Citizen Silver Leaf Lacquer NB1060 38.2mm

A Japan domestic market exclusive from Citizen, the eloquently named NB1060 (it really rolls off the tongue, doesnt it?) has become a forum darling and absolute heavyweight in the sporty-dress watch category. With a balance of competent case finishing, great specs and an absolute powerhouse of a dial, it's a suprisingly versatile watch.

At the specs level, the high beat Miyota 9 series movement (Miyota is owned by Citizen so that makes it inhouse!) is a slim, reliable performer. The steel case features an elegant mix of brushing and polishing to give it some sparkle. I find the angular case design reminiscent of some Grand Seiko Sport models (the Evo9 series comes to mind) but at a much more accessible price. The overall shape is versatile, meaning in my collection it gets a lot more wear time than similarly positioned models such as Seiko's cocktail time series (the nearest direct big brand competitor). A 19mm lug width is annoying but visually balanced, so thankfully the included strap and deployant are pretty good. They do stick to a more sober aesthetic mind you, but swapping to a plain leather strap or even a sailcloth or textile strap really opens this watch up to casual wear. 

The dial is where the money is at, however. Made of silver leaf dyed blue and coated in lacquer, it's a stunner. It shifts and sparkles from different angles, and is complemented by simple but well executed polished silver markers and a set of dual finished dauphine style hands. While each dial will be slightly different based on the patterning of silver leaf used, I've yet to see one that was a let down. The technique used here is becoming quite popular in some of the more dress oriented microbrands recently, but Citizen did it first!

I really like this watch. I purchased mine on a trip to Japan for my birthday, so I may be biased by the memories attached to my particular example, but I think for the asking price it's a genuinely gorgeous, well spec'd watch. I've heard some people call it "Grand Seiko on a budget" and I'm inclined to agree. I like mine so much I recently sold my similar sized Seiko Cocktail Time because, in the dress watch realm, I was just never reaching for it over my Citizen. Add that it can be dressed down and sporty with just a strap change? Winner.