The Citizen Promaster Altichron Cirrus BN5048-01E is a limited-edition, light-powered watch with an altimeter, electronic compass and date display. Citizen specifies an imperial altimeter range of -1,000 to 32,000 feet and lists the U.S. model as sold out on its product page as of October 7, 2026. This is a model overview based on published specifications, not a hands-on review.
What is the Citizen Promaster Altichron Cirrus?
BN5048-01E is the U.S. reference for the Promaster Altichron Cirrus. Citizen describes it as a limited edition and identifies its movement as Eco-Drive caliber J290, powered by light. The model combines timekeeping with an altimeter, electronic compass and date display. Citizen’s U.S. product listing is the primary reference for this specific model.
Despite its outdoor-oriented features, the sources cited here do not establish that the watch has GPS. Nor do they establish field accuracy for its sensor readings, so the specifications should not be treated as a substitute for navigation equipment or independent testing.
Altimeter range and compass
Imperial altitude range
Citizen lists the BN5048-01E altimeter range as -1,000 to 32,000 feet. The negative value is part of the stated range; it should not be silently converted into a claim about performance below sea level or any particular field condition. The model listing gives the current U.S. specification.
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- Iconic Promaster watches with advanced functions designed to venture to the deepest depths.
- 3 Hand, Date
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Luminous Hands and Markers and Anti-Reflective Mineral Crystal
- Featuring our Eco-Drive technology – powered by light, any light. 200 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
Electronic compass
The BN5048-01E listing also specifies an electronic compass. That confirms the function, but the available model-specific material does not provide enough operating detail to explain calibration, use, or accuracy. For instructions, use Citizen’s support guidance below rather than relying on generic steps for another Altichron reference.
Movement, materials and display
- Movement: Eco-Drive caliber J290, identified by Citizen for BN5048-01E.
- Displays and functions: altimeter, electronic compass and date.
- Materials and appearance: Citizen specifies a Super Titanium case, black dial and black polyurethane strap.
Citizen’s 2014 Altichron Cirrus launch announcement gives ±15 seconds per month as the announced accuracy specification. That is a published movement specification, not a result from independent testing of this watch. The same announcement described a power-reserve indicator for the family, but the current U.S. listing is the stronger source for what is confirmed on BN5048-01E; do not assume family-level details apply to this exact reference unless its listing or manual confirms them.
The available exact-model product text does not establish case dimensions or crystal material. Those details should not be inferred from a different Altichron model.
Rank #2
- Modern, pilot-inspired Promaster timepieces equipped for professional use to discover the world from high above.
- Atomic Timekeeping Technology with Synchronized Time Adjustment Available in 43 World Cities, 1/100 Second Chronograph Measures up to 24 Hours, Perpetual Calendar, Dual Time (Second Time Zone), Power Reserve Indicator
- Black Ion-Plated Stainless Steel with Black Silicone Strap
- Black Dial with Orange and White Accents, Anti-Reflective Mineral Crystal
- Featuring our Eco-Drive technology – powered by light, any light. 200 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
How BN5048-01E differs from other Altichron models
“Altichron” covers multiple references, and specifications are not interchangeable. The 2014 family announcement distinguishes a metric J280 variant from the imperial J290; confirm the reference and caliber before applying either range to a watch. Its announced figures are:
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| Variant in Citizen’s 2014 announcement | Caliber | Announced altitude range |
|---|---|---|
| Metric | J280 | -300 m to 10,000 m |
| Imperial | J290 | -1,000 ft to 32,000 ft |
The BN5048-01E U.S. listing identifies J290 and gives the imperial range. By contrast, BN5058-07E is a separate Promaster Altichron reference. Its listed dimensions and other specifications should not be attributed to the Cirrus. Citizen’s global Altichron page also covers other models, so it is useful for family context, not as a substitute for the BN5048-01E listing.
For historical context, Citizen’s design archive labels BN4035-08E as an Altichron Cirrus design entry from 2013. That is a different reference from BN5048-01E. The archive entry does not make the two model numbers interchangeable.
Rank #3
- Modern, pilot-inspired Promaster timepieces equipped for professional use to discover the world from high above.
- Synchronized to Atomic Time Clock for Superior Accuracy, Atomic Timekeeping Technology with Synchronized Time Adjustment Available in 43 World Cities, 1/100 Second Chronograph Measures up to 24 Hours, Perpetual Calendar, Dual Time (Second Time Zone), 2 Alarms, 99-Minute Countdown Timer, Digital Backlight Display, Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) Display, Power Reserve Indicator
- Two-Tone Stainless Steel
- Ana-Digi Display;Luminous Hands and Markers. Anti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal
- 200 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
How to find setting instructions
Citizen’s U.S. support page says to search for instructions using the watch’s model or caliber number; a product page may also include a “Download Setting Instruction” link. Start with BN5048-01E or J290, then check that any manual you find matches the watch. Citizen’s manual guidance explains the official lookup route. The steps for setting or operating the altimeter and compass are not reproduced here because a BN5048-01E manual was not available in the cited material.
Availability
Citizen’s U.S. product page showed BN5048-01E as “Sold Out” on October 7, 2026. That is a dated snapshot of the official listing, not a guarantee of current stock elsewhere or a statement about future availability. Check the model-specific page for any change in Citizen’s status.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
