Citizen Caliber C690: The Iconic Multi-Function Movement of the Promaster Navihawk

The Citizen C690 is one of the most advanced analog-digital quartz calibers ever developed by the brand. Featured prominently in the Citizen Promaster Navihawk series, this movement is designed with pilots, world travelers, and outdoor professionals in mind. It delivers an impressive array of functions while maintaining quartz precision and aviation-inspired aesthetics.

Released in the mid-to-late 1990s, the C690 quickly earned a reputation for its multi-time zone accuracy, pilot tools, and durable construction.

Core Features of Caliber C690

The C690 is a quartz analog-digital movement that synchronizes analog hands with digital displays to provide multiple complex features, including:

• Analog time display (hours, minutes, seconds)

• Dual digital displays (upper and lower LCD screens)

• World Time (30+ cities including UTC)

• Digital chronograph (stopwatch) with 1/100-second precision

• Countdown timer with up to 60-minute duration

• Daily alarm with on/off toggle

• Perpetual calendar (day, date, month)

• 12/24-hour format selection

• Rotating slide rule bezel for flight calculations (in Navihawk models)

• Electroluminescent (EL) backlight

• Battery low indicator

• Synchronized analog/digital time setting

This combination of features makes the C690 a highly versatile and function-dense movement, ideal for both casual and professional users.

Timekeeping and World Time Function

One of the standout features of the C690 is the World Time function, which allows users to view the current time in over 30 cities across different time zones. Time zones are labeled by city code (e.g., NYC, TYO, LON), and users can scroll through them using the buttons on the case side.

Both analog and digital time can be set to different zones:

• Analog time is typically set to local or “home” time

• Digital time can be viewed and changed to any other selected time zone

This dual display system makes the C690 ideal for pilots and global travelers, enabling instant checks across multiple time zones.

Chronograph and Countdown Timer

The chronograph function measures elapsed time up to 23 hours, 59 minutes, and 59.99 seconds with 1/100-second precision. It also includes a split time/lap feature, ideal for timing races, flights, or sporting events.

The countdown timer is programmable up to 60 minutes and offers an audible alert when time expires—handy for approach timing, workout intervals, or kitchen use.

Alarm and Calendar

The digital daily alarm can be activated or turned off as needed. It beeps for about 20 seconds at the set time and is independent of the main time zone settings.

The perpetual calendar function automatically accounts for varying month lengths and leap years, minimizing the need for manual adjustment.

Power and Battery Life

The C690 runs on a CR2025 lithium battery, offering a battery life of approximately 2 to 3 years depending on backlight and alarm usage.

Notable features:

• Battery life indicator appears as a “LOW” message or causes erratic display when voltage drops.

• An energy-saving function kicks in if the watch is left unused in the dark for an extended time.

Case Design and Durability

Watches equipped with the C690 movement are usually aviation-style cases featuring:

• Large rotating bezels with slide-rule functionality

• Stainless steel or titanium construction

• 100M water resistance or higher

• Push-button operated mode switching and city code scroll

These cases are robust and often include luminous hands, anti-reflective mineral or sapphire crystal, and tight screw-down casebacks.

Navigation and Controls

Four case-side buttons labeled A, B, C, and D control:

• Mode switching (TIME, CHRONO, TMR, ALM, CAL, WT-S, SET)

• City code scrolling

• Digital display toggle (for 12/24-hour, date, etc.)

• EL backlight activation

A long press on a button can initiate a time sync or change the analog hands to match a selected digital time zone.

Conclusion

The Citizen Caliber C690 is a flagship movement for functional quartz watches, offering exceptional aviation-ready tools, multi-time zone support, and durable analog-digital integration. Whether you're crossing time zones or logging flight durations, the C690 provides reliable precision in a rugged, purpose-built form. It remains one of Citizen’s most respected calibers among pilots, collectors, and enthusiasts alike.