Introducing: The Citizen Super Titanium Armor Series

By James Stacey

Quick Take

Announced to mark the 50th anniversary of the world’s first titanium wristwatch, Citizen has recently launched its new Super Titanium Armor series. Representing a further evolution in the brand’s solar-powered titanium watches, the Armor series is comprised of a 41mm time and date model and a pair of 44mm chronographs (with or without gold accents). With integrated bracelets and Teutonic lines meant to invoke the look and feel of armor plates, all three models are made of Citizen’s own “Super Titanium,” which is titanium that has been treated to the brand’s Duratect surface-hardening. The goal? A super-light sports watch that won’t scratch as easily as those made from standard titanium.

Initial Thoughts

In 1970, Citizen launched the first-ever titanium wristwatch with its X-8 chronometer and, over the past 50 years, the brand has become closely tied to the idea of an accessible and tech-forward titanium watch. Sticking to that script, the Armor line’s Super Titanium is reportedly 50% more scratch-resistant than stainless steel while maintaining the material’s characteristic light wrist presence thanks to titanium being some 40% lighter than steel.

The Duratect surface treatment also enables Citizen to change the color of the metal and to more easily apply a wide range of finishing without sacrificing overall scratch resistance. Surface-level hardening will certainly improve scratch-resistance (surface hardening is not uncommon, especially from Citizen). But these sorts of hardening treatments are less effective in mitigating larger hits and knocks that can penetrate the surface layer of the hardening. And while dings and dents are possible with any sporty watch, if you’ve ever owned a titanium watch, you’ll likely agree that it doesn’t take much at all for the material to be covered in tiny hairline scratches – which is the sort of wear and tear that hardening can help alleviate.

While the Armor line is indeed a new range for Citizen, it’s not the first time we’ve seen the company use Super Titanium on a watch, and the material can be found in a handful of watches from the brand, including the burly Promaster 1000M, the Captain America, and the ani-digi classic Promaster Skyhawk. Speaking specifically about these models in the Armor line (and my love of comparative data), I do wish Citizen could provide some statement as to the weight of each model. (I have asked for …read more