Wow, what a mouthful in that name! Well, that’s because this watch can do a lot, really it is quite impressive. Citizen has been long known for some advanced technology in its watches, and this is no exception. Now, when you are dealing with quartz movements you can add some pretty impressive features, take a few of my favorite complicated quartz movements such as; the Tissot T-Touch, The Citizen Radio Controlled world timer, and of course the Breitling Emergency.
Citizen originally perfected the Eco-Drive technology in their watches, offering it in models starting in 1995. In November 2012, they presented their latest technological breakthrough: Eco-Drive Proximity. I had the opportunity to spend some time playing with this watch, after all I sell it in my store, Diamonds & Gold. It is truly a fun watch to use.
This watch has all of the features you would expect from the Retail Jeweller Watch Brand of the Year. It has many of the complications of their higher end watches; a perpetual calendar, 60 minute chronograph, 24 hour indicator, dual time zone, and a power reserve indicator, but what makes this watch really special is that it is equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy sync. Pairing these features with being water-resistant to 100 metres ensures its durability with some high-tech chops.
One of the first things I appreciated was the user manual included on a credit card sized USB drive, showing that it is high-tech from the get go. The watch has an accompanying iPhone App, which allows you to connect Proximity to your iPhone 4s or iPhone 5. Activating the Automatic Date and Time Synchronisation feature ensures that wherever you are, the watch adjusts accordingly through its 
connection with your phone, this also saves you from manually setting the watch initially when fresh from the box. The app is very easy to use and very intuitive. It offers alerts for email messages, incoming calls, missed calls, calendar alerts, and proximity(if you move too far away from your phone). Waiting for a call or email but have to be discreet? The Proximity will quietly alert you using a light vibration, with the second-hand automatically sweeping to point at various indicators on the dial so you can see whether you have a call, email or appointment.
My favorite feature is the iPhone search feature. If you’ve ever misplaced your phone, you know that awful feeling of worry, and having to retrace your steps to find it. With iPhone Search you would simply press a button on your watch and your iPhone will alert even if it is in silent mode so you can find it. Also, if you forget your phone and walk away, Proximity will vibrate to alert you that the Bluetooth connection is broken.
The Proximity comes in stainless accented with blue indicators, which is my favorite, and in black pvd with green accent. Both come on a great spot style perforated strap backed with the corresponding color and stitching. It is in a 45mm case and is water resistant to 100 meters. Powered by light using Citizens famous Eco-Drive Technology, the watch has up to a 6 month reserve without a recharge. For all of this crammed into a great looking package at a very reasonable price tag of $495, to iPhone users at least, this watch going to be swell.
(images courtesy of Citizen)
Related articles
- Users: iPhone 4 proximity sensor causes issues (reviews.cnet.com)
- Citizen proximity review (ablogtowatch.com)
How to be Swell 
That’s a lot of watch! I worked at a wristwatch boutique for over ten years and we sold Citizen for the last six months that I was there. Impressive models in their lineup. Nice write up.
Thanks! Yeah I have sold watches for years as well. There are a number of brand that I love, you may have seen some here, but for the money that you spend Citizen really has the most to offer in many of their models as well as having some very robust watches.