Zach Brass
Fantastic 4: First Step plays in cinemas all over the world, but as a watch man, I’m wondering. Citizens may get the answer in Zenshin three hands.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsh6ceu1aoy
I know I’m known for wearing Marveltney Stark sunglasses (somehow my seemingly controversial signature), but that’s not why I’m mentioning the new Fantastic 4 movie. Citizens recently launched the popular Zenshin model, Fantastic 4: First Steps Limited Edition. So I felt it was timely to watch not only the Fantastic 4 Limited Edition but also the regular production Zenshin.
case
First, let’s dig into what they have in common. Each watch is manufactured from the citizens’ own super titanium, and by chance it is suitable for a superhero version. Super Titanium combines citizens’ unique Duratect Surface-Hardening technology with an already lightweight, robust material that is titanium to further enhance its properties. With that in mind, citizens argue that its super titanium is five times the surface hardness of stainless steel and is 40% lighter than stainless steel. As a great everyday equipment material, you can spend the day without any fear of scratches or scratches.
According to the brand, it is worth yelling that citizens who realized watches with titanium cases with X-8 chronometers in 1970 were the first watch manufacturer in history.
Zenshin has wrist-friendly dimensions, with a 39mm diameter, a rather thin 10mm thick, moderately compact 44mm lug-to-lug and a 47mm end link. The case is brushed most of the surface, especially in the price range, and is complemented by sophisticated accents such as bevel faceted lugs and bezel rings that framble the dial. Of course, it is necessary to mention that the case is 100 meters water resistant. This means it’s safe for swimming and summer fun.
bracelet
The mixed finish has been extended to Zenshin’s case matching integrated bracelet, with brushed Y-shaped links with a sophisticated base connecting to each subsequent link. It is secured to the wrist via a folding clasp that gently includes two drilling positions for fine adjustment. Each link also uses pins and color systems. If you want to size your bracelet yourself, you need to get used to it.
Movement
The final shared element is the J800 eco-drive movement, which is unique within the company of citizens. Unlike traditional quartz, the eco-drive is a light movement that always charges itself. It runs continuously and continuously without the need to replace the battery. And it’s important to note that I don’t just mean solar. When I say I drive the light, it also includes artificial lighting above you when you work at your desk. At unlikely events, they run in the dark for a long time. The J800 runs for eight months on a fully charged charge before it needs to be exposed to light again.
Dial
Now I think that there is an important difference between the two watches being dialed. Fantastic 4: First Step Limited Edition Zenshin pays homage to the four superheroes. The highly icy blue central medallions combine a very icy blue central medallions that alternate around more traditional tiny hash with dotted indexes spaced by a blue and gray background.
The applied baton hour index with white luminous filling surrounds most of the inner perimeter, but each base index is remixed to pay tribute to each member of Fantastic 4. At 3 o’clock, an invisible woman. 6 o’clock, a fiery human torch. And then, at 9 o’clock, there was a rocky index that embodies things. Of course, there will also be a Fantastic 4 emblem during 4 o’clock.
The usual production models we have here are far more consistent with what we expect from a Japanese watch brand. In the center is a textured green surface that is likely to be inspired by nature. It is a very rich shade and its texture really adds even more depth and dimensions. My estimation is that you will be praised by the citizens because you will usually find a dial like this on a much more expensive watch. Adjacent to the green center there is a black outer minute track with a complete set of printed hashes that clearly show individual minutes and even each second.
Also, rather than rounding as seen in the Fantastic 4 Limited Edition, there is a perfectly consistent set of square time indexes, all filled with bright white stuffing. On both dials, the middle hour and minute hands are bright in the dark, like the applied time index with white filling. And at 3am there are very practical day and date complications that are bilingual. You can set the dates displayed in English or Spanish for the model you have at hand. It’s quite beautiful.
One of the challenges of light watches is that having a dial makes it worth screaming that light can penetrate through its surface and recharge its movement. This is why many other brands trying to create their own have dials with subtle, noticeable slits so that light can pass through. Citizens, with their proficiency and magic, leave no obvious symbols on the dial.
verdict
Overall, eco-drive watches like these Zenshin may not carry the romance of mechanical watches, but it is difficult to deny that both of these watches exude practical beauty at attractive prices. A case of robust, 100 meters water-resistant ultra-titanium. Handsome, well finished integrated design. Attractive date dial. And it hassle-free and extremely accurate eco-drive technology. With both Zenshins at USD 600, I think it’s an analog watch experience that’s difficult to beat, both in terms of looks and performance.
Citizen Zenshin’s three-hand pricing and availability
Both Citizen Zenshin 3-hand watches are currently available for purchase, but the Fantastic 4 model is a limited edition of 1,100 units. Price: US$525 (Green), US$595 (Fantastic 4: First Step Limited Edition)
Brand Citizen Model Zenshin Three-Tech Reference AW0130-85X (Green)
AW0131-66W (The Fantastic 4: First Steps LE) Case Dimensions 39mm (D) x 10mm (T) x 44mm (LTL) Case Material Super Titanium Resistance 100m Crystal (S) Sapphire Dial Green, Texture
Blue, Fantastic 4-Element Strap Integrated Super Titanium Bracelet, Foldable Clasp Movement J800, In-house, Eco Drive Solar Quartz Battery Life 8 months on Full Charge, Charging Time, Minutes, Seconds, Days, Date Availability (Green) (Green)
Now, it’s limited to 1,100 pieces (Fantastic 4: First Step LE) Price US$525 (green)
US $595 (Fantastic 4: First Step le)
