The 2013 Citizen Eco-Drive Military Sub-Seconds BV1085-22H updates the military-themed solar-powered family with a new, pilot-style dial.
Although not looking terribly original, the new version aims to win thousands of customers that look for a gadget that combines a slightly modernized look of a classic pilot’s watch with a high-tech Eco-Drive movement.
Some people will probably wince a little, but Citizen seems to be investing really hard into the Eco-Drive technology. Unlike their automatic calibers that are currently reserved for watches 5-10 times more expensive, this one is more precise and will probably be cheaper in the long run. So, why not?
Like the previous iteration, the new member of the family is delivered in a mildly oversized body around 43 millimeters in diameter.
Crafted from black ion-plated steel, the case is equipped with short lugs that increase its overall length to just over 48 millimeters (less than a standard European box of matches,) so there is a good chance that it will fit even an extremely skinny wrist quite nicely.
Still, you must understand that, even by today’s standards, the watch can be considered mildly oversized, so you should probably try one or similarly designed pieces from the Japanese brand on your own wrist before pulling the proverbial trigger.
(Image courtesy watchshop.com)
Luckily, being equipped with what is essentially a solar-powered quartz mechanism, and sporting a design of its flat stainless steel body similar to those of modern field watches, the Eco-Drive Military Sub-Seconds is rather thin measuring just 11 millimeters top to bottom, so it will be comfortable with most kinds of jackets and shirts.
Judging by the timekeeper’s looks and specs (the Japanese brand is traditionally brief when it comes to specifications), the dial is basically the only major design element that differentiates the BV1085-22H from the rest of the family.
The new watch has a B-Uhr-style face with two rings: minutes and hours printed in white and orange lume respectively. Styling wise the setting crown, and even the “WR 100” inscription below the date aperture are the same, but that’s something one might expect from a watch priced only slightly above the $160 mark.
The nylon strap (it is now military green, a must for those wearing khaki) will probably have to go after the first year. I would probably replace it with a proper Cordura strap although some may find it a bit too expensive compared to the timekeeper’s sub-$200 price tag. Otherwise, I would say that this watch will not force you into any more expenses than to service it in intervals that are specified by the manufacturer.
Although the watch doesn’t offer much in terms of style or originality, it is still a good choice if you simply look for an inexpensive beater that just works always telling you the correct time, and not requiring changing batteries. Ever.
Of course, in this price range the watch will be inevitably assembled in China, but Citizen’s quality control there is reasonably good, so it’s not a problem.
See also: Citizen Promaster Sea Eco-Drive Diver
Photos: Citizen Watches
WWR’s verdict:
Originality 2/5
Build quality: 4/5
Usability: 4/5
Legibility: 4/5
Value for money: 5/5
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Citizen Eco-Drive Military Sub-Seconds BV1085-22H specification
Price: $160-$180
Movement: Quartz, Eco-Drive, solar-powered, Made in Japan
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date
Case, Bezel & Crown: Stainless steel, black ion-plated
Shape: Round
Size: 43.00 mm
Case height: 11.00 mm
Front crystal: Mineral, anti-reflective
Back: Solid
Dial: Grey
Numerals: Arabic, luminous
Hour markers: Luminous
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Green nylon textile strap