Citizen Celebrates 40 Years Of The Aqualand With A Limited Edition Of The Depth-Gauge Diver
In 1985, Citizen revolutionized the world of dive watches by introducing the Aqualand. Among the standout features of this then-state-of-the-art dive tool were the multifunctional digital display and built-in electronic depth gauge. The latter gave the watch its distinct shape, with the depth sensor’s hardware element protruding from the left side of the case. The first Aqualand, reference CQ-1012-50, used the C020 movement and was the first watch to offer this functionality digitally. It did so two years after the first commercially available dive computers hit the shelves.
Since 1985, the watch has enjoyed a well-earned cult-classic status among watch enthusiasts. The Aqualand has appeared on Jean Reno’s wrist on the silver screen and Ralph Lauren’s wrist by the runway. It has been a go-to for the Danish Navy’s Frømandskorpset and has shared a nickname (“Pingo”) with the king of that same Nordic nation. Today, the brand celebrates the dive watch’s 40th anniversary by introducing a limited-edition model. Its combination of gray and gold PVD finishes nods back to some of the rarest versions of the Aqualand ever produced. So, before we look at this celebratory iteration, let’s check our air supply and dive into the Citizen Aqualand’s 40-year history.
A 1985 Citizen ad featuring the CQ-1039-50 Aqualand
A brief history of the Citizen Aqualand
Now, let’s start with some context for the Aqualand. Since its release 40 years ago, the watch has been produced in many variants. The earlier references introduced in 1985 have been mis-referenced as “C0023” in the past, but the “C02x” number on the case back refers to the movement found inside. The even-numbered movement references (C020, C022, C026, and C028) measure depth in meters, while the odd-numbered ones (C021, C023, C027, and C029) do so in feet.
First-generation Aqualand models — Image: bertroadkingcla (Pinterest)
The first generation, or “C02x” movement series, consisted of steel and two-tone models (refs. CQ-1012-50 and CQ1021-50, using movements C020, C021, C022, and C023). Fewer were made in black PVD-coated titanium (ref. CQ-1039-50, using movements C026, C027, C028, C029), and the rarest of all remain the ion-bonded-metal versions (refs. JH-0034-01E and JH-0044-07E, using the C022 and C023 movements, respectively). These have a more gunmetal-like finish and were only made for a short period around 1992.
Early Aqualand references — Image: Klocksnack
These early references had a case back secured with six screws and used three button-cell batteries. The “CQ” and “JH” references quoted above were not consistently used, so the movement code (combined with the serial number) usually provides the best way of finding out more about these older examples. You can get an idea of that first generation’s full spectrum of references in this video by Plastic Indices on YouTube and this post from the Swedish watch forum Klocksnack. Over time, Citizen made minor improvements, the most significant of which came in 1996/97.
A Danish combat diver (Frømandskorpset) with a JP-2000 — Image: soldaten.dk
The birth of the modern Aqualand
This is when Citizen shifted to the JP-2000 reference and C520 movement (still in production today) and transitioned to a screw-in case back and single battery. The brand also improved the movement’s accuracy, both in timekeeping and in its depth-measuring capabilities. However, the most fascinating thing is how unchanged the formula has remained. The case shape, dimensions, dial layout, and functions are virtually identical. Even the double-arrow Promaster logo, which debuted on the Aqualand’s dial before its official association with the Promaster line (introduced four years later), is ever present.
The author’s 2023 reference JP2000-08E
Today, the watch exists as an affordable, charming anachronism. Those who dive with it will never use it as their sole source of information. But it does make for a brilliant backup (the use I imagine the Danish “Frogmen” have for it) and a worthy companion for more casual divers, as I can confirm. Experiencing the quirky joy of the Citizen Aqualand is something I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone reading this today.
The Citizen Promaster Aqualand 40th Anniversary limited edition
The new Citizen Promaster Aqualand 40th Anniversary limited edition (ref. JP2008-06E) celebrates 40 years of this inimitable dive watch. This new model brings back a distinctive two-tone look. This combination of steel and gold-plated accents has not been featured in modern Aqualand models since the (long-discontinued) JP2004-07E. What’s new here is the combination of gold PVD accents with the gray PVD case from the lume-dial JP2007-17W.
Those paying attention will have noticed that this makes a subtle nod to the gunmetal tone of the ion-bonded JH-0034-01E and JH-0044-07E models from the early ’90s. You can see an example above. The main visual differences are in the color of the bezel’s numerals and markings (which had a gold tone on the original), the layout and size of the dial text, and the new version’s black sunburst dial. Other than that, the watch maintains its 44mm diameter (50.7mm including the depth gauge and 38mm across the bezel), 47.7mm lug-to-lug, and 14.8mm thickness. The lugs take a 24mm strap. In this case, it’s a black hydrolysis-resistant, biomass-based polyurethane (BENEBiOL) strap with the signature venting and an added dive-suit extension.
The 60-click unidirectional bezel has an aluminum insert with a luminous pip. The dial sits below a mineral crystal, and the hour markers and hands contain a generous dose of lume. A knurled screw-down crown and screw-in case back help it reach its certified ISO-compliant 200m depth rating.
The movement
Inside this limited edition is still Citizen’s venerable caliber C520. It keeps time with an accuracy of ±20 seconds per month and features a 1/100th-second chronograph (timing up to 100 minutes of elapsed time), a day/date display, and a dive mode. You can access the “dive mode” by holding the bottom-left pusher. It’ll also automatically activate when the sensor detects water pressure. The watch will display the current depth (down to 80 meters). A dive alarm will warn the wearer if ascending too rapidly. The dive log stores the last four dives on which the watch has been used. It displays the date, elapsed time, and maximum depth reached.
Final details and pricing
This 40th Anniversary edition of the Aqualand is a welcome addition to the range and will undoubtedly appeal to fans of the model. The case back features a special “40th Anniversary” engraving inspired by the shape of the depth sensor. Limited to 5,800 pieces, this latest version of the Citizen Aqualand is available starting today for €479. Stay tuned for a hands-on review.
