The Watch Site banner

A review of the Citizen Attesa ATT53-2491 Titanium Perpetual Calendar

11K views 4 replies 4 participants last post by  minidriver 
#1 ·
Perhaps I should point out that this is a re-review? :-[
OK, my point is: I bought this watch three years ago and posted about it here: http://larrybiggs.net/scwf/index.php?mod=103&action=0&id=1183149602
and here: http://larrybiggs.net/scwf/index.php?mod=103&action=0&id=1183999737 already
and it still goes on my wrist at least twice a week. Why? The explanation in pictures:

The dial, again:



It doesn't get much easier to read than that, does it?

Some dial details:





The (integrated) bracelet. Please note that I usually hate integrated bracelets, but on some watches they are just perfect, and it's the case for this Attesa. The bracelet like the watch case and back, is solid titanium, mostly brushed and polished in the middle of the larger links and it has a perfect clasp with quick micro adjust.
The links are double hinged, so one practically doesn't feel the bracelet around the wrist, whether in cold or hot weather.

[img]

If you are into heavy watches, then this one is not for you. Adjusted to my wrist, it weights 78.5g

[img]http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/8285/clasp3ppscale.jpg

The crystal is sapphire and the case and bracelet are Duratect (titanium hardening process), so even after three years of use, the watch doesn't have a single noticeable scratch or ding, and the crystal is still perfect (there are a few very faint hairline scratches on the clasp).
The watch is not too tall on the wrist and will easily fit under a shirt sleeve:



The screw down case back is nicely engraved, but as unassuming as the rest of the watch. It is not polished or brushed, its smooth surface appears to have been bead-blasted:

[img]

The watch is antimagnetic and water resistant to 100m. I wore it a couple of times to go to the swimming pool, but since the clasp does not have a safety lock, it's not my favorite watch for swimming.

About the E760 movement: this is imho one of the best Eco-Drive perpetual calendar movements from Citizen. There are three separate motors for the seconds hand, calendar and hours+minutes hands. The seconds hand will stop whenever the watch is in the dark (no, not good for those covert night operations, I am afraid), immediately catching up whenever there is enough light again. The minutes hand moves once every 15s. A full charge will theoretically last three years. Accuracy is the standard quartz +/- 15s per month, good enough for me.

The lume is surprisingly good, on the level of the other Citizen divers. It is initially very bright, as seen here:

[img]http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/8752/lume1pp.jpg

This is not a small watch but it's not a huge chunk of metal either. Here it is flanked by two Seiko mid-size perpetual divers (yes, the one on the right needs a battery change - let's hope Seiko sees the light - pun intended - and implements a good solar powered movement in one of their divers soon).



So, is this the perfect casual watch? For me, yes. :) It's not a dress watch and I would not say it is particularly elegant, it's rather an exceptional casual/sports watch.

[img]http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/5807/side1pp.jpg

It's a simple, tough (Duratect titanium and sapphire crystal), practical, easy to read, easy to wear watch, that somehow gets a lot of wrist time. And somehow this watch has set a standard for other possible watch purchases, which I now always compare to this Attesa and a few other watches in my collection. Few candidates stand the comparison...

Thanks for reading,
Cheers,
 
See less See more
5
#4 ·
Thanks JohnN, thanks nhoJ. I remember I paid something around $210 for this watch in 2007 and when I compare it to more recent models from Citizen, I would say it was a reasonably good purchase. Of course if I compare it to the few Swiss or German watches with titanium cases and sapphire crystal that can be found nowadays, most of which cost in excess of $1000, I must say it was an extremely good purchase. :eek:
The problem with the present Citizen radio-controlled Attesa models is that they are mostly JDM watches and the simple models do not sync in Europe, only in Japan. When/if Citizen decides to make them all multi band (like most Casio models) they'll open a whole new market for their Attesa line.
Cheers,
 
#5 ·
But you got also to remember that back in 2007/08 the USD/Yen exchange rates were extremely favorable to us. I believe the trade at the time was around USD $1 = 120 JPY. Today you are lucky to break the 90 JPY exchange rate.


This is a beautiful and classic Attesa. I recently bought 2 new radio controlled models (Hope to complete video reviews of them in the next 2-3 weeks) and I am beyond pleased/impressed with them.


Citizen Japan now days is making a full transition to radio controlled technology. And if you have been paying attention to rumors, looks like Citizen will finally be releasing multi-band 3 hand analogue radio controlled models (Modelled after the JDM Attesas) by the end of this year.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top