Japanese watchmaker Citizen has not held back in their 50^th anniversary celebration for their Eco-Drive technology, the world’s first analogue watch movement to be powered by light. On top of a 24-piece unisex watch range designed in collaboration with Vera Wang, the brand has also unveiled a limited-edition Eco-Drive model slated for release later this year.

Under the official model name, AQ4091-56W, this piece will feature a dial made of Japanese washi paper, a traditional high-quality Japanese paper that is known for being thin but incredibly strong. It’s typically used in origami, lamps and shoji (sliding screens), but its texture makes for a standout look and rich depth that changes how it appear depending on where the light strikes. Hand-dyed in chitose midori, a traditional Japanese green pigment, Citizen's design takes inspiration from pine needles and their symbolism of verdancy and permanence.

Emblems and symbolism played a particularly major role in the design of this piece: as well as the colour, the dial, crown and case back all feature eagle marks, which hark to the brand’s primary symbol of the eagle.

Given that it was made especially to celebrate the Eco-Drive technology’s milestone moment, it should come as no surprise that the watch is equipped with a high-accuracy Eco-Drive movement. The 40mm case and bracelet have also been designed from a lightweight, scratch-resistant titanium alloy.

Scheduled for release in May, it’ll cost $3,100 (£2,300) and is strictly limited to 650 pieces worldwide, making it a true collectors’ piece for fans of the watchmaker.

citizenwatch.co.uk

Originally posted on Esquire UK