I took this watch to Afghanistan and was one of the few watches to survive the heat and sand. Kept impeccable time throughout entire deployment. USMC Approved.
It is the perfect functional watch. You can wear it the whole day and don't even feel it, cause no skin issues, can use it in pretty much every natural environment, can stay for years in and out salt water and would still look like new, accurate. Light, not bulky. On the bad side the strap is shit (smelly and won't last a week of real heavy use), and the date feature is useless but who really cares.
@@seashellsonazure I agree with you on the strap. I instantly replaced it. However, I love the date feature on it. Watches with both day and date aren't too common and it's nice if you're a student.
Yeah, I'm tired of watch companies only offering 42mm and up and I don't even have small wrists. Field watched especially shouldn't be large, they should be smaller and be out of the way when you're actually doing work and getting your hands dirty out in the world.
Owned this model for about 10 years. The best watch I have ever owned and I’ve owned a few high end watches. Functional, accurate, simple, water resistant. Misplaced this little gem for about 2 years. Sunlight, charge, set time and go. I’m gaining about 1-2 seconds a month . I’ll never be late. Always went to my phone for the time but…..time(s) change. Wearing it everyday now. Can’t go wrong with this one!
I’ve had mine for 12 years now and it still keeps perfect time. I changed the strap for a dark brown tan leather one. I replaced the strap with an identical one last year! I love it. I wear a Casio F-108WH for work, an MRW-200H around the house and the Citizen when I’m out and about. I love the Citizen, it’s amazingly legible and reliable. The best watch I’ve ever owned. Great review!
This might be the best watch review I’ve ever seen. This made my day. I can’t count the number of watch reviews I’ve seen that basically just read a spec sheet online, and then say thanks have a nice day. And the size comparisons, oh my! I love this! Please always do the size comparisons! This was so perfect! I’ve always wished there were useful size comparisons for watches on RU-vid. This video was so refreshing. Thank you so very much!
I own a Rolex Explorer. Terrific. So what. The CITIZEN is my go-to love-to-wear. Perfect time. No no no....EXACT time to the second. It can be synced with iPhone and the Solar does the rest. I'll leave outside for a few hours to charge. Or in the dark. All that being said, this watch is a "gem." Right on Sir Shabazz....
Nick, you probably won’t see this because you did this a while back, but I want you to know how much I enjoy your reviews. I haven’t laughed out load at a watch review until today, and your main point made so much sense. Thank you for making my day.
At your recommendation I gave this one a shot. At first glance at I simply thought it was too small and was thinking I would send it back. But I decided to wear it to work first and try it. By the end of the day I fell in love with it. I got used to the size and loved the comfort under the sleeve. Also the readability is very good. I found a position on the band that is perfect fit. I may try other bands like a leather band option to dress it up some. However I actually think the band that comes with it is very good quality while not for everyone. The simplicity and practicality of the watch really appeals to me and apparently many others. Excellent review Nick!
Glad I watched this...Just bought this on Amazon for $63 todays deals (it's gone now sorry) and thought I'd check a few youtube reviews. One, never knew one of my favorite knife reviewers did watches! And two, you really made me feel good about the purchase. Thanks! This is my first analog in a while. ***update 1/11/2024*** still going strong 5 years later...wear everyday.
I love this watch. I've been wearing it over a year. Its the perfect size. I have it on a Barton Elite strap that conforms to my wrist so that I do not even feel it. Oh yeah, its also the second most accurate watch that I own, under my G-Shock 5610 Atomic. It's September 11th. this 8180 is still within 1 second of my Atomic G-shock that I synchronized it with on Sept. 1st. That 1 second variance is probably due to my own reaction time of pressing in the crown... This is one of my favorite of my top three favorite watches. They are this 8180, my Bertucci Americana and my G-Shock 5610. I paid $88 for it in July 2019 on Amazon. Great watch!
Super review NS. Frank and fearless. Lots of useful information and intelligent, considered opinion that is free of pretension. Really appreciate the time you give to both quartz and mechanical movements. Look forward to the next one.
I'm gonna buy one of these soon. Been looking at it for a while and the no nonsense looks and size with solar and good water resistance make this a no brainer.
The watch is on the smaller side but I think for anyone who is thinking about buying it, I say DO IT! I’ve had mine for 2 years now. It really won’t disappoint, its reliability and practicality is superb! I’ve worked in labor intensive jobs like warehousing and construction and it’s accurate to the second and the size doesn’t get in the way of me doing things like other larger watches. Just change out the stock strap its rather on the rubbish side.
Love your reviews. I really liked this watch - not worry about battery, etc. - as well as size. But the crystal scratched up so easily - more than my timex weekender. Thanks again
This is a great watch and a must add to any collection. Very clean looking watch with easy to ready time and setting up is a breeze. Changed out the straps to leather to help is blend in more to my edc work wear.
Been waiting for this one! I was lucky to pick up a bv1085-06e eco drive, wanted one for years but couldn't find one, then I got one at a great price and it brings me so much joy
Nick, you are the most sincere watch collector and connaisseur I had ever seen ! Love your videos. At 61 I only have 3 Casios , one of them is a 36 mm diver with an ETA movement that I had it replaced recently. It has been ticking since I got my first salary in 1982 ! I think it is time to upgrade to one of this, it is getting quite difficult to find a watch this size for skinny wrists. Cheers!!!
I love your watch and knife reviews. I have one of these and love it. I have a Hamilton that looks similar, but it’s not waterproof. I bought a Barton silicon band for it and now the Citizen is my go-to. Keep up the great reviews!
The Delica of watches. I had this and enjoyed it for a number of years. The band gets very curled with age but the watch is great. I sold it when the Hamilton Khaki King came into my life. For those that want a similarly priced watch that is dressier /less tool looking consider the Seiko SGG731. It's my budget/ high-value pick because I like the smaller 38mm case size for my smaller wrist and the deep feature set. The thickness is only 8mm. Titanium case and bracelet is strong, and light (I wear mine on a nato). You barely know it's on your wrist. Accurate, durable 7N43 quartz movement. Sapphire crystal, 100meter WR, Good Lume-even on the second hand. The case is finished nicely with a brushed top and polished sides, very versatile. Day/Date complication. Nicely applied stick markers and Seiko logo. Seconds tick right on the markers! The only difference is it uses a battery as opposed to solar powered. Around $120.
I have this watch. I got it a few years ago, new, on sale for $60. I concur with everything you said here. In fact, I bought another Citizen, chronograph in titanium, for $250 and don't like it nearly as much--mostly because I don't really use the chronograph features and it make the face too busy. I really like an easily legible watch face that simply tells time and date.
Another great review, Nick - as you say "The only watch you'll ever need." The Eco-drive movement is an amazing thing, accurate, tough and according to Citizen zero maintenance for 30 years, when the power reserve will have dropped to 80%. To me it looks like an homage to the Swiss station clock, with a slight nod towards the military. Got one over a year ago for rough use and put it on a black G10 NATO. Been a great watch so far.
Ive had this watch for almost a year. I absolutely love it. The band is great except for the big holes on it. I know it is for the strength of the band since it is a field watch and all but I ended up putting a black perlon on it. Other than that, it keeps great time, and looks great.
I have to agree with Nick. I bought one about a week ago and it is a pretty nice little watch. My watch lineup is a couple of Casio Protreks, a couple of Casio G Shocks and an older Seamaster Professional. Out of all those this one is about all I need for everyday wear. It's simple and classy in its own way.
What an awwesome review! Love the presentation and delivery. I have a similar Citizen Field watch, also eco-drive. Min is PVD coated so all black except the band which is a light olive colour. Had it for a few years and never missed a beat. Love the no BS simplicity of the thing and the lume is killer. Easily lasts all night long.
I own this watch, and everything Nick says about it is true. Great Video, Nick! My ONLY gripe/whine? I wish Citizen made this watch in a 38mm diameter !!! And NO, I am NOT selling this one... Go buy your own !
Hay there dont ever type or speak words like that we all have partners and dam it its hard enough comeing up with new reasons for a new watch pr knife or pen. Yes they have more bags and shoes than we will ever have still shes alwaya right and were always wrong its just the way it is. Shhhhhh after you have read this message it will self destruct in 5 4.3 2 1.💥
Thanks for such a good review Nick. I ordered this yesterday and am looking forward to it being my EDC from now on. My old Zodiac Aerospace GMT, which I bought new in 1969 is starting to have a tough time of it every day, so this will take it`s place.
Excellent review. It's a great watch and the only drawback are the skeletonised hands. I replaced the original canvas watchstrap with a nylon pull-through strap (I have three such straps); when they are get dirty they can be easily washed. I find the Citizen 6400-00E is easier to read (maybe I'm just getting old!).
wanted to buy this watch about 2 years ago, couldnt find it on a physical store so i went for the bm8470 11e. Good alternative for anyone thinking this watch is too small. All the goodness of the bm8180 included
I have a similar field watch model by citizen ...a bit larger...but it works just great ....lume is awesome ..day date are clear ...and hands are legible even from a distance of 20ft. I put it on a Hersch brown alligator embossed 'knight' strap and I got the exact look I wanted . loving it. I recommend citizen ecodrive field watches for your outdoors or everyday carry . go for it. u won't regret it. thanks for your videos nick . u do have a very unique presentation style.
I was thinking on getting this guy when I finally decide to spring for a watch, but thanks to your review I'm now sold :) The only thing I'm not 100% on is the calendar isn't perpetual from what I hear. Other than that though, I think with a nice black leather band, this'll be a watch I'd be proud to wear for my first real watch!
A 36mm case diameter used to be the standard size for a man's watch. It's only in recent times that this trend for watches the size of alarm clocks has infested the market. This Citizen is on my shopping list.
I fell down the rabbit hole, as we hobbyists tend to, about seven years ago and got "into" watches; I never had the scratch for an Omega, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, etc. So I settled for good looking watches mostly as a fashion piece. The "nice" watches that always got the job done for a great price were my Eco Drives. My priorities and interests have changed and I could generally not care less about watches anymore, but I need a "one and done" watch as a daily tool. The Timex Expedition drove me insane with the infernal racket... like its movement was powered by some microscopic dwarven blacksmith, clanking away at every waking second of the day and night. Finally I got so sick of it, I strapped it to my motorcycle handlebars and it lived there for years. This watch was on my radar because I know Citizen makes excellent watches, the styling fits 99% of my attire, it's not massive and flashy, and it's affordable. This review was the nail in coffin, I'll be getting one of these for my first watch in over six years. You're also the reason I ordered a Sage 5 Lightweight this week. Nick, can you start doing reviews of stamp collecting or different birds to watch so that I have a hobby that won't financially ruin me 😅
Dam you, Nick Shabazz.......first you get me with the knives, now watches! Just bought one of these, Casio Duro en route. Already got my Citizen BN0151-09L on my wrist and loving it! Blades? Gentleman’s blades? Got to be the Boker Urban Trapper Ti handle. Blade almost the size of the handle, superlight, supersmooth bearings and a deep carry clip. What more could one want?
Spot on review. I've had this watch since 2014 and it's my favorite daily driver. The strap is terrible though. The Eulit Kristall black perlon strap is the best replacement I've found, much more comfortable and functional than a NATO (imho).
Wellp, I'm 5 years late to the party and only about 2 mins into the vid. I just picked up this BM8180 for myself as a Christmas present, and I gotta say. As a guy with an 8.25" wrist; I love this thing!! I used to own an SNK809, but that thing felt way too tiny. For me subjectively, the BM8180 on an XL or MN strap feels great! I also tend to prefer "classically" sized watches though, so that's definitely why I was drawn to this. Solid watch overall, definitely just became my new fave.
I just purchased this watch from JOMASHOP for $98.83 after tax and shipping. I actually like the smaller size face over large size face. Great looking watch! I was debating between this watch and the Seiko 5 but I think Citizen watch face looks better and the band is better quality vs the Seiko band. I like the retro old school military style look and I am really digging that band with those rivet holes. I think the watch would work well with various style bands too.
Bflo23 most important thing is seiko 5 is not that accurate compared to citizen eco drive. U need to adjust the time on seiko every month. U can forget about adjusting time on quartz watch
Great review. And cracked up a couple of times too haha. Just subscribed . I have the Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver. Love that watch but looking for something a bit smaller and more subtle. This watch has definitely made my list of potentials.
I love the fact that you compare big watches to dinner plates LOL my grandmother (who is partially blind) refers to big watches as "frying pan" watches and I just find those kinds of comparisons absolutely hilarious!
You as the reason I bought one of these. I did go ahead and brush the bezel and upgrade the crystal to sapphire. You are right and this being the only watch I ever really need. I really love this little watch, but I have a sickness when it comes to watches, so unfortunately this will never be my only watch. It will definitely always have a permanent place in my collection though. Hell, I am wearing it now.
Nice review. I purchased this Field Watch from Amazon because I ditched my Apple Watch, best decision ever. I have an 8” wrist and this watch fits well, the band could be longer but she wears well on my wrist. This was my first Citizen watch as I am currently waiting on a Citizen Promark Air A-T which is a much larger watch. I do like the Field Watch and it will be my daily wear.
I have owned this watch for twelve years. And this may be the best watch I have ever owned. Great functionality, appearance and reliability. If I could wave a magic wand and add one more thing it would be a GPS Sat capability for perfect time/date wherever I go. Otherwise I couldn't be happier.
I own this watch and a few others. It seems small. It looks small. It feels small. But this is deceptive. The dial size is big and is extremely readable. The dial is the same size as these "large" watches that I own: -- Seiko orange monster diver automatic. -- Seiko orange solar diver SNE109. -- Seiko SNX---- diver automatic. -- Citizen pro-master diver automatic. If it is still available, you need to buy this watch now. It is better than the seiko solar military or the citizen chandler ecodrive models. Seriously, buy it now before it is discontinued.
I have many watches, Hamilton, Seiko, and Casios. Have to say this is probably the best. Great time keeper, 100m water resist, day date, great lume and doesn't need a battery
Been using it for 14 years, from rock climbing to scout camps in the worst primitive conditions possible. It survived without even a scratch, and I've been wearing it all day, every day - they don't really mention its durability. Do I recommend it generally? No - there are even better ones, with more features, for just a bit more money. But for a low budget, I wouldn't go with anything else.
@Bryan Davis If you're tight on budget, but want a watch, absolutely this one. The only thing that puts off a lot of people is the strap, but that can be replaced. As for other recommendations... it depends on what you want. You can find a lot of watch review videos, you should decide on style, and after that pick from the ones with the best reviews. Do keep in mind, that anything that is better than this one (and some that aren't) are more expensive, and with lots of features the price can go sky high - in this case a smartwatch can also be considered.
@Bryan Davis Indeed, it is quite small - but that also makes it extremely comfortable. I myself wear it all the time, only taking it off for showering, but not even then sometimes, to clean it. This is why I mentioned style - if you like watches that are flashy, big or imposing, this is absolutely not the watch for you. But reliability, precision, durability and utility wise it's absolutely the best in terms of price to value, quite possibly out of all watches you'll ever wear. Also, it being cheap means you could buy it, try it, and you either fall in love with it like I did, or you can still gift it to a nephew or friend who likes outdoor activities and would appreciate a durable, but not so flashy watch. I got mine from my uncle, who lives in the US, and at first glance I was not impressed by it, but after reading the manual and using it for a few days my mindset changed. And after 14 years of use I reckon if I swap it, it would only be for a smartwatch, and it would have to be at least this durable - but it is equally likely I'll be buried with this one, even if it is 50 years later :D
I had picked up the version in this similar style, just with the chronograph feature. This is a perfect watch for camping trips, it really does exactly what I need it to. Replaced the OEM strap with a nice NATO band and It's served me well. Thanks for the awesome review Nick!
