Citizen Caliber C030: Advanced Analog-Digital Dive Movement With Depth Meter and Chronograph

The Citizen Caliber C030 is a robust and feature-rich analog-digital quartz movement engineered for diving professionals and underwater adventurers. As part of the Aqualand family, the C030 movement provides real-time depth measurement, automatic dive tracking, and log memory, all integrated into a dual-display format. These capabilities make it a trusted tool among divers and collectors alike.

Known for its ISO-certified dive watch compliance, the C030 combines analog timekeeping with a digital display, delivering vital dive data with maximum readability and reliability.

Key Features

The C030 movement offers a wide range of functions suited for underwater activity and general timekeeping.

Core Functions:

• Analog display: Hour, minute, and central seconds

• Digital LCD screen for dive data, chronograph, and calendar functions

• Depth sensor: Measures diving depth in real time (up to ~80 meters)

• Dive timer: Automatically starts when submerged (typically at 1.5 meters)

• Dive log memory: Stores previous dive duration and max depth

• Chronograph: Measures up to 24 hours in 1/100-second intervals

• Calendar: Digital date and day

• Daily alarm with tone

• Water temperature display (in °C or °F depending on model)

• Backlight for LCD screen

• Water resistance: Typically 200 meters (ISO 6425 compliant)

This combination of analog and digital functionality allows divers to access critical data in challenging underwater conditions.

Depth Meter and Dive Function

A hallmark of the C030 is its integrated depth sensor, which begins recording once the watch is submerged beyond a threshold (~1.5 m).

Dive Mode Details:

• Depth range: 1.5 m to approximately 80 m

• Automatic logging:

  • Dive start time

  • Maximum depth reached

  • Total dive time

• Dive data remains accessible after resurfacing

• Dive log memory stores the last recorded session

This mode activates automatically—no button press is required—ensuring accurate, hands-free operation for divers.

Timekeeping and Calendar

Analog:

• Simple and traditional three-hand layout

• Luminous markers for visibility in low light

• Time can be set manually via the crown

Digital:

• Time, calendar, and dual time zone available through the LCD interface

• Calendar auto-updates through all months and leap years

• Digital time and analog hands are independently adjustable

This allows users to display two time zones simultaneously, which is helpful for travel or coordinating dives in international waters.

Chronograph and Alarm

• Chronograph:

  • Measures up to 24 hours

  • Accurate to 1/100-second

  • Useful for surface intervals, training, or daily timing needs

• Alarm:

  • One daily programmable alarm

  • Audible tone, suitable for use on land

These tools expand the watch’s functionality beyond diving, making it a full-featured everyday companion.

Button Functions

The C030 typically includes four buttons:

1. Mode button: Cycles through TIME, DIVE, CHRONO, ALARM, LOG

2. Set/Adjust: Used for digital time, date, and alarm settings

3. Start/Stop: Activates and stops chronograph

4. Reset/Recall: Used in chrono and dive log functions

Backlight activation is often tied to a long press on one of the buttons, allowing visibility in the dark or underwater.

Battery and Maintenance

• Battery type: CR2025 lithium coin cell

• Battery life: Around 2 years under normal use

• Low battery sign: Dim or blank LCD, frozen analog hands

Battery changes should always be performed by a professional technician to:

• Preserve water resistance

• Maintain gasket integrity

• Ensure dive sensor calibration remains intact

Watch Design and Build

Watches housing the C030 movement feature:

• Stainless steel or titanium cases

• Screw-down crown and caseback

• One-way rotating bezel for manual dive timing

• Bold dial markings and luminous hands

• Rubber dive straps or steel bracelets

• ISO 6425 dive watch certification

These designs ensure durability, visibility, and comfort, even with dive gloves and in murky water.

Ideal Users

The C030 is ideal for:

• Scuba divers seeking integrated depth/time tracking

• Military or rescue personnel needing underwater dependability

• Adventure travelers and explorers

• Watch enthusiasts collecting iconic Citizen dive models

• Everyday users wanting rugged, functional style

Summary

The Citizen Caliber C030 is a legendary analog-digital dive movement that delivers real-time depth tracking, automatic dive logging, and multifunction utility. Its blend of intuitive analog timekeeping and practical digital feedback makes it one of Citizen’s most respected movements in the dive watch category. Whether you’re underwater or on dry land, the C030 ensures reliable performance and critical data at a glance.