Few dive watches have earned such a distinctive place in the collective memory of both professionals and enthusiasts as the Citizen Aqualand. Introduced in the mid-1980s with groundbreaking functionality, it was the first analog wristwatch to incorporate an electronic depth gauge—a technical feat that resonated with divers and tech-minded collectors alike. Now, for its 40th anniversary, Citizen unveils a commemorative edition that revisits the original’s unique spirit while bringing it into the present.
Aqualand Turns 40: A Look Back at a Depth-Reading Pioneer
Founded in 1918 and internationally recognized for its robust innovation in quartz and Eco-Drive technology, Citizen has long occupied a space at the intersection of accessible pricing and cutting-edge function. The Aqualand line, born in 1985, epitomizes this ethos. From its debut, the Aqualand was never just about aesthetics or brand cachet; it was designed with purpose. Its large, asymmetrical case, oversized pushers, and analog-digital display made it a trusted companion for recreational and professional divers. And with the renewed popularity of watches from the 1980s, the timing of this reissue feels particularly relevant.
What’s Inside: The Tech Behind the 40th Anniversary Model
Technically, the 40th Anniversary Aqualand stays true to its heritage. The stainless steel case measures 50.7mm in diameter (43mm without the depth gauge at 9 o’clock), with a depth of 14.8mm—numbers that may sound intimidating on paper but are in line with most modern dive instruments. A screw-down crown and caseback ensure water resistance to 200 meters. The analog-digital hybrid display is powered by Citizen’s proprietary Eco-Drive movement (caliber J250), which charges via light and eliminates the need for battery changes—a notable advantage for a dive watch with critical instrumentation. The depth gauge operates up to 70 meters, with a maximum depth memory, rapid ascent warning, and automatic dive log—all features directly inherited from the early Aqualands, but improved in precision and readability.
Designed to Dive, Styled to Stand Out
Beyond the specifications, what stands out is the faithful recreation of the original’s layout, with slight refinements. The asymmetric case still wears like a piece of dive equipment, and the overall silhouette evokes the utilitarian feel of the first-generation C023 model. The yellow minute hand, a nod to underwater visibility standards, and the digital screen at six o’clock preserve the practical DNA. While some modern divers lean toward luxury over function, the Aqualand remains proudly utilitarian—a trait that will appeal to tool watch purists, collectors of neo-vintage references, and professionals who value function above all.
This watch isn’t trying to be versatile or dressy—it’s unapologetically specific in its purpose. That said, the current appetite for watches with personality and heritage gives the Aqualand a second wind. Whether you’re a diver, a fan of Le Grand Bleu (in which an Aqualand was memorably worn), or simply someone drawn to watches with authentic technical roots, this new edition offers a direct line back to a time when analog-digital hybrids were the height of innovation.
Final Thoughts: A Dive Watch That Respects Its Roots
Citizen’s Aqualand 40th Anniversary is priced at $595, offering a competitive entry into the world of purpose-built dive watches with real historical significance. It’s available now through Citizen’s authorized retailers and e-commerce platform, but limited to 5,800 pieces which we expect to sell pretty quick. In a sea of vintage reissues, this one doesn’t just mimic the past—it revives a watch that had a very real role to play in it…and we love it ! For another vintage vibe – also with an electric heart – the Accutron Spaceview 314 is really worth taking a look at.
