Think Citizen; think Eco-Drive. That?s how synonymous the two are in my mind. Despite a good range of mechanical watches in their catalog, Citizen?s proprietary solar charging technology is their real strong suit. My Citizen Nighthawk has long been my grab-and-go watch ? the ones I reach for when I just want something low maintenance, and the watch I?m looking at today would fit that bill just as well.
Citizen?s new AW1620 Eco-Drive, available in three different dial colors, is a simple and good looking take on a flieger style watch with a few nice flourishes. The whole package isn?t without its drawbacks, but I think it still represents great value if you go in with your eyes wide open.

$150

Hands-On: Citizen AW1620 Eco-Drive

Case
Stainless steel

Movement
Eco-Drive calibre J810

Dial Black

Lume
Proprietary

Lens
Domed mineral

Strap
Bracelet or leather

Water Resistance
100m

Dimensions
42 x 49mm

Thickness
11mm

Lug Width
21mm

Crown
push/pull

Warranty
2 years

Price
$150

Case
The case is the first combination of good and bad for me, though the bad is entirely subjective. On the downside, the dimensions are slightly larger than I would have hoped for. The diameter of 42mm isn?t gargantuan, but it?s still a couple of millimeters larger than would have been ideal in my opinion. The lug to lug length of 49mm, coupled with a fairly straight profile, makes for a watch that doesn?t wear any smaller than it?s specs.

On the fl...