Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated September 5, 2026

Citizen Promaster Sky CB0248 vs Stauer 1920s Retrograde

Citizen's pilot watch meets Stauer's dress watch

Quick Verdict

The Stauer 1920s Retrograde ($100–$150) delivers Quartz technology in the tier below the Citizen Promaster Sky CB0248 ($250–$500). The 1920s Retrograde measures 43mm and is rated 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer. The Promaster Sky CB0248 justifies its premium with Citizen (Japan) heritage and Eco-Drive Radio-Controlled. Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.

CitizenPromaster Sky CB0248$250–$500 Check price Stauer1920s Retrograde$100–$150 Check price

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Citizen

Promaster Sky CB0248

$250–$500

Check Price Full Review

Stauer

1920s Retrograde

$100–$150

Check Price Full Review

Specifications Compared

Feature	Citizen Promaster Sky CB0248	Stauer 1920s Retrograde
Price	$250–$500	$100–$150
Case Size	42.4mm	43mm
Movement	Eco-Drive Radio-Controlled	Quartz
Caliber Type	Citizen Eco-Drive	Quartz
Power Reserve	—	Battery
Water Resistance	—	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

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Citizen's design language vs Stauer's approach

The Citizen Promaster Sky CB0248 features a Stainless Steel case at 42.4mm 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 Radio-Controlled vs Quartz

The Promaster Sky CB0248 runs the Eco-Drive Radio-Controlled (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.

📏

Wearability & Fit

Edge: Citizen

42.4mm vs 43mm — different wrist presence

At 42.4mm, the Promaster Sky CB0248 wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the 1920s Retrograde at 43mm. Water resistance differs: 50m 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 Sky CB0248 sits at $250–$500 and the Stauer 1920s Retrograde at $100–$150. On the specs that outlast any price: the Promaster Sky CB0248 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: Stauer

50m vs 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer

The Promaster Sky CB0248 is rated to 50m while the 1920s Retrograde handles 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer. The 1920s Retrograde offers superior water resistance.

Our Verdict

Citizen

Promaster Sky CB0248

Choose the Citizen Promaster Sky CB0248 if you prioritize Citizen Eco-Drive engineering, Citizen (Japan) craftsmanship, and reliable water resistance. At $250–$500, it delivers Eco-Drive Radio-Controlled 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 Sky CB0248 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

On price, the Stauer 1920s Retrograde sits a band lower ($100–$150 against $250–$500), 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 Sky CB0248 may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.

Both are suitable for daily wear. The Promaster Sky CB0248 at 42.4mm with 50m 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.