Citizen launches new radio-controlled Attesa chronographs with world time bezel and Direct Flight

Citizen has expanded its Attesa line of radio-controlled watches with two new chronographs. The AT8296-53A and AT8297-51L are standard additions to the lineup, and while they’re not as flashy as the 50th anniversary limited-edition models that arrived last month, they still offer solid functionality in an attractive design that costs roughly half as much.

The two chronographs share the same 42mm Super Titanium case, 10.7mm thick, and the light-powered H800 Eco-Drive movement, but differ in personality. The AT8296-53A takes a cleaner approach with its bright white dial featuring a molded scallop-like texture, paired with a sapphire world time bezel finished with dark blue vapor deposition.

The AT8297-51L offers a dressier option, featuring a dark navy dial with rose-gold-colored accents and a black sapphire world time bezel. The warm metallic details extend to the subdial rings and city codes printed on the bezel, while a clean silver case and black pump pushers and crown round out the polished, two-tone look.

The world time display and Citizen’s Direct Flight function make it easier to switch to local time in another time zone in just a few steps. The bezel lists cities corresponding to 26 time zones, while the H800 movement provides radio-controlled timekeeping across Japan, China, Europe, and the US. The watch automatically corrects the time and calendar when a radio signal is available.

The chronograph can measure elapsed time down to 1/20th of a second, with a 60-minute counter, while the perpetual calendar, 24-hour display, power-saving mode, and Citizen’s Perfex Multi 3000 technology add to the practical feature set. Like other Attesa models, the watches use solar-powered Eco-Drive technology and can run for around 10 months on a full charge in power-saving mode.

Pricing & Availability

The Citizen Attesa AT8296-53A and AT8297-51L will launch first in Japan in October for ¥198,000. Citizen hasn’t confirmed international availability yet, but we expect the new watches to reach other markets, including the US and UK, in the coming weeks.

Specifications

• Model: AT8296-53A / AT8297-51L
• Movement: H800
• Power: Eco-Drive (solar-powered)
• Accuracy: ±15 seconds/month when not receiving radio signals
• Power reserve: Approximately 10 months on a full charge with power saving activated
• Case size: 42mm diameter × 10.7mm thick
• Case material: Super Titanium
• Case finish: Duratect Titanium Carbide
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
• Bezel: Sapphire glass ring
• Bracelet: Super Titanium, three-fold push-button clasp
• Bracelet width: 21mm
• Water resistance: 10 ATM
• Weight: 95g
• World time: 26 time zones
• Radio reception: Japan, China, Europe, and the Americas
• Chronograph: 1/20-second chronograph with 60-minute counter
• Functions: Direct Flight, perpetual calendar, day/date display, 24-hour display, power-saving mode, charge-level indicator
• Magnetic resistance: JIS Class 1
• Technology: Perfex Multi 3000
• Country of origin: Made in Japan