I've always worn Seikos, and this is my first Citizen.  I have a couple 'plain' watches, and wanted something more interesting, yet still be able to tell the time at a glance.  This one's good, and feels like a step up.  I endorse the pros noted by other reviewers.  Many of the cons I think are matters of taste.  The face is a nice matte white, probably some synthetic (plastic), translucent to let light to the photo-receptive layer underneath.  It doesn't look cheap, and I don't find it hard to read.  The hands are a nice metallic blue that reminds me of the 'royal blue' bluing found on 19th-century guns.  It would have been a nice touch to make the crown the same color.  I ordered a dark blue alligator band, and am expecting it to set the watch off nicely.  However, there is nothing wrong with the included band, which is sturdy alligator-embossed synthetic leather, sufficiently heavy but not too fat.  It matches the watch well and I think it would last a long time.  I haven't worn the watch much yet, it has spent most days on my tie rack, across the room from a window, and apparently is getting enough light to keep it running.  My only 'con' is that the watch is pretty big, but that's all watches nowadays. So, really nice watch, I like the style and color, and it didn't break the bank.