When it comes to pilot-style watches, Citizen has carved a strong reputation with its balance of heritage, functionality, and affordability. Among its lineup, the Citizen Avion AW1361-10H is one of the most talked-about timepieces. With its rugged design and aviation-inspired dial, it offers enthusiasts a perfect mix of utility and vintage charm.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through the full specifications of the Citizen Avion AW1361-10H, including case size, movement, dial details, strap, and functionality helping you decide if this watch deserves a place on your wrist.
1. Overview of the Citizen Avion AW1361-10H
The Citizen Avion AW1361-10H is part of the Avion series, a line inspired by 1950s pilot watches. It captures the adventurous spirit of aviation while packing in modern Citizen technology, most notably the Eco-Drive movement, which eliminates the need for battery changes.
This watch appeals to aviation fans, casual collectors, and anyone looking for a bold wrist presence at an accessible price point.
2. Citizen Avion AW1361-10H Case Size & Dimensions
One of the most frequently asked questions about this model is its size. Pilot watches are traditionally large for legibility, and the AW1361-10H follows that tradition.
- Case Diameter: 45 mm
- Lug-to-Lug Length: Approximately 52 mm
- Thickness: 12 mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel with a brushed finish
The 45 mm diameter ensures strong wrist presence, making it ideal for medium to larger wrists. The slim 12 mm profile, however, keeps it wearable under casual jackets and shirts. Its wide lug span can feel oversized for very small wrists, but that’s expected in the pilot watch category.
3. Dial Details: Aviation Style
The dial is where the Citizen Avion AW1361-10H truly shines. It uses a Type B Flieger dial layout, a design rooted in World War II pilot watches.
- Outer Ring: Minute track with large white numerals
- Inner Ring: 12-hour markers placed closer to the center
- Additional Scale: 24-hour markings, making it easier to read military time
- Hands: Bold sword-style hands with luminous paint
- Date Window: Positioned at 3 o’clock for practical use
The dial has excellent contrast thanks to its dark gray background and white markings, making it highly legible in daylight. The lume, while decent on the hands, does not extend to all hour markers, which some users may find limiting in complete darkness.
4. Movement: Citizen Eco-Drive
Inside the Citizen Avion AW1361-10H is the brand’s signature Eco-Drive movement.
- Movement Type: Eco-Drive J810 caliber (solar powered quartz)
- Power Reserve: Up to 8 months on a full charge
- Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month
- Charging: Powered by any light source (indoor or sunlight), so no need for battery replacement
This is one of the biggest advantages of the AW1361-10H. Unlike mechanical watches that require winding or automatic watches that need regular wear, Eco-Drive ensures worry-free ownership.
5. Strap & Wearability
The watch comes fitted with a brown leather strap that enhances its vintage Avion vibe.
- Strap Material: Genuine leather with contrast stitching
- Lug Width: 22 mm
- Buckle: Traditional tang buckle
The leather strap feels soft out of the box and complements the aviation theme. For those who want to experiment, the 22 mm lug size makes it easy to swap with NATO straps or steel bracelets.
6. Water Resistance & Durability
While the Citizen Avion AW1361-10H is not built as a dive watch, it offers sufficient water protection for daily activities.
- Water Resistance: 100 meters (10 bar)
- Crystal: Mineral glass, offering decent scratch resistance
This makes it suitable for hand washing, light swimming, and outdoor activities, though not for diving.
7. Overall Wearing Experience
Despite its large 45 mm case, the Citizen Avion AW1361-10H is surprisingly comfortable thanks to its slim profile and lightweight design. The legibility is excellent, which is a must for any pilot-inspired watch. The Eco-Drive movement adds practical convenience, ensuring you’ll never have to worry about changing a battery.
However, those with smaller wrists might find it oversized, and the limited lume on the dial markers could be a drawback for night-time readability.
8. Citizen Avion AW1361-10H Specifications Summary
Here’s a quick breakdown of the specs:
Final Thoughts
The Citizen Avion AW1361-10H is a versatile pilot watch that blends vintage aviation aesthetics with modern Eco-Drive technology. Its bold case size and legible dial make it a standout everyday piece, while the maintenance-free solar movement adds practical convenience.
If you’re searching for a watch that delivers on style, specifications, case size, and reliable movement without breaking the bank, the Citizen Avion AW1361-10H is a strong contender.
It may not have the full luminous dial or sapphire crystal of higher-end models, but at its price point, it offers tremendous value for enthusiasts who want an authentic Avion feel.
