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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallThe Nixon Star Wars Dark Side watches were released in two waves in 2015: Stormtrooper and Imperial Pilot designs debuted in September, followed by Darth Vader and Boba Fett in November. The name refers to that part of Nixon’s broader Star Wars collaboration—not every Star Wars watch Nixon made. For collectors, the key is identifying the exact model and reference: Vader designs range from a 51 mm automatic to a 38 mm quartz watch, with different movements and water ratings.
What was in the Dark Side collection?
Nixon Tokyo Japan announced the first Star Wars collection on September 18, 2015. The initial Dark Side wave featured Stormtrooper and Imperial Pilot products and was sold through 38 stores in Japan, according to the company’s announcement. Stormtrooper designs borrowed armor colors and included a blaster detail on the 51-30 tide dial; Imperial Pilot styling drew on helmet markings and red cockpit instrumentation. Nixon Tokyo Japan’s September 2015 announcement.
The second wave was announced on November 18, with release scheduled for November 20. It brought in Darth Vader and Boba Fett. Nixon described Vader watches with a black base, red seconds hand inspired by the lightsaber, and mask-inspired details. The Japanese-market announcement listed The 51-30 Vader Black at ¥83,000 before tax. Nixon Tokyo Japan’s November 2015 announcement.
Dark Side was one chapter of the larger collaboration. Nixon’s 2018 retrospective features other Star Wars designs, including a Darth Vader Charger Chrono, Death Trooper Unit, Death Star 51-30, Jedi Ranger Chrono, Han Solo 51-30, Rey Time Teller, and R2-D2 Time Teller. That photo selection demonstrates the collection’s breadth, but is not a complete catalog. Nixon’s Star Wars collection retrospective, January 9, 2018.
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- In the epic battles in the Star Wars saga, the X-wing and TIE Fighter ships played a crucial role.
- This new watch showcases the legendary starfighters of the Rebel Alliance as seen through a cockpit screen of the Galactic Empire’s twin ion engine ship on a deep black dial printed in white and neon green with red accents and luminous hands and markers.
- The commanding 45mm black ion-plated stainless steel case and brown leather strap with studs and top stitching add to the military aesthetic, while the case back is etched with an X-wing approaching the Death Star.
- It’s also Earth-friendly: sustainably powered by any light with Citizen’s proprietary Eco-Drive technology, this watch never needs a battery.
Which Dark Side watches and references can collectors identify?
Nixon’s catalog gives model-specific details for several Vader watches and the Stormtrooper Unit. Use the reference number—not character artwork alone—to distinguish versions. Nixon Star Wars product catalog.
| Model | Reference | Movement and case | Water rating and distinguishing details |
|---|---|---|---|
| The 51-30 Automatic LTD, Vader Black | A171SW; 2244 | Custom Swiss-made ETA 2824-2 mechanical three-hand movement, 25 jewels; 51 mm solid stainless-steel case | 300 m / 30 ATM; unidirectional rotating bezel and stainless-steel bracelet. Individually numbered, with Death Star marker at 12 o’clock and helmet-inspired bezel details. |
| The 51-30, Vader Black | A172SW; 2244 | Custom Swiss-made quartz three-hand movement; 51 mm stainless-steel case | 300 m / 30 ATM. This is the quartz model, distinct from the 51-30 Automatic LTD. |
| The 38-20, Vader Black | A410SW; 2244 | Miyota Japanese quartz three-hand movement; 38 mm stainless-steel case | 200 m / 20 ATM; fixed 24-hour bezel and 19 mm bracelet. |
| The Sentry SS | A356SW | Miyota Japanese quartz movement with day and date; 42 mm steel case | 100 m; custom embossed Imperial-logo dial. |
| The Time Teller Leather | A045SW | Miyota Japanese quartz movement; 37 mm steel case | 100 m; lightsaber seconds hand and pillowed leather band inspired by Vader’s gloves. |
| Unit Stormtrooper | A197SW2243 | 44 mm; movement not stated in the cited listing | The cited Tourneau listing showed this reference out of stock when accessed; this was one retailer’s page status, not a market-wide availability check. Tourneau listing. |
How do the Darth Vader 51-30 and 38-20 differ?
The 51-30 and 38-20 are not simply different case sizes of the same watch. The catalog describes separate references with different movements, water ratings, bezels, and bracelet dimensions.
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- From a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away comes the new men’s watch the Rebel Pilot, from Citizen’s Star Wars collection.
- Dial showcases Rebel and light sideof the Force symbols and the Jedi Order logo
- Luminous Hands, Markers, and X-fighter jet, Spherical Mineral Crystal
- 1/5 Second Chronograph measures up to 60 minutes, 12/24 hour time, tachymeter, and date
- 100 Meters Water resistant and 5 year limited warrenty
| Specification | 51-30 Vader Black (A172SW) | 38-20 Vader Black (A410SW) |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Custom Swiss-made quartz, three-hand | Miyota Japanese quartz, three-hand |
| Case | 51 mm stainless steel | 38 mm stainless steel |
| Water rating | 300 m / 30 ATM | 200 m / 20 ATM |
| Bezel | Unidirectional rotating bezel is specified for the 51-30 family in the catalog | Fixed 24-hour bezel |
| Bracelet width | Not stated in the cited catalog entry | 19 mm |
The Automatic LTD is a third option, not another name for the A172SW quartz watch: the A171SW uses a mechanical ETA 2824-2 movement and is individually numbered. Nixon’s November 2015 Japan announcement said The 51-30 Automatic LTD SW was limited to 200 watches worldwide, with 13 allocated for sale in Japan. Those figures describe the announced edition and Japanese allocation; they do not establish current scarcity or resale value. Nixon Tokyo Japan’s November 2015 announcement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How should collectors evaluate a pre-owned Nixon Star Wars watch?
A catalog entry identifies the intended historical specification; it cannot establish the condition, originality, or present performance of a particular used watch. In particular, a vintage or pre-owned watch’s original water rating is not evidence that it remains water-resistant today.
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- The humanoid robot spoke the first line of dialogue—“Did you hear that?”—to R2-D2 in 1977 and appeared in all nine films of the Star Wars saga, cementing his role as a cinema icon. A new watch pays tribute to Threepio with distinctively droid-like details including sub dials that resemble his “eyes” and patterns that evoke his complex circuitry on the striking yellow and black dial that includes luminous hands and markers.
- The gold-tone stainless steel 42mm case evokes his metal plating, the black leather dials features colorful stitching that echoes the circuit imagery on the dial, and his likeness is etched on the case back.
- This watch is sustainably powered by any light with Citizen’s proprietary Eco-Drive technology and never needs a battery.
- Match the reference. Compare the reference on the caseback and the listing against the model name and catalog entry. Check that the dial, bezel, bracelet, and any included packaging are consistent with that reference.
- Assess condition and completeness. Review clear photographs for wear, damage, missing components, and signs of replacement parts. Ask what is included and whether the seller can document service history.
- Assess the seller and transaction. Check seller reputation, return terms, and the evidence offered for authenticity. A historical edition count or an old catalog image is not proof that a specific listing is genuine.
- Use a watchmaker where needed. If originality, operation, or water resistance matters to the purchase, seek an independent watchmaker’s assessment rather than relying on the printed specification.
For a price comparison, compare the same exact model and reference and account for condition, completeness, service evidence, and seller terms. The historical ¥83,000 before-tax figure for the Vader 51-30 was a Japanese release price in 2015, not a current valuation. No current market price or general availability follows from that launch announcement.
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Best Value
- Channel the Light Side with the Star Wars Luke Skywalker timepiece from Citizen. Inspired by the daring adventures of the humble farm boy from Tatooine, the fight-ready watch.
- A silver-tone stainless steel case with a blue aluminum bezel serves as the canvas for the design, complemented by blue and green accented chronograph pushers representing the colors of Skywalker's lightsabers.
- On the dial, a sectored blue style features an inner motif of the symbol of the Rebel Alliance, while an image of Skywalker's X-Wing and a scene of his iconic struggle with Darth Vader mark the top and bottom sub-dials
- The watch is presented on a brown leather strap, giving a soft detail to an otherwise robust design and providing an elegant touch to the bold chronograph.
- Powered by Eco-Drive technology that never needs a battery. 100M Water Resistanat and 5 Year Limited Warranty
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- Not everyone belongs to the dark side of the Force, and sometimes a battle has no winners.
- Representing one of the most epic lightsaber duels in the Star Wars galaxy, the struggle between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader on Cloud City was pivotal to their family struggle.
- This Citizen and Star Wars original timepiece features a silver-tone stainless steel case and bracelet on a black outlined dial with green pops of color and blue and red markers.
- Mineral Crystal
- 100 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
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.
