In Person: Citizen’s New Aviation dial

Citizen BM8475-26E – $131.25

First it was the green dial.  Then the blackout came along.  Now, say hello to the orange version.

Citizen’s BM8475 watches all have the same basic setup.  Black plated matte stainless case, aviation style hands, big flight dial numbers at the quarter hours, textured crown, and they’re all powered by the easy to like Eco-Drive movement.  Even if you prefer automatics, it’s hard not to appreciate the fueled-by-light engine that’s in these things.

This new option stands out for the obvious, orange shaded reasons.  The orange numerals, hands, and hash marks look surprisingly good next to the cognac-leaning band.  It’s unique but it’s not obnoxious.  More important is the feel.  It’s a nice, medium weight and it feels like it could sustain getting roughed up.  The crystal is mineral, but with a setup like this, a few scratches will only add character.

Unlike the other two versions of this watch, Citizen put a leather band on this one.  And it’s surprisingly soft right out of the box.  Not a bit of stiffness in this band.  The polar opposite of the band on the Sturhling Tuskegee Skymaster.   Cream colored stitching is perfect, as is the squared off (not pointed) band end.

42mm in diameter but seems to wear slightly smaller.  It’ll look big on a smaller guy’s wrist, but it won’t look too big if you’re of average size or a larger human.  Easily one of the best looking, if not the best looking casual watch Citizen has on the market right now.