Any experience with this Eco-Drive?

[CBS]

Good day,
My first post and gotta say I love these forums, a tonne of good info.
I am in the market for a new watch and stumbled upon the Citizen BL5265-21E. It is Eco-Drive and selected it due to the fact that as much as I (think) I love automatic movement, the eco-drive just made sense to me as it is accurate and is "hands off". I think this little beauty is right up my alley. My only wish would be to have a map meter feature on this model to make it perfect for me. Do you know of any Citizen watches that incorporate that feature?

I have looked at Seiko's SKZ317 which is a nice looker too but would it be too chunky on a 7.5 inch wrist? The left side crown is quite pronouced don't you think?
Looking for an everyday wearer and while in time I will add more, I need a tough and durable watch that can handle mild abuse at work and play (field telecommunications). My last watch lost its water resistance and filled with water. I think I wore it almost every day for six years. Yeah, I am into long term relationships lol.

Here is the citizen (The beaut)


Here is the Seiko (The workhorse?)
Both pics borrowed from Google images

Well guys and gals, there we have about what two months of exhaustive internet searching and many of these threads did for me. This will be a daily wearer as I have not yet been officially bit by the collecting bug...yet.

Thanks in advance and take care.
CBS

[roadie]

Yes, I own the Citizen model shown. (Well, a variation with SS bezel and SS bracelet) I've had it for about 8 yrs and it has been a very reliable everyday beater for me. Never had an issue with anything about it. I believe it has long been discontinued though, so you may have a hard time finding one. Perpetual calendar is a real nice feature, you never have to adjust the date. It knows all the months and the leap years. If I had to say anything negative it would be that the bezel sticks out a bit and does get scratched and the crystal scratches easily as well, but this was my fault and I think the crystal has been improved since. Good luck and keep us posted.

[CBS]

Hey Roadie thanks for the reply.
The Citizen is available at Creation for $199.99, just look under perpetual calendar.
I noticed the bezel was a little pointy but I think thats what adds to its allure. Also for the price point it's a good bet.
I am alittle worried about scratches and knicks but that can't be helped. I am thinking about going ahead with this one and adding a NATO strap mabee grey or deep red...what kind of strap do you have on yours? Can you post a pic?

[roadie]

Unfortunately I can't post a pic right now- camera issues and upload problems. Mine has a stainless steel bezel as well as a S.S. bracelet. The model in your pic has a S.S. bezel that has been coated with a shiny black finish. Also, just for reference, I pulled out the bill of sale for mine. Purchased on Boxing day 2006, reg. price $550. on sale for 50% off, $275. plus gst and pst for a total of $310.00. So you get a great deal from Creation. Can't go wrong at that price!

[CBS]

I ordered it last night. I thought it was a good price.
Now if I wanted to change out the bezel down the road if and when it gets scratches and perhaps the glass, is there someone you would recommend for this? Do you know of a website that shows mod options for these roadie?
It seems alot of folks are shipping these to Asia to get mods done, there must be Canadian solutions right?

[roadie]

I don't think the bezel is removable and I've never thought about any mods. It looks great just the way it is. When it does get too scratched up it'll be time to buy a new watch! Pics on arrival please.