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Citizen Promaster Aqualand Returns - 40 Years of Depth Sensors

Daily Winder
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Daily Winder
A watch enthusiast blog dedicated to exploring timepieces, craftsmanship, and horological culture. From vintage classics to modern marvels, we celebrate the art of watchmaking.
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The Citizen Aqualand is back. And for once, a 40th anniversary edition actually matters.

Why This Matters
#

In 1985, Citizen released the original Aqualand - the world’s first watch with an electronic depth sensor. While other brands were making analog dive watches with rotating bezels, Citizen built something that could actually tell you how deep you were.

The technology became standard in serious dive computers. But Citizen largely abandoned the Aqualand format in recent years, at least in Western markets.

This anniversary edition brings it back properly.

The Watch
#

The new Promaster Aqualand 40th Anniversary keeps the core concept: depth sensor, dive time measurement, and traditional watch functionality in one package.

47mm case sounds big, but the Aqualand always was a substantial piece. 200m water resistance. Eco-Drive solar movement - no battery changes needed.

The depth sensor measures to 80m with accuracy displayed on the dial. Maximum depth memory. Dive time measurement up to 120 minutes.

The design references the original 1985 model while updating materials and ergonomics. Titanium case option available alongside steel.

Price
#

The steel version runs around €650. Titanium pushes toward €900.

For a purpose-built dive tool with genuine utility, that’s competitive. You’re getting actual functionality here, not just dive watch aesthetics.

Competition
#

Garmin and Suunto dominate the modern dive computer market with full-featured wrist devices. The Aqualand can’t compete on data and connectivity.

But it doesn’t need to. Some divers want a real watch that happens to measure depth, not a computer that happens to show time. The Aqualand serves that niche perfectly.

The 40th anniversary timing is smart. Gen X buyers who remember the original Aqualand are at peak watch-spending age. Nostalgia plus functionality is a powerful combination.

Available September 2025.

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