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Citizen Yachting Watch - JR4xxx
Whilst at Antigua Airport in the duty free shop run by a crowd called
'Colombian Emeralds International' I stupidly purchased a Citizen Eco-Drive chronograph watch specifically for sailing/yachting. That was what the assistant told me it was for. Unfortunately I did not have time to fully check out the features. I should have been warned by the fact that she sold me the display model which might well have been an old discontinued version. It was dated 2003 on the reverse. During the flight home to the UK whilst reading the instruction booklet I was (and still am) puzzled as to what features the watch actually has for yachting/sailing. So after returning home I looked on the Internet for the Citizen UK web site but could not find one. But I did find this site: http://www.citizendealer.com/citizen...ng_watches.htm This stated the following details for both versions: Citizen Model JR4010-51L / Citizen Model JR4000-55L * Sailhawk Eco-Drive Yacht Timer Combination Quartz Watch --- The Stars and Stripes America's Cup 2003 Official Watch. Features time and calendar in 22 time zones, 1/100 second chronograph that measures up to 24 hours, 99 minute countdown timer, one touch interchangeable analog/digital times, retractable hands for display visibility, and rotating 360 degree bezel. * The official America's Cup insignia appears on the watch caseback (big deal and hardly a selling point) * Metal bracelet with all titanium case (that can be easily scratched trying to take some links out). * Blue dial (wow!!) * Water resistant to 100 meters (useful) * Safety fold over clasp with push button (useful?) * 4 year power reserve (saves on batteries I suppose) No other features are listed!! So unfortunately apart from having a non-functional logo marked 'Stars and Stripes' or 'America's Cup' I can see no extra features for yachting that these two watches provide over and above what my very considerably cheaper Casio basic sports timer watch already has (that is apart from the Eco-Drive feature). Whilst the waterproof feature is always useful for yachting, where are the other features necessary for yachting/sailing? I am now thinking that the watch I have is actually a simple timer and not for yachting at all. Specifically I'm referring to the complete lack of any navigation functions including direction estimation, tacking angles, ability to read in the dark (e.g. a back-lit display which my Casio has) - important for night sailing, and wind direction and strength estimation - to name a few. Certainly there are absolutely NO instructions in the accompanying booklet to describe the yachting functions (if they exist at all), not even how to use the rotating bezel. So please - what is the difference between the JR4000-55L and the JR4010-51L models. Both seem to have the same features. So how do I tell which version of the watch I have? Also I am also having GREAT difficulty in removing some strap links to allow me to actually wear the watch. The small arrows on some links do not indicate any way of removing them, there are no instructions in the booklet, and the small connecting pins are impossible to push through using a small screwdriver. Indeed I have scratched the surface of some of the links trying to do this. This does not say much about the supposed hardness of the titanium band - but then I notice that this is made in China so I suppose it is really made of soft metal and not titanium after all. The other SERIOUS issue I have with the watch is the button marked C in the booklet. This is very easy to inadvertantly press with my jacket sleeve and doing so appears to move the hour hand to indicate the incorrect time. This is not a fault I would expect for a watch that cost me over £200. Frankly my year's old Casio Sports Timer cost £15 and is far better suited to yachting and sailing. To say that I feel ripped off is an understatement. I will NEVER purchase a Citizen watch again, and certainly not from any duty free shop (so-called) with the word 'Colombian' in the title. Citizen have deigned to reply to my emailed enquiries for further information. Fair winds and calm seas - but not for racing C.J.Brady |
Citizen Yachting Watch - JR4xxx
These watches usually sell for around $150 on ebay. Hope you didn't pay more
than that. S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster" "No shirt, no skirt, full service" |
Citizen Yachting Watch - JR4xxx
Chris Brady wrote:
Whilst at Antigua Airport in the duty free shop run by a crowd called 'Colombian Emeralds International' I stupidly purchased a Citizen Eco-Drive chronograph watch specifically for sailing/yachting. That was what the assistant told me it was for. Unfortunately I did not have time to fully check out the features. I should have been warned by the fact that she sold me the display model which might well have been an old discontinued version. It was dated 2003 on the reverse. During the flight home to the UK whilst reading the instruction booklet I was (and still am) puzzled as to what features the watch actually has for yachting/sailing. So after returning home I looked on the Internet for the Citizen UK web site but could not find one. But I did find this site: http://www.citizendealer.com/citizen...ng_watches.htm This stated the following details for both versions: Citizen Model JR4010-51L / Citizen Model JR4000-55L * Sailhawk Eco-Drive Yacht Timer Combination Quartz Watch --- The Stars and Stripes America's Cup 2003 Official Watch. Features time and calendar in 22 time zones, 1/100 second chronograph that measures up to 24 hours, 99 minute countdown timer, one touch interchangeable analog/digital times, retractable hands for display visibility, and rotating 360 degree bezel. * The official America's Cup insignia appears on the watch caseback (big deal and hardly a selling point) * Metal bracelet with all titanium case (that can be easily scratched trying to take some links out). * Blue dial (wow!!) * Water resistant to 100 meters (useful) * Safety fold over clasp with push button (useful?) * 4 year power reserve (saves on batteries I suppose) No other features are listed!! Except for: Sailhawk Eco-Drive Yacht Timer Combination Quartz Watch--- The Stars and Stripes America's Cup 2003 Official Watch. Features time and calendar in 22 time zones, 1/100 second chronograph that measures up to 24 hours, 99 minute countdown timer, one touch interchangeable analog/digital times, retractable hands for display visibility, and rotating 360 degree bezel. So unfortunately apart from having a non-functional logo marked 'Stars and Stripes' or 'America's Cup' I can see no extra features for yachting that these two watches provide over and above what my very considerably cheaper Casio basic sports timer watch already has (that is apart from the Eco-Drive feature). Whilst the waterproof feature is always useful for yachting, where are the other features necessary for yachting/sailing? I am now thinking that the watch I have is actually a simple timer and not for yachting at all. Specifically I'm referring to the complete lack of any navigation functions including direction estimation, tacking angles, ability to read in the dark (e.g. a back-lit display which my Casio has) - important for night sailing, and wind direction and strength estimation - to name a few. Certainly there are absolutely NO instructions in the accompanying booklet to describe the yachting functions (if they exist at all), not even how to use the rotating bezel. So please - what is the difference between the JR4000-55L and the JR4010-51L models. Both seem to have the same features. So how do I tell which version of the watch I have? One is titanium, the other is steel. This is described clearly on the URL you posted. Also I am also having GREAT difficulty in removing some strap links to allow me to actually wear the watch. The small arrows on some links do not indicate any way of removing them, there are no instructions in the booklet, and the small connecting pins are impossible to push through using a small screwdriver. It's much easier if you use a suitable tool. Small cheap tools are available for about £5, e.g. from clockspares.net. Or take it to a jewellers. Indeed I have scratched the surface of some of the links trying to do this. This does not say much about the supposed hardness of the titanium band - but then I notice that this is made in China so I suppose it is really made of soft metal and not titanium after all. If it says it's titanium, it's titanium. Titanium scratches easily. The other SERIOUS issue I have with the watch is the button marked C in the booklet. This is very easy to inadvertantly press with my jacket sleeve and doing so appears to move the hour hand to indicate the incorrect time. This is not a fault I would expect for a watch that cost me over £200. I don't have a sailhawk, but AFAIK button C moves the hands away from the digital displays to let you see them clearly (I wish my Skyhawk had this feature). There's a good chance that this is mentioned in the instructions (the manual for the Skyhawk is essential reading). Frankly my year's old Casio Sports Timer cost £15 and is far better suited to yachting and sailing. To say that I feel ripped off is an understatement. I will NEVER purchase a Citizen watch again, and certainly not from any duty free shop (so-called) with the word 'Colombian' in the title. I would be very happy to relieve you of your burden, and would pay you £15, so that you can buy another Casio. Citizen have deigned to reply to my emailed enquiries for further information. Good for them. James |
Citizen Yachting Watch - JR4xxx
"Chris Brady" wrote in message
om... I stupidly purchased a Citizen Eco-Drive chronograph watch specifically for sailing/yachting. "Yachting watches" do not generally have wind direction or the other complex functions you list. They are usually perfectly simple watches with one extra featu a coloured spot which changes colour every 15 seconds. This is generally achieved by a hole, or several holes, in the dial revealing a 4-coloured disc beneath which rotates at the same speed as the second hand. If you know why a yachtsman would want that, you know more than me. I'm afraid your Citizen Yachting watch doesn't seem to be a yachting watch in anything but name. -- John Rowland - Spamtrapped Transport Plans for the London Area, updated 2001 http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acro...69/tpftla.html A man's vehicle is a symbol of his manhood. That's why my vehicle's the Piccadilly Line - It's the size of a county and it comes every two and a half minutes |
Citizen Yachting Watch - JR4xxx
Chris Brady wrote:
Whilst at Antigua Airport in the duty free shop run by a crowd called 'Colombian Emeralds International' I stupidly purchased a Citizen Eco-Drive chronograph watch specifically for sailing/yachting. That was what the assistant told me it was for. Unfortunately I did not have time to fully check out the features. Why on earth did you purchase a watch in rather a hurry? Frankly speaking, you bought something of which you still don't know whether you need it - chances are that you'll never need it. Your whole case sounds like a typical "buyer's remorse whining," so little wonder that people might feel tempted to add insult to injury. I should have been warned by the fact that she sold me the display model which might well have been an old discontinued version. It was dated 2003 on the reverse. During the flight home to the UK whilst reading the instruction booklet I was (and still am) puzzled as to what features the watch actually has for yachting/sailing. Why didn't you ask the shop assistant to answer those questions, i.e., BEFORE you put money (or your credit card) on the counter? So after returning home I looked on the Internet for the Citizen UK web site but could not find one. But I did find this site: http://www.citizendealer.com/citizen...ng_watches.htm This stated the following details for both versions: Citizen Model JR4010-51L / Citizen Model JR4000-55L * Sailhawk Eco-Drive Yacht Timer Combination Quartz Watch --- The Stars and Stripes America's Cup 2003 Official Watch. Features time and calendar in 22 time zones, 1/100 second chronograph that measures up to 24 hours, 99 minute countdown timer, one touch interchangeable analog/digital times, retractable hands for display visibility, and rotating 360 degree bezel. * The official America's Cup insignia appears on the watch caseback (big deal and hardly a selling point) * Metal bracelet with all titanium case (that can be easily scratched trying to take some links out). ...., particularly when using inappropriate tools for that. Any watchmaker with half a brain can take links out without scratching or denting anything in a matter of seconds - just a question of deploying the right tools. * Blue dial (wow!!) * Water resistant to 100 meters (useful) * Safety fold over clasp with push button (useful?) * 4 year power reserve (saves on batteries I suppose) No other features are listed!! So, what exactly would you want from a watch? I just want mine to tell me the time (and date). :-) And mine has only one additional time zone, not 22! So unfortunately apart from having a non-functional logo marked 'Stars and Stripes' or 'America's Cup' I can see no extra features for yachting that these two watches provide over and above what my very considerably cheaper Casio basic sports timer watch already has (that is apart from the Eco-Drive feature). Whilst the waterproof feature is always useful for yachting, where are the other features necessary for yachting/sailing? Again: what exactly would you want? GPS? Radio control? SOS signal transmitter? I am now thinking that the watch I have is actually a simple timer and not for yachting at all. So, why did you buy that Citizen without making yourself familiar with its idiosyncracies? Specifically I'm referring to the complete lack of any navigation functions including direction estimation, tacking angles, ability to read in the dark (e.g. a back-lit display which my Casio has) - important for night sailing, and wind direction and strength estimation - to name a few. You've failed to list the most important feature of them all: the yacht itself! :- I know it sounds sarcastic but IMO you've been blinded by some advertising slogans and spontaneously decided to spend a lot of money on a watch because you were afraid of missing the bargain of your life. :- Certainly there are absolutely NO instructions in the accompanying booklet to describe the yachting functions (if they exist at all), not even how to use the rotating bezel. Excuse me but operating a *rotatable* bezel should be pretty much self-explanatory. (I hope it isn't rotating, otherwise you might hurt yourself with it it whilst wearing the watch. :-) It's the same with the Breitling Navitimer watch: If you're unfamiliar with the principles of aviation and navigation, the built-in slide rule is practically useless to you. All functions should be described in the instruction booklet, but they won't explain what to use the functions for. Either you know yourself what to do with all the functions or they won't be of any value to you. So please - what is the difference between the JR4000-55L and the JR4010-51L models. Both seem to have the same features. So how do I tell which version of the watch I have? Funny, really: You refer to a website where the differences between the two watch models are clearly stated: The JR4010-51L features titanium whereas the JR4000-55L features stainless steel. You wrote above that you bought a watch with a titanium bracelet, so work out yourself which model you've got. Also I am also having GREAT difficulty in removing some strap links to allow me to actually wear the watch. The small arrows on some links do not indicate any way of removing them, there are no instructions in the booklet, and the small connecting pins are impossible to push through using a small screwdriver. Indeed I have scratched the surface of some of the links trying to do this. This does not say much about the supposed hardness of the titanium band - but then I notice that this is made in China so I suppose it is really made of soft metal and not titanium after all. Firstly, it just means that you are ignorant about metal as otherwise you would know that titanium scratches quite easily. Secondly, it means that you are ignorant about watchmaking and the tools required for that because you've tried to take links out of the bracelet using a screwdriver. And finally, it means that you are too tightfisted to spend a few quid for a watchmaker to have the bracelet made fit, because you rather scratch a watch that retails for $500! The other SERIOUS issue I have with the watch is the button marked C in the booklet. This is very easy to inadvertantly press with my jacket sleeve and doing so appears to move the hour hand to indicate the incorrect time. This is not a fault I would expect for a watch that cost me over £200. Maybe you should see your tailor about that. :-) Frankly my year's old Casio Sports Timer cost £15 and is far better suited to yachting and sailing. To say that I feel ripped off is an understatement. I will NEVER purchase a Citizen watch again, and certainly not from any duty free shop (so-called) with the word 'Colombian' in the title. There's only one person to blame in this affair. Needless to say who that person is, you'll have figured it out by now. Citizen have deigned to reply to my emailed enquiries for further information. And? What did they say? Or did you want to say that they have NOT EVEN deigned to reply? Kind regards, Olaf -- E-Mail only to reply-to address, please. |
Citizen Yachting Watch - JR4xxx
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Citizen Yachting Watch - JR4xxx
"Olaf Peuss" wrote in message ... Chris Brady wrote: Whilst at Antigua Airport in the duty free shop run by a crowd called 'Colombian Emeralds International' I stupidly purchased a Citizen Eco-Drive chronograph watch specifically for sailing/yachting. That was what the assistant told me it was for. Unfortunately I did not have time to fully check out the features. Why on earth did you purchase a watch in rather a hurry? Frankly speaking, you bought something of which you still don't know whether you need it - chances are that you'll never need it. Your whole case sounds like a typical "buyer's remorse whining," so little wonder that people might feel tempted to add insult to injury. It seems to me that you need to bolster your ego by attacking strangers on the Internet. An undersized penis is a much bigger(smaller??) problem than a dodgy watch. The real lesson in this, is that Duty Free shops can only offer bargains on items that attract a large amount of tax. I don't believe that watches are usually taxed heavily. Therefore, airport shops won't be cheaper than high street outlets. Cigarettes and booze are taxed heavily in the UK, and therefore they are much cheaper when they can be purchased "Duty Free". Most other things that are sold in airport shops are more expensive than in the high street. Regards Donal -- Regards Donal -- |
Citizen Yachting Watch - JR4xxx
Donal wrote:
It seems to me that you need to bolster your ego by attacking strangers on the Internet. An undersized penis is a much bigger(smaller??) problem than a dodgy watch. I love amateur psychologists like you - with the emphasis being on AMATEUR... ;-) The real lesson in this, is that Duty Free shops can only offer bargains on items that attract a large amount of tax. I don't believe that watches are usually taxed heavily. Therefore, airport shops won't be cheaper than high street outlets. Cigarettes and booze are taxed heavily in the UK, and therefore they are much cheaper when they can be purchased "Duty Free". Most other things that are sold in airport shops are more expensive than in the high street. You aren't exactly telling me anything new. You'll have to admit, however, that there's a "little" difference between buying some packs of cigarettes (and/or a bottle of whisky) and purchasing a high tech watch. Kind regards, Olaf -- E-Mail only to reply-to address, please. |
Citizen Yachting Watch - JR4xxx
"Chris Brady" Citizen have deigned to reply to my emailed enquiries for further information. Have they? What was their response? |
Citizen Yachting Watch - JR4xxx
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Citizen Yachting Watch - JR4xxx
"Olaf Peuss" wrote in message ... Donal wrote: It seems to me that you need to bolster your ego by attacking strangers on the Internet. An undersized penis is a much bigger(smaller??) problem than a dodgy watch. I love amateur psychologists like you - with the emphasis being on AMATEUR... ;-) Fair comment! Cigarettes and booze are taxed heavily in the UK, and therefore they are much cheaper when they can be purchased "Duty Free". Most other things that are sold in airport shops are more expensive than in the high street. You aren't exactly telling me anything new. You'll have to admit, however, that there's a "little" difference between buying some packs of cigarettes (and/or a bottle of whisky) and purchasing a high tech watch. I agree. However, I am surprised at the amount of flaming in this thread. Anybody would be very relaxed after a couple of weeks in a Carribbean resort. I'd say that there are loads of people in Chris's position. Regards Donal -- |
Citizen Yachting Watch - JR4xxx
Try www.suunto.com and look at the sailing gizmo with a built in GPS. It seems to do what you want for about £500. They also do a golf one. -- Richard Faulkner |
Citizen Yachting Watch - JR4xxx
OzOne wrote in message ... On Tue, 17 Feb 2004 01:01:02 -0000, "Donal" scribbled thusly: Donal, the watch is not "dodgy" It is featured and performs exactly as advertised. The fool bought a watch that didn't have the bells and whistles that he expected on a "sailing watch" He didn't do the research, bought the wrong watch and is now trying to fob the blame for his stupidity onto the company via every bloody newsgoup in the world. He was *sold* a watch. The sales assistant led him to believe that he was buying a "yachting" watch. It appears that the watch has very few sailing features, if any. He was conned. Regards Donal -- |
Citizen Yachting Watch - JR4xxx
"Donal" wrote in message
snipped I agree. However, I am surprised at the amount of flaming in this thread. Anybody would be very relaxed after a couple of weeks in a Carribbean resort. I'd say that there are loads of people in Chris's position. Fair point. Though I am not one of the wiser men of the internet.... I would say some criticism toward Mr. Brady is necessary. After all, I suspect a good number of people (myself included) routinely read the newsgroups to determine whether this thing is a good idea, what would be the best etc. in this case, this is almost an unofficial consumer review of the Citizen thingy. In other words, if you somehow review something to be read by many people, do it well. That said, I hope Mr. Brady does not become markedly withdrawn or angry at this world due to this thread (sorry, folks ... I do not intend to heap even more insult to insult to injury) - I hope we will learn how to say things without excessive flame, as you apparently do (though it is an art I haven't mastered myself). But again, this is a newsgroup - and an alt. one at that. Regards, oi |
Citizen Yachting Watch - JR4xxx
OzOne wrote in message ... On Tue, 17 Feb 2004 22:52:49 -0000, "Donal" scribbled thusly: OzOne wrote in message ... On Tue, 17 Feb 2004 01:01:02 -0000, "Donal" scribbled thusly: Donal, the watch is not "dodgy" It is featured and performs exactly as advertised. The fool bought a watch that didn't have the bells and whistles that he expected on a "sailing watch" He didn't do the research, bought the wrong watch and is now trying to fob the blame for his stupidity onto the company via every bloody newsgoup in the world. He was *sold* a watch. The sales assistant led him to believe that he was buying a "yachting" watch. It appears that the watch has very few sailing features, if any. He was conned. He bought a watch that's waterproof, has a timer/countdown timer, rotating bezel and a number of other features. What more could you want? Tell me Donal, do you regard a sailing watch as one with an unreliable windspeed meter and extremely basic GPS as an essential sailing watch or a gimick laden piece of crap? My sailing watch tells the time, and is waterproof. It didn't cost much I've got a countdown timer on one of the boat instruments. However, that doesn't mean that I would feel superior to someone who got conned. We've all been conned at some point in our lives. It's commonly known as "experience". Being experienced doesn't make you any brighter than anybody else, ... it just means that you have been conned more often! Regards Donal -- |
Citizen Yachting Watch - JR4xxx
-- Remove "nospam" from return address. "Richard Faulkner" wrote in message ... Try www.suunto.com and look at the sailing gizmo with a built in GPS. It seems to do what you want for about £500. They also do a golf one. -- Richard Faulkner You wouldn't be able to hit the ball very far with a watch, and what would you use for those delicate chip shots around the green? I much prefer a full set of Wilsons or Callaways. |
Citizen Yachting Watch - JR4xxx
omniscient idiot wrote:
[flaming in this thread] Anybody would be very relaxed after a couple of weeks in a Carribbean resort. I'd say that there are loads of people in Chris's position. Fair point. Though I am not one of the wiser men of the internet.... I would say some criticism toward Mr. Brady is necessary. After all, I suspect a good number of people (myself included) routinely read the newsgroups to determine whether this thing is a good idea, what would be the best etc. in this case, this is almost an unofficial consumer review of the Citizen thingy. In other words, if you somehow review something to be read by many people, do it well. My sentiments exactly. Before one starts criticising a product or service, the critic should consider whether all points have been reviewed fairly and that it isn't just a flame on the item being subjected to a "critique" (or rather, in that case, criticism). Unfortunately, Chris Brady seems to be good at criticising but his ability of accepting his own mistakes - and he made quite a few of them - doesn't seem to be at eye level with his capability of criticising. :-( That said, I hope Mr. Brady does not become markedly withdrawn or angry at this world due to this thread (sorry, folks ... I do not intend to heap even more insult to insult to injury) - I hope we will learn how to say things without excessive flame, as you apparently do (though it is an art I haven't mastered myself). But again, this is a newsgroup - and an alt. one at that. Regards, oi I'm certainly far from being the most tactful person in the world. In fact, I usually take a quite direct approach. However, I don't think that I've ever called anyone names or verbally abused anyone. It's all very well within "the Usenet standards" and although there's always room for improvement, I don't think that I've been overly condescending with our poor Chris Brady. It's also worth noting that he hasn't replied to anyone in this group although he has received quite a lot of feedback - probably because it hasn't been the feedback that he hoped for when he posted his article - goes to prove my point that he isn't good at accepting the fact that he alone is responsible for the mistakes in that Citizen watch purchase. Hope he hasn't thrown himself in front of a train, at least not without bequeathing said Citizen watch to a charity organisation. ;-) Kind regards, Olaf -- E-Mail only to reply-to address, please. |
Citizen Yachting Watch - JR4xxx
Looked like a troll to me.
If it was, it got the desired response. Regds In message , Olaf Peuss writes omniscient idiot wrote: [flaming in this thread] Anybody would be very relaxed after a couple of weeks in a Carribbean resort. I'd say that there are loads of people in Chris's position. Fair point. Though I am not one of the wiser men of the internet.... would say some criticism toward Mr. Brady is necessary. After all, I suspect a good number of people (myself included) routinely read the newsgroups to determine whether this thing is a good idea, what would be the best etc. in this case, this is almost an unofficial consumer review of the Citizen thingy. In other words, if you somehow review something to be read by many people, do it well. My sentiments exactly. Before one starts criticising a product or service, the critic should consider whether all points have been reviewed fairly and that it isn't just a flame on the item being subjected to a "critique" (or rather, in that case, criticism). Unfortunately, Chris Brady seems to be good at criticising but his ability of accepting his own mistakes - and he made quite a few of them - doesn't seem to be at eye level with his capability of criticising. :-( That said, I hope Mr. Brady does not become markedly withdrawn or angry at this world due to this thread (sorry, folks ... I do not intend to heap even more insult to insult to injury) - I hope we will learn how to say things without excessive flame, as you apparently do (though it is an art I haven't mastered myself). But again, this is a newsgroup - and an alt. one at that. Regards, oi I'm certainly far from being the most tactful person in the world. In fact, I usually take a quite direct approach. However, I don't think that I've ever called anyone names or verbally abused anyone. It's all very well within "the Usenet standards" and although there's always room for improvement, I don't think that I've been overly condescending with our poor Chris Brady. It's also worth noting that he hasn't replied to anyone in this group although he has received quite a lot of feedback - probably because it hasn't been the feedback that he hoped for when he posted his article - goes to prove my point that he isn't good at accepting the fact that he alone is responsible for the mistakes in that Citizen watch purchase. Hope he hasn't thrown himself in front of a train, at least not without bequeathing said Citizen watch to a charity organisation. ;-) Kind regards, Olaf -- Richard Faulkner |
Citizen Yachting Watch - JR4xxx
I also purchased a citizen watch from Columbian Emeralds International in St
Lucia. They couldnt have been more helpful and were very knowledgable about the watch. The cost was $260, which at the current x-rate is about £140. For this you get a very good timepiece, a great sailing watch (IF you read the instructions) and a nice looking piece of arm jewellery. There are more features on this watch than you can shake a stick at and all are aimed at sailing. It has 2 alarms, multiple time zones (which I have used crossing the atlantic) including UTC! a race timer with many countdown functions, chronograph, calendar and timer. I am happy with my purchase because I went in with my eyes wide open and knew what I wanted, what I cannot understand is why Chris hasnt read the manual? N "Chris Brady" wrote in message om... Whilst at Antigua Airport in the duty free shop run by a crowd called 'Colombian Emeralds International' I stupidly purchased a Citizen Eco-Drive chronograph watch specifically for sailing/yachting. That was what the assistant told me it was for. Unfortunately I did not have time to fully check out the features. I should have been warned by the fact that she sold me the display model which might well have been an old discontinued version. It was dated 2003 on the reverse. During the flight home to the UK whilst reading the instruction booklet I was (and still am) puzzled as to what features the watch actually has for yachting/sailing. So after returning home I looked on the Internet for the Citizen UK web site but could not find one. But I did find this site: http://www.citizendealer.com/citizen...ng_watches.htm This stated the following details for both versions: Citizen Model JR4010-51L / Citizen Model JR4000-55L * Sailhawk Eco-Drive Yacht Timer Combination Quartz Watch --- The Stars and Stripes America's Cup 2003 Official Watch. Features time and calendar in 22 time zones, 1/100 second chronograph that measures up to 24 hours, 99 minute countdown timer, one touch interchangeable analog/digital times, retractable hands for display visibility, and rotating 360 degree bezel. * The official America's Cup insignia appears on the watch caseback (big deal and hardly a selling point) * Metal bracelet with all titanium case (that can be easily scratched trying to take some links out). * Blue dial (wow!!) * Water resistant to 100 meters (useful) * Safety fold over clasp with push button (useful?) * 4 year power reserve (saves on batteries I suppose) No other features are listed!! So unfortunately apart from having a non-functional logo marked 'Stars and Stripes' or 'America's Cup' I can see no extra features for yachting that these two watches provide over and above what my very considerably cheaper Casio basic sports timer watch already has (that is apart from the Eco-Drive feature). Whilst the waterproof feature is always useful for yachting, where are the other features necessary for yachting/sailing? I am now thinking that the watch I have is actually a simple timer and not for yachting at all. Specifically I'm referring to the complete lack of any navigation functions including direction estimation, tacking angles, ability to read in the dark (e.g. a back-lit display which my Casio has) - important for night sailing, and wind direction and strength estimation - to name a few. Certainly there are absolutely NO instructions in the accompanying booklet to describe the yachting functions (if they exist at all), not even how to use the rotating bezel. So please - what is the difference between the JR4000-55L and the JR4010-51L models. Both seem to have the same features. So how do I tell which version of the watch I have? Also I am also having GREAT difficulty in removing some strap links to allow me to actually wear the watch. The small arrows on some links do not indicate any way of removing them, there are no instructions in the booklet, and the small connecting pins are impossible to push through using a small screwdriver. Indeed I have scratched the surface of some of the links trying to do this. This does not say much about the supposed hardness of the titanium band - but then I notice that this is made in China so I suppose it is really made of soft metal and not titanium after all. The other SERIOUS issue I have with the watch is the button marked C in the booklet. This is very easy to inadvertantly press with my jacket sleeve and doing so appears to move the hour hand to indicate the incorrect time. This is not a fault I would expect for a watch that cost me over £200. Frankly my year's old Casio Sports Timer cost £15 and is far better suited to yachting and sailing. To say that I feel ripped off is an understatement. I will NEVER purchase a Citizen watch again, and certainly not from any duty free shop (so-called) with the word 'Colombian' in the title. Citizen have deigned to reply to my emailed enquiries for further information. Fair winds and calm seas - but not for racing C.J.Brady |
Citizen Yachting Watch - JR4xxx
n wrote:
I also purchased a citizen watch from Columbian Emeralds International in St Lucia. They couldnt have been more helpful and were very knowledgable about the watch. The cost was $260, which at the current x-rate is about £140. For this you get a very good timepiece, a great sailing watch (IF you read the instructions) and a nice looking piece of arm jewellery. There are more features on this watch than you can shake a stick at and all are aimed at sailing. It has 2 alarms, multiple time zones (which I have used crossing the atlantic) including UTC! a race timer with many countdown functions, chronograph, calendar and timer. I am happy with my purchase because I went in with my eyes wide open and knew what I wanted, what I cannot understand is why Chris hasnt read the manual? Ah, finally somebody who has hands-on experience with both the shop and the watch mentioned in the original article. Your comment sounds rather different from what Chris Brady had to say. Obviously you're somebody who a) knows what he wants and b) is able to read and comprehend instruction manuals. Having said that, my personal experience with Citizen wasn't that good. I bought a Citizen analogue quartz watch about 20 years ago and had mechanical problems with it: the bracelet broke into two and finally the crown came off - after only 3 years on my wrist. :-( As a time keeper it was quite precise though, it never gained more than 5-6 seconds / month when I wore it 24 / 7. I bought another Citizen analogue/digital watch about 12 years ago and experienced the same problems: a malconstructed bracelet and a crown that came off two days after I had picked up the watch from a battery change (no, it was a good watchmaker's, not some backyard idiot who changed batteries by removing the back with a crowbar). Finally I switched to Tissot and, more recently, to Omega and I'm more than happy with both brands. Although the watch bug has bitten me again and I'm seriously considering to buy yet another watch. It could be a Mido OceanStar or a Marcello C. Nettuno 3 or Tridente GMT - if I feel like purchasing a watch that falls into the "beater" category - or a IWC Spitfire UTC if I feel that I urgently need to add a really classy watch to my collection. :-) Kind regards, Olaf -- E-Mail only to reply-to address, please. |
Citizen Yachting Watch - JR4xxx
The real lesson in this, is that Duty Free shops can only offer bargains on items that attract a large amount of tax. Cigarettes and booze are taxed heavily in the UK, and therefore they are much cheaper when they can be purchased "Duty Free". Kinda like how a nice bottle of rum is cheaper than a 6-pack of beer in Nassau. john. |
Citizen Yachting Watch - JR4xxx
"Ferg" wrote in message m... The real lesson in this, is that Duty Free shops can only offer bargains on items that attract a large amount of tax. Cigarettes and booze are taxed heavily in the UK, and therefore they are much cheaper when they can be purchased "Duty Free". Kinda like how a nice bottle of rum is cheaper than a 6-pack of beer in Nassau. Ahhh! Memories!! Two banana daquiris for lunch, every day. Cheapest, and most nourishing lunch that money could buy. Regards Donal -- |
Citizen Yachting Watch - JR4xxx
"n" wrote in message ...
I also purchased a citizen watch from Columbian Emeralds International in St Lucia. They couldnt have been more helpful and were very knowledgable about the watch. The cost was $260, which at the current x-rate is about £140. For this you get a very good timepiece, a great sailing watch (IF you read the instructions) and a nice looking piece of arm jewellery. There are more features on this watch than you can shake a stick at and all are aimed at sailing. It has 2 alarms, multiple time zones (which I have used crossing the atlantic) including UTC! a race timer with many countdown functions, chronograph, calendar and timer. I am happy with my purchase because I went in with my eyes wide open and knew what I wanted, what I cannot understand is why Chris hasnt read the manual? N "Chris Brady" wrote in message om... Whilst at Antigua Airport in the duty free shop run by a crowd called 'Colombian Emeralds International' I stupidly purchased a Citizen Eco-Drive chronograph watch specifically for sailing/yachting. That was what the assistant told me it was for. Unfortunately I did not have time to fully check out the features. I should have been warned by the fact that she sold me the display model which might well have been an old discontinued version. It was dated 2003 on the reverse. During the flight home to the UK whilst reading the instruction booklet I was (and still am) puzzled as to what features the watch actually has for yachting/sailing. So after returning home I looked on the Internet for the Citizen UK web site but could not find one. But I did find this site: http://www.citizendealer.com/citizen...ng_watches.htm This stated the following details for both versions: Citizen Model JR4010-51L / Citizen Model JR4000-55L * Sailhawk Eco-Drive Yacht Timer Combination Quartz Watch --- The Stars and Stripes America's Cup 2003 Official Watch. Features time and calendar in 22 time zones, 1/100 second chronograph that measures up to 24 hours, 99 minute countdown timer, one touch interchangeable analog/digital times, retractable hands for display visibility, and rotating 360 degree bezel. * The official America's Cup insignia appears on the watch caseback (big deal and hardly a selling point) * Metal bracelet with all titanium case (that can be easily scratched trying to take some links out). * Blue dial (wow!!) * Water resistant to 100 meters (useful) * Safety fold over clasp with push button (useful?) * 4 year power reserve (saves on batteries I suppose) No other features are listed!! So unfortunately apart from having a non-functional logo marked 'Stars and Stripes' or 'America's Cup' I can see no extra features for yachting that these two watches provide over and above what my very considerably cheaper Casio basic sports timer watch already has (that is apart from the Eco-Drive feature). Whilst the waterproof feature is always useful for yachting, where are the other features necessary for yachting/sailing? I am now thinking that the watch I have is actually a simple timer and not for yachting at all. Specifically I'm referring to the complete lack of any navigation functions including direction estimation, tacking angles, ability to read in the dark (e.g. a back-lit display which my Casio has) - important for night sailing, and wind direction and strength estimation - to name a few. Certainly there are absolutely NO instructions in the accompanying booklet to describe the yachting functions (if they exist at all), not even how to use the rotating bezel. So please - what is the difference between the JR4000-55L and the JR4010-51L models. Both seem to have the same features. So how do I tell which version of the watch I have? Also I am also having GREAT difficulty in removing some strap links to allow me to actually wear the watch. The small arrows on some links do not indicate any way of removing them, there are no instructions in the booklet, and the small connecting pins are impossible to push through using a small screwdriver. Indeed I have scratched the surface of some of the links trying to do this. This does not say much about the supposed hardness of the titanium band - but then I notice that this is made in China so I suppose it is really made of soft metal and not titanium after all. The other SERIOUS issue I have with the watch is the button marked C in the booklet. This is very easy to inadvertantly press with my jacket sleeve and doing so appears to move the hour hand to indicate the incorrect time. This is not a fault I would expect for a watch that cost me over £200. Frankly my year's old Casio Sports Timer cost £15 and is far better suited to yachting and sailing. To say that I feel ripped off is an understatement. I will NEVER purchase a Citizen watch again, and certainly not from any duty free shop (so-called) with the word 'Colombian' in the title. Citizen have deigned to reply to my emailed enquiries for further information. Fair winds and calm seas - but not for racing C.J.Brady Instead of berating poor Chris for being gullible enough to buy something which he obviously didn't know anything about, we should be thanking him for pointing out how easily it is to be misled into a purchase - especially when it comes to anything to do with sailing - which is usually overpriced anyway! David C. |
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