Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated September 5, 2026

Citizen Promaster Aqualand BN2038 vs Stauer 1920s Retrograde

Citizen's diver meets Stauer's dress watch

Quick Verdict

The Stauer 1920s Retrograde ($100–$150) delivers Quartz technology in the tier below the Citizen Promaster Aqualand BN2038 ($500–$1,000). The 1920s Retrograde measures 43mm and is rated 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer. The Promaster Aqualand BN2038 justifies its premium with Citizen (Japan) heritage and Eco-Drive. Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.

CitizenPromaster Aqualand BN2038$500–$1,000 Check price Stauer1920s Retrograde$100–$150 Check price

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Citizen

Promaster Aqualand BN2038

$500–$1,000

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Stauer

1920s Retrograde

$100–$150

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Specifications Compared

Feature	Citizen Promaster Aqualand BN2038	Stauer 1920s Retrograde
Price	$500–$1,000	$100–$150
Case Size	46mm	43mm
Movement	Eco-Drive	Quartz
Caliber Type	Citizen Eco-Drive	Quartz
Power Reserve	—	Battery
Water Resistance	200m Diver	100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer
Crystal	—	Mineral crystal
Case Material	Stainless Steel	Gold-tone stainless steel (listing photo shows a gold-tone finish; Amazon spec table says stainless steel)
Origin	Citizen (Japan)	Stauer (USA brand, imported)

Category-by-Category Analysis

🎨

Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Citizen's design language vs Stauer's approach

The Citizen Promaster Aqualand BN2038 features a Stainless Steel case at 46mm with crystal protection. The Stauer 1920s Retrograde offers Gold-tone stainless steel (listing photo shows a gold-tone finish; Amazon spec table says stainless steel) construction at 43mm with Mineral crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Draw

Eco-Drive vs Quartz

The Promaster Aqualand BN2038 runs the Eco-Drive (Citizen Eco-Drive, standard power reserve) at standard frequency. The 1920s Retrograde uses the Quartz (Quartz, Battery reserve) at standard. Power reserves are closely matched.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Stauer

46mm vs 43mm — different wrist presence

At 46mm, the Promaster Aqualand BN2038 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the 1920s Retrograde at 43mm. Water resistance differs: 200m Diver vs 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer.

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Stauer

Stauer sits in the lower tier

The Citizen Promaster Aqualand BN2038 sits at $500–$1,000 and the Stauer 1920s Retrograde at $100–$150. On the specs that outlast any price: the Promaster Aqualand BN2038 uses a hardened crystal with a standard reserve, against Mineral crystal and Battery on the 1920s Retrograde. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Citizen

200m Diver vs 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer

The Promaster Aqualand BN2038 is rated to 200m Diver while the 1920s Retrograde handles 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer. The Promaster Aqualand BN2038 is better suited for water activities.

Our Verdict

Citizen

Promaster Aqualand BN2038

Choose the Citizen Promaster Aqualand BN2038 if you prioritize Citizen Eco-Drive engineering, Citizen (Japan) craftsmanship, and 200m Diver water resistance. At $500–$1,000, it delivers Eco-Drive with solid power reserve.

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Stauer

1920s Retrograde

Choose the Stauer 1920s Retrograde if you value Quartz technology, Stauer (USA brand, imported) heritage, and 43mm proportions. At $100–$150, the Quartz with Battery power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Citizen Promaster Aqualand BN2038 and Stauer 1920s Retrograde represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Citizen bringing Citizen (Japan) tradition while Stauer delivers Stauer (USA brand, imported) engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

For water, the Citizen Promaster Aqualand BN2038 is rated 200 m against 100 m, which is the difference between swimming and diving on one side and splashes on the other. On price, the Stauer 1920s Retrograde sits a band lower ($100–$150 against $500–$1,000), so it is the cheaper way into the category. Neither is better at everything; the spec table above shows movement, case size, water resistance and crystal side by side so you can weigh what matters to you. We do not test units, so this is the makers' data, not a bench result.

The Stauer 1920s Retrograde offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $100–$150. However, the Citizen Promaster Aqualand BN2038 may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.

Both are suitable for daily wear. The Promaster Aqualand BN2038 at 46mm with 200m Diver water resistance handles everyday situations. The 1920s Retrograde at 43mm with 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer is similarly capable. Check each model's crystal material if scratch resistance matters to you.

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How This Page Was Made

Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.