It looks like a big rugged watch. But is it? After wearing it extensively at work and around the house I can tell you that the Citizen Promaster Land will get compliments for its good looks. Its sapphire glass can take a beating. But it’s not as feature packed as it seems and I’m not confident in durability of the buttons.
I went back to wearing the U822 after wearing the G-Shock Mudmaster for a long time. While on standby at work I filmed this video. So you’ll hear the rumble of diesel engines in the background. If you’d rather read a summary, here’s an AI generated summarization of my Promaster Land video:
AI Summary: Citizen Promaster Land U822 – A “Blue-Collar” Field Review
The following is an AI-generated summary of the video content from JimKinkade.com.
In this installment from the cab of his truck, Jim Kinkade puts the Citizen Promaster Land U822 through its paces. Often overshadowed by the “big dogs” of the G-Shock world, this Citizen offering brings a unique mix of analog tradition and modern digital utility to the table. Jim shares his “vocationally tough” perspective on whether this watch belongs in your war chest or if it’s merely a “hubcap” for your wrist.
Rethinking the “Hubcap” Aesthetic
While some watch enthusiasts have labeled the U822 as oversized, Jim argues that the design is more about “bold presence” than unnecessary bulk. On his 8.5-inch wrists the watch finds its home. The strap itself features clever drainage channels—essential for anyone working in the heat of the oil field—though Jim mentions that a full day of “bloat” can leave its mark. One standout ergonomic feature is the buckle’s “pocket” design, which allows the tang to sit flush, preventing it from snagging on gear or clothing during a shift.
The MIP Display: A Game Changer for Citizen
The heart of the U822’s digital utility is its MIP (Memory in Pixel) display. The digital sub-dial is snappy and provides a wealth of information, from a world-time function to a 1/100th-second chronograph. While the MIP screen doesn’t “scroll” live fractions of a second due to refresh rate limitations, it captures the data perfectly, revealing the precise timing as soon as the stop button is pressed.
Real-World Durability and “Abuse”
A Jim Kinkade review wouldn’t be complete without a bit of “vocational abuse.” After weeks of wearing the U822 while performing heavy-duty mechanical repairs—including a rough serpentine belt swap—the watch bears the scars of its labor.
- The Bezel: The metal bezel took several hits, resulting in visible scuffs and scratches that Jim wears as a badge of honor.
- The Crystal: Despite the bezel’s damage, the sapphire crystal remained absolutely pristine, proving that the watch is built to protect the things that matter most.
- The Lume: The U822 features an exceptional dual-color lume—blue for the main indices and green for the sub-dial—ensuring the watch remains readable long after the sun goes down over the job site.
Industrial Utility and Final Verdict
The U822 is a “basic” tool in the best way possible. It foregoes complex features like atomic timekeeping or digital compass sensors in favor of a manual solar-alignment compass bezel and high-visibility analog hands. Jim notes that the hands are “whiter than white,” providing a level of contrast that is hard to beat in direct sunlight.
While the retail price might be steep for a watch without “smart” features, Jim sees it as a fantastic candidate for a sale purchase. It’s a rugged, industrial-looking timepiece that manages to look like a much more expensive luxury watch while maintaining the heart of a field tool. Whether you’re stuck on standby in a big rig or heading out for a weekend adventure, the Citizen Promaster Land U822 offers a bold, reliable way to keep time.
The AI is right. I like the Promaster Land, but wait until it’s on sale. The retail price is pretty high. Stay tuned for when I put the Promaster Land head-to-head against the G-Shock Mudmaster!