Citizen’s ‘Fugu’ limited editions make a second splash.

NY0096-12L

This was bound to happen. After Citizen’s successful launch of the Promaster NY008 limited edition in 2018 - affectionately known as the ‘Fugu’ for its grooved bezel that resembles the pufferfish - the Japanese brand is back with a fresh batch of limited editions to tantalise collectors.

Like the Promaster NY008, the new Promaster NY009 is billed as an Asia-exclusive and comes in a number of references comprising coloured dials and bezels. There are two versions: an ‘Asia special edition’ comprising five references, capped at 2,000 pieces each; and a ‘Southeast Asia limited edition’, capped at 1,989 pieces.

NY0098-84E

Although the Promaster NY009 Asia editions pretty much rock the tool-watch appeal that one’d expect from a Promaster dive watch, they still manage to offer a bit of variety within the tight aesthetic framework.

NY0090-86E

Collectors who want to keep things old-school can check out the versions with red, black and blue bezels with black dials, which look solid and sporty. (Tip: if you are one for details, the models with black and red bezels sport bronze-coloured logos and accents on the hands and indexes, which lends a slightly decorative touch.) For those who prefer a classier look, there are yellow gold-plated versions paired either with rubber strap or two-tone bracelet. If we were to choose, we’d just go all out with the two-tone bracelet.

NY0099-81X

The Southeast Asia limited edition, on the other hand, is slightly pricier but the one to get, in our books. The green bezel and dial are executed in a shade of deep basil that is not just on-trend, but lovely to boot, as green is one of the most challenging tones to execute well on watch dials. As an added treat, the Southeast Asia limited edition is numbered, which imbues the watches with even greater exclusivity.

NY0094-85E

Regardless of your poison, the watches are all emblazoned with the famous fugu logo on the caseback, and properly equipped with an automatic movement featuring day-date display and offering 40 hours of power reserve. Comparisons with the Promaster NY008 are inevitable and the biggest difference lies in the style proposition – the new Promaster NY009 offers a more classic and retro take with the mono-tone dials and bezels, along with bracelet options. Either way, it is going to be tough to decide on your favourite Fugu for 2019.

Case	42mm stainless steel or stainless steel with rose gold plating
Dial	Black, blue or green
Movement	Automatic Cal. 8203
Bracelet	Stainless steel, two-tone stainless steel, or rubber strap
Functions	Hours, minutes, seconds, day and date
Water resistance	200m
Price	NY0099-81X (green bezel): $663.40 NY0096-12L (blue bezel, two-tone): $497.55 NY0094-85E (black bezel, two-tone): $642.00 NY0090-86E (black bezel): $599.20 NY0091-83E (red bezel): $599.20 NY0098-84E (blue bezel): $599.20

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