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With much anticipation for Citizen’s latest release, the Eco-Drive Proximity Bluetooth watch is now finally for sale (see the aBlogtoWatch hands-on review here).  To help launch this release, Arizona Fine Time will be hosting an event at our store in Scottsdale, AZ November 28th 2012 from 3-7pm.  During the event, we will have Citizen USA’s Director of After Sales Service (who also is their lead technology expert) in-store doing a special demonstration on the new Proximity Bluetooth watch and how it works.  Following each presentation, there will be a Q&A session for inquiring customers.  We’ll also have free food, drinks and cigars for anyone in attendance.  With the purchase of any Citizen product, we’ll have T-shirts, hats and other promotional items.  If you’re in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area, it will definitely be worth checking out.

If you are not yet familiar with the Proximity, it is Citizen’s first Bluetooth controlled timepiece that is solar powered and completely analog.  So far, the Proximity is only compatible with iPhone 4S or 5 and there are rumors that Android will be a possibility for next year (though no guarantee).

Proximity connects to iPhone via Bluetooth 4.0, which is currently the lowest energy consuming Bluetooth.  Once the free app for your phone is downloaded, you can do the initial pairing with the watch by adjusting to the pairing mode (PR) on the 6 o’clock sub dial.  The modes are adjusted by pulling the crown out one click, and rotating.   Once the 1st pairing has been established, you can reconnect the Bluetooth by either adjusting to the connect mode (CT) or by pushing and holding the upper right button for about 2-3 seconds.  Both the watch and phone need to be used for the initial pair, or reconnection.  Should you leave the Bluetooth on, Proximity will automatically disconnect after six hours to conserve energy.

The different functions utilizing the Bluetooth are very cool.  While connected, your watch will notify you of incoming phone calls, emails (for up to five different email accounts), calendar notifications and, if you lose connection.  This indication is established by a subtle vibration of the watch and the second hand pointing to the appropriate indicator (11 o’clock-for calls, 10 for email or calendar, and 9 for lost connection).  The second hand will stay pointing at the indicator until you press the upper right button for a couple seconds, and then will jump back to perfect time.  There is a ten meter sync range, so if you go outside of that, you will receive notification.  If you’re quick enough to get back within range, it will automatically reconnect.

Another Bluetooth feature included is a phone finder, which is one of my favorites.  Should you lose your phone, you can push and hold the upper and lower right button for approximately 3 seconds.  Even if your phone is on silent in every way, the phone will ring through the app at full volume.  Surprisingly, you do not have to be connected for this feature, you just have to do the initial pair.

Most importantly, the watches time, date and accuracy are all updated by the phone.  This can be very convenient in traveling, as long as you have your phone set up to auto adjust timezones.  Since the iPhone is accurate to the atomic clock, your Proximity will be as well.  You can always calibrate the time on the watch to the phone by pushing the lower right button for three seconds.  Without the updates, they are accurate to -/+ 15 seconds a month.

On top of all that, this piece has a chronograph, perpetual calendar, and a secondary timezone that can be displayed by changing to the local time mode (L-TM). There is also a 24 hour display, Bluetooth connection display, and a power reserve display.  The power reserve is above and beyond what most Citizen’s are capable of, lasting eight months in the dark using Bluetooth, and a whole 17 months without.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAq1j1dvJYI&w=560&h=315]

Overall, it’s a great looking piece for the price point not even including the Bluetooth function.  There are two variations of the watch,  both 46mm, with anti-reflective mineral crystal, 100m water resistance and fabric straps with polyurethane coating and contrast stitching.  The stainless steel with blue (AT7030-05E) and black IP with green (AT-7035-01E) both retail for $495 but can be purchased directly through our site for $371.25 HERE.  This price is also valid over the phone or in store.

If you plan on attending the event for the Proximity, our address is listed below…

AZ Fine Time
7830 E. Gelding Dr. Suite 100
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
1-800-486-3996