The Citizen Eco-Drive 50th Anniversary Edition Goes Green
Alec
Fifty years after launching its first light-powered analogue watch, Citizen celebrates the technology that helped define the Japanese watchmaker with a particularly refined limited edition. The Citizen Eco-Drive 50th Anniversary Edition combines impressive precision with a hand-dyed washi paper dial in a deep, quietly captivating shade of green.
Known as chitose midori, the colour traditionally symbolises permanence and takes its inspiration from pine needles, which remain green throughout the seasons. Its depth comes from an artisanal dyeing process in which the washi paper is first coloured yellow using ibuki kariyasu grass, before indigo is layered over it. The result shifts subtly with the light, allowing the natural texture of the paper to emerge.
Washi is more than a decorative choice. Traditionally used in Japanese screens and lanterns to filter natural light, it feels especially appropriate for an Eco-Drive watch. Light passes through the dial to power the movement beneath, creating an elegant connection between Japanese craftsmanship and Citizen’s technology.
Gold-coloured details, including the second hand and eagle emblem, bring warmth to the green dial. The eagle also appears on the crown and case back, representing foresight, perseverance and the connection between a watch and its wearer.
Inside, Citizen’s calibre A060 offers an accuracy of ±5 seconds per year and up to 18 months of autonomy in power-saving mode. Its perpetual calendar automatically manages different month lengths and leap years until 2100, while impact detection, automatic hand correction and an independently adjustable hour hand reinforce its practical appeal.
The 40 mm case and bracelet are crafted from Super Titanium, approximately 40% lighter and considerably more scratch-resistant than stainless steel. A Duratect Platinum treatment gives the metal a clear silver finish, balanced by polished surfaces around the bezel and lugs and a brushed bracelet. Water resistance is rated at 10 bar.
Produced in just 650 pieces worldwide, the AQ4091-56W demonstrates how technology can feel distinctly human. Its appeal lies not only in its accuracy, but in the contrast between an advanced light-powered movement and a dial shaped by hand, pigment and tradition.
Price: €3,495
