were intrigued. It has since become a staple material  in the Citizen sport watch arena.

It was in the year 2000 that Citizen entered its Super Titanium™ era with the ASPEC World Time watch. The titanium was treated with Duratect – a proprietary surface hardening technology that rendered the titanium even more resistant to scratches and other influences. Later, in 2006, the brand developed a way to add DLC to the Duratect coating for even greater hardening technology – adding stronger dent resistance.

Citizen Series 8

Also part of the Citizen Premier line, the Series 8 collection offers a sportier, automatic counterpart. Known for its bold, modern aesthetics, Series 8 debuted in the U.S. in 2023, marking Citizen’s foray into entry-level luxury automatics. Its clean lines, integrated bracelets, and robust movements appeal to those seeking refined yet versatile mechanical watches.