Widely lauded by watch enthusiasts for the excellence of their products, Citizen’s masterful imports are built to do all the work you need them to and more. Their innovations are extensive, including a tremendous light-powered range. The NB0070-57E “Grand Touring” in particular is not a member of that range, yet that turns out to cause no problem. As usual, this watch punches above its weight, with all the characteristics of a timepiece far above its price range. Citizen is well-known for their high-quality movement, and this watch is no different; in fact, it holds a special surprise.
The automatic movement on this beauty has been given an extra strong, high pinion design. The Japanese movement is, in fact, unique to select Citizen models and highly sought after. Citizen recognizes the beauty of this construction, so they allow the exhibition case back to show off the movement, in all its glory. Best of all, the accuracy of this timepiece- with only a few seconds lost per day- is easily comparable to its quartz counterparts. Watch enthusiasts will be very impressed with the Miyota 9021 movement, both beautiful and supremely effective.
Features & Design
The Grand Touring is multi functional, and has a subtle date box cleverly placed just to the side of the three numeral. This also creates an interesting monthly requirement with regard to monthly maintenance. The owner gets the privilege of doing a little of their own work on the watch, an opportunity to see further into their timekeeping piece.
This maintenance requirement involves diving a little deeper into the workings of the Grand Touring, removing the crown to change the date at the end of the month. The same applies to a time zone change or a time reset for the avid traveller. As a result, a creative design piece has been added, The crown is non-locking for ease of removal and replacement. In addition, the guard does not need to be pulled down to wind the movement, which is hackable, but it does need to be removed to perform the previously mentioned actions.
Build Quality & Style
The NB0070-57E, in classic fashion, maintains a polished stainless steel theme throughout. Gorgeous anti reflective sapphire crystal dial window opens up to an eye-catching black dial with luminous hands that do their best, most eye catching work at low light. This is due to a brilliant lume, with the surprising stylistic choice of not extending the numerals the ability to luminesce. The domed window is scratch and impact resistant, keeping all the important parts as safe as can be. A rather large case, at 42mm, maintains the Citizen Grand Touring’s stainless steel theme, polished to a high level of aesthetic appeal. Yet, at just 15mm thick, the Citizen Grand Touring is uber thin and ultra slick.
This creative sizing stands in brilliant contrasting with its band, which has a moderate thickness of 23mm. Like every high quality watch, there is no need for concern regarding this watch staying on. High quality stainless steel ensures the band and clasp do their jobs to perfection. In addition, the clasp has a fascinating design. It is fold over, and has a hidden double push-button, which looks extra sleek. This watch oozes sophistication, yet holds its own well in a casual setting. This is another case of trademark Citizen adaptability.
Wearability
At 16 oz, the Grand touring sits on the heavier side of things. As opposed to being a hinderance, this induces a comfortable pleasure, as you know it’s there without it weighing you down. The persistent feel of such a high-quality timepiece is a unique sensation. One also feels right at home considering Citizen’s comfort with the quality of their product.
This watch comes complete with a 5 year (or 6 year for web registration) warranty. This is especially relevant considering that the timepiece boasts a very impressive water resistance of 660 feet, or 200 meters. This means that any reasonable use in or around liquid is perfectly ok, as the watch is completely waterproof- watersport enthusiasts rejoice. The Grand Touring also boasts a stationary bezel, for ease of removal, which is also of course made of stainless steel.
Final Thoughts
I have always been an advocate of Citizen. Their movement, build quality and style have a strong tendency to impress. Here, with the NB0070-57E Grand Touring, they have continued their long line of competence. As far as style goes, each individual element impresses, while the combination of them all amounts to more aesthetic power. The Miyota 9021 is a powerhouse of engineering, and each part is made to last. For the price, and considering the punch-above-its-weight nature of this piece, I would absolutely recommend it. For both starters excited for their first step into high-quality watch ownership and experienced connoisseurs adding another perfect timepiece to their collection, the Grand Touring does not disappoint.
Jorge says
Great review. Do you mind that it doesn’t has a screw in crown like the Grand Touring Sport?