A rarity watchpiece will demand cunning and careful hunting

As soon as the word “rare” is mentioned in watch circles, you know you are entering a deep, dark and scary rabbit hole.

I recently thought about what are some of the rarest Citizen watches, and to my surprise, there were a few, but one stood head and shoulders above the rest.

In my “rare Citizen watch” hunting expedition, my search lead me to an “ultra rare” Citizen watch that you may have not known that it existed – the Citizen Super Tough “Robert Swan” Titanium watch, which only 500 were made, making this a truly limited edition and absolutely ultra rare.

This extremely collectible Citizen has proven quite elusive due to its limited numbers, with the last one selling on eBay not than long ago (in early Jan 2024) for a whopping £3,800 (or approx AUD$7,240).

So what’s so good about this watch? The Citizen Super Tough Robert Swan timepiece was born out of the collaboration between Citizen and renowned explorer Robert Swan, making it a symbol of resilience and style.

Crafted with precision, the Super Tough Robert Swan watch defies its dimensions, seamlessly fitting even smaller wrists with a diameter of 47mm and a thickness of 14mm. The rounded, sculptured features, coupled with a curved caseback and a recessed bracelet, create a visually modest scale that belies its robust capabilities.

What sets this watch apart is its remarkable resilience. With a staggering 20 bars of water resistance, approximately 200 meters, it is built to withstand the depths, making it an ideal companion for underwater adventures. The “Super Tough” features extend beyond water resistance, encompassing magnetic resistance of 16,000 gauss, equivalent to the output of a large electromagnet. The design incorporates exceptional shockproofing, drawing inspiration from the dual-case construction reminiscent of 1930s-era dive watches.

The Robert Swan edition, released in 1999 and limited to 500 pieces, elevated the Super Tough to new heights. The steel inner and composite outer cases of the standard editions were replaced with hardened titanium, enhancing both aesthetics and durability. The black cushioning remains, adding a touch of sophistication and contributing to its super-tough persona. The removal of the oversized PROMASTER logo further refines its appearance, making it a handsome and robust timekeeping companion.

The multi-layered plastic dial is a canvas of artistry, hosting luminous inserts over ultra-polished silicon solar cells (for the Eco-Drive movement). This not only adds to its visual appeal but also enhances its functionality. The composite surrounding the inner case and the hefty titanium outer case and bracelet links are visible from the back, showcasing the robust construction that defines this timepiece. The screw-down crown, a testament to its commitment to water resistance, requires a screwdriver for operation.

The Citizen Super Tough Robert Swan watch is a masterpiece that seamlessly combines style with substance. It’s not just a watch; it’s a declaration of resilience, a companion for those who seek elegance in every adventure, above and below the surface.

This watch will probably remain on my bucket list for a very very long time, which is ok by me, as I am glad I found out about this rather cool Citizen timepiece.

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