Key Takeaways
1. Citizen’s Eco-Drive system, launched in 1976, is a leading solar-powered analog watch technology that can recharge from any light source and lasts for months on one charge.
2. The Eco-Drive 50th Anniversary Edition (AQ4091-56W) features a unique textured deep green dial made from hand-dyed Japanese washi paper, symbolizing longevity.
3. Washi paper enhances the watch’s solar functionality by allowing light to reach the solar cells, while also creating a dynamic visual effect that changes with light angles.
4. The watch’s case and bracelet are made from Super Titanium, making it 40% lighter and five times harder than stainless steel, with a skin-friendly, corrosion-resistant finish.
5. It includes the Cal.A060 Eco-Drive movement, offering high accuracy (±5 seconds/year), a perpetual calendar until 2100, and up to 18 months of power-save operation on a full charge.
Citizen’s Eco-Drive is often seen as the top solar watch system available, and it’s no wonder why. Citizen was the first to bring forth a solar-powered analog watch in 1976, laying the groundwork for today’s light-powered timepieces that can recharge from any light source, whether it’s natural or artificial, and can function for months on just one charge. To mark 50 years of innovation, the Japanese watchmaker is unveiling the Eco-Drive 50th Anniversary Edition (AQ4091-56W), a limited edition timepiece that represents the pinnacle of Eco-Drive technology and Citizen’s expertise in materials.
Unique Dial Design
The standout feature of this watch is its textured, deep green dial, which is crafted from traditional Japanese washi paper and dyed by hand in a rich chitose midori color. This hue symbolizes longevity and draws inspiration from evergreen pine needles. The process to achieve this eye-catching green was quite remarkable. Artisans used ibuki kariyasu, a traditional yellow dye, to color the washi paper, then layered it with indigo blue dye since no natural dye could produce a green tone.
The Beauty of Washi Paper
Historically, washi paper has been utilized in Japanese sliding doors and lanterns to softly diffuse light, making it an ideal semi-transparent material for allowing light to reach the watch’s solar cells. This feature also adds depth and richness to the textured dial, cleverly concealing the technology within plain sight. Depending on the light’s angle on the paper’s organic structure, the dial changes and reveals various depths, highlighted by a gold-tone second hand alongside Citizen’s iconic eagle emblem.
Exceptional Materials and Movement
The case, measuring 40.0mm by 12.2mm, along with the matching bracelet, is crafted from Citizen’s unique Super Titanium material and finished with a Duratect Platinum coating. This results in a watch that is 40 percent lighter than typical stainless steel watches and approximately five times harder, as well as resistant to corrosion and friendly to the skin.
Inside, the watch houses the precise Cal.A060 Eco-Drive movement. This movement boasts an accuracy rate of ±5 seconds per year, features a perpetual calendar that won’t require adjustments until 2100, and can operate for 18 months on a single full charge when in power-save mode.
The Citizen Eco-Drive 50th Anniversary Edition is limited to just 650 pieces globally, with a planned launch in May 2026 at a price of $3,100.
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