For those who like to get away from technology for a while, perhaps hike, surf, kayak, or any other active hobbies, but what to keep track of how long they’re away—we present the Citizen Chandler Watch. Its purpose: tell time. However, it brings more than just that; solar-powered technology and rugged design make it one of the best watches for active wearers.
Why We Like It – Citizen Chandler Watch Review
For an active user, having a rugged watch is key. Toss in Citizen’s Eco Drive technology, which converts light into energy, and you’ve got a match made in heaven.
- Solar powered watch
- Water resistant at depths of 333 feet
- Great choice for active lifestyle
- Limited alternative styles
- Not a smartwatch
Performance
Accuracy is everything to the Citizen Chandler Watch. We saw that given is Japanese quartz movement, which heavily favors accurate readings (craftsmanship is secondary). Quartz in general is far more accurate than automatic and needs far less maintenance. This pairs well with the new Citizen’s Eco Drive technology. Translation: solar power. By taking in light, the Citizen Chandler Watch can charge its own battery.
Additionally, it’s water resistant at depths of 333 feet—the deepest of any watch on our list. Its hands will tell you seconds, minutes, hours, day and date window. The markers will even glow in the dark to help you read; the Timex Men’s Easy Reader has backlighting, however.
Design
What we loved most about the Citizen Chandler Watch was its durability. It’s definitely designed to be worn every day and take a beating. In fact, its design heavily resembles watches worn in World War II; otherwise known as a “field watch.” It has a canvas strap made of nylon, connected to a stainless steel case with a silver tone and black dial.
What it lacks, however, is a variety of styles—at least with this particular model. The Citizen watch company manufactures the Eco Drive technology into other Citizen watches of varying details such as brown leather straps, blue dials, or different colored cases. It isn’t quite as extensive as the variety of colors and straps the Fossil Men’s Grant Stainless Steel & Leather Chronograph Quartz Watch offers.
Value
The Citizen Chandler Watch didn’t try to be anything it wasn’t. Smartwatches are great and certainly have more to offer, but not everyone wants to be tied to their smartphone—if they can help it. For someone who wants a functioning watch that isn’t tracking their heart rate or miles traveled, there’s a healthy amount of value here. Given its rugged nature, it’s great for active individuals. And it doesn’t hurt that the watch has a 5-year warranty.
If you’re interested in a smartwatch, you may want to browse features the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier Smartwatch With Bluetooth touts. For a timepiece specifically designed for the minimalist, check out our Casio Mens Classic Quartz Watch with Resin Strap review.
Citizen Chandler Watch Review Wrap Up
Having a watch that powers itself is ingenious. Pairing that with pinpoint accuracy, and you’ve got a watch that’ll last the ages. Its rugged nature helps it withstand depths of 333 feet, making ideal for active wearers. That alone was more than enough to look past its lack of styles and smartwatch functionality.
