Citizen 52-0110 Challenge 150M Diver History

hmmmcamu · 2024-10-27T13:39:14Z

Discover the true vintage inspiration for the Citizen Promaster Fujitsubo Titanium re-issue, comparing the 1976 62-6198 and 1977 52-0110 Challenge 150M Diver.

Hmmmcamu's post sheds light on a fascinating detail concerning Citizen's dive watch heritage, specifically the true inspiration behind the Promaster Fujitsubo Titanium re-issue. This article delves into the historical context of the 1976 Citizen 62-6198 and the 1977 Citizen 52-0110 Challenge 150M Diver, revealing which vintage model truly influenced the modern re-issue. It's a crucial read for collectors interested in the authentic lineage of Citizen's iconic divers.

DID YOU KNOW THAT ...

CITIZEN Promaster Fujitsubo Titanium re-issue actually resembles this watch rather than the original barnacle diver CITIZEN 52-0110

Watch, Challenge Diver, Citizen, Citizen Divers

1977 CITIZEN 52-0110 Challenge 150M Diver

the HYPE is directed towards the re issue to sell them, BRAGGING RIGHTS belong to the ORIGINAL BARNACLE DIVER ...

CITIZEN’s archives contain a fascinating story about a lost 1977 CITIZEN 52-0110 Challenge 150M Diver watch. In 1983, a Challenge Diver was found on Long Reef Beach in Australia. The watch was covered in barnacles after being submerged in the Pacific Ocean, but the movement inside had remained protected from the seawater and was still ticking. The number of barnacles attached to the watch hinted that it had been in the ocean for a number of years.

1977 CITIZEN 52-0110 Challenge 150M Diver
1976 CITIZEN 61-6298 Challenge 150M Diver

Both with dial type-1 notable difference --- the bezel inserts are different and, note the lume plot on the dial located by the date window, also the 62-6198 has a RED (only) date wheel while the 52-0110 has a black date wheel

Key Points from the Discussion

The original 1977 Challenge 150M Diver, famously found encrusted with barnacles, was submerged for a significant period, potentially longer than the estimated 2-3 years based on barnacle growth, given its 1977 manufacture date and 1983 discovery.
The unique appearance of the barnacle-covered watch, mixed with sand, sparked curiosity among forum members.

The Discussion

amanico

Oct 27, 2024

Wow, the one on the middle with all this... What it is? Barnacle mixed with sand?

hmmmcamu

Oct 27, 2024

aquatic life

barnacle and sand, experts said based on the barnacle growth the watch must have been submerged at least 2 to 3 years, but since the watch itself was manufactured in 1977 and this particular watch was found in 1983 ... one has to wonder the length of time it was sitting in the bottom of the ocean

amanico

Oct 27, 2024

Surprising. Merci, mon ami.