Citizen invented the first solar-powered analogue watch way back in 1976, and now it’s marking 50 years of its signature timepiece with “The Citizen” Eco-Drive 50th Anniversary.

Five decades on Citizen’s solar technology is amongst the most advanced, and the anniversary edition is equipped with a movement that runs within five seconds a year, and will last 18 months on power save mode. But the dial, on the other hand, is traditional Japanese craft: it’s made of washi, a paper that’s dyed by hand, and translucent enough to allow solar charging.

Initial thoughts

The combination of washi, Super Titanium, and high-end quartz is a familiar one, with Citizen having applied it to past limited editions. Although Citizen is repeating the formula, this remains impressive from both a technology and materials perspective. The ultra-accurate A060 is one of the most sophisticated analogue quartz movements on the market, while Citizen’s proprietary hardened titanium, first polished by hand then hardened, is equally impressive.

Tech aside, the anniversary edition stands out for the washi dial that adds a little bit of traditional Japanese craft to all of the cutting-edge tech in the watch. The dial is made of Japanese paper that’s dyed by hand with old school dyes obtained from plants.

That said, this anniversary edition is still a relatively niche product for enthusiasts who appreciate high-end quartz technology packaged well. All of that tech and finishing comes at a price tag of US$3,100, which is arguably good value. Though mechanical purists might frown on the fact that this is quartz, an analogue quartz watch does not get much better than this.

Traditional craft

This anniversary edition has a case and bracelet of Super Titanium, unalloyed titanium treated with Citizen’s surface hardening technology. Before the titanium is hardened, it is polished by hand with a variety of techniques, including Zaratsu, the flat polishing technique widely used in high-end Japanese watches. The result are alternating surface finishes across the case and bracelet.

The titanium is further enhanced with Duratect Platinum, an additional hardening treatment involving the deposition of a thin protective layer over the titanium. This layer incorporates platinum, hence the name, giving the metal a brighter finish than conventional titanium.

The result is a highly scratch resistant surface. According to Citizen, the titanium case and bracelet boast a surface hardness of 1,000-1,200 Hv, compared to just 200 Hv for stainless steel.

While the case material is high-tech, the dial is leans on traditional Japanese craft. It is made of washi, traditional Japanese paper made from tree bark that is often slightly translucent. Such paper is perhaps most famous for being used on sliding doors and screens in traditional Japanese buildings.

The washi is dyed by hand with chitose midori, a green pigment achieved via a two step process. The paper is first dyed with ibuki kariyasu, a yellow dye obtained from grass, then dyed with indigo, which comes from the leaves of the indigo plant, to create its deep green colour.

Washi actually forms just one layer of the dial. Up close, the printing and hour markers appear to float above the dial, which is the result of a clear polymer layer that seals the washi dial. Both allow enough light through the charge the A060 movement, which is topped by a solar cell that sits right below the dial.

The A060 movement is arguably one of the most advanced analogue quartz movements on the market today. It runs within five seconds a year with no external synchronisation, putting it in the top league of quartz movements. Citizen does make one movement that tops this – the Caliber 0100 runs within one second a year.

The calibre also incorporates a sophisticated integrated circuit that controls the perpetual calendar and power save function. The latter freezes the hands when the watch is not exposed to light for a certain period, which extends the power reserve up to 18 months on a full charge.

All of the technology inside the movement calls for a pusher located at two o’clock on the case. Used in tandem with the crown – reading the instruction manual is recommended – the recessed pusher helps set the perpetual calendar, realign the hands, and even do a “hard” reset of the movement.

The Citizen eagle emblem is found in relief on the dial, crown, and case back

Key facts and price

Citizen “The Citizen” Eco-Drive 50th Anniversary Edition
Ref. AQ4091-56W

Diameter: 40 mm
Height: 12.2 mm
Material: Super Titanium with Duratect Platinum coating
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: Caliber A060
Features: Hours, minutes, seconds, independently adjustable hour hand, and perpetual calendar
Frequency: 32,768 Hz
Power reserve: 18 months in power save mode

Strap: Matching Super Titanium bracelet

Limited edition: 650 pieces
Availability: At Citizen boutiques and retailers starting May 2026
Price: US$3,100 before taxes

For more, visit Citizenwatch-global.com.

This was brought to you in partnership with Citizen.

Correction March 19, 2026: The power-save function kicks in when the watch is not exposed to light, regardless of whether it is worn. And Super Titanium is unalloyed, rather than an alloy.