Citizen's Eco-Drive One features a movement just 1mm thick, and all models have a case thickness of around 3mm, achieving a truly slim form. While retaining the style of a traditional dress watch, it also features a highly convenient light-powered quartz movement, making it a watch collection that perfectly balances aesthetics and utility. In this article, we will explain the appeal of the Eco-Drive One.
Comfortable fit and clear visibility
Have you heard of Eco-Drive One, the world's thinnest dress watch (for an analog light-powered movement, as of November 2023, according to Citizen Watch) that pushes Citizen's proud solar-powered technology to the limits? Released in 2016 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the birth of Eco-Drive, this collection made a big impact with its overwhelming thinness and sophisticated design. During development, most of the components were newly designed and miniaturized, making it possible to achieve an ultra-thin design that was impossible with conventional movements. The case blends seamlessly into the watch the moment you put it on, providing such comfort that you'll forget you're wearing it, even for extended periods of time.
This model is available with both a metal bracelet and a supple leather strap. For business occasions, the formal leather band adds elegance, while the solid feel of the metal band elevates the wrist in casual settings. Each material harmonizes with the overall design of the watch, ensuring a sense of luxury regardless of which variation you choose. The hands and other components are precisely designed to match the ultra-thin case, ensuring legibility despite the slender size. This exudes a sense of high quality and creates depth within the simple design. This allows the watch to exude the elegance of a mechanical watch, despite being a quartz watch.
Furthermore, thanks to Citizen's Eco-Drive technology, the watch will continue to function as long as there is light, eliminating the need for periodic battery changes, making it a practical choice for today's busy people. It also features an "overcharge prevention" function to prevent overcharging, ensuring stable performance over the long term.
The Eco-Drive One features a minimalist and streamlined form, and its simple yet elegant dial and slim case give it an elegant impression on the wrist of an adult, blending seamlessly into formal settings. This is a lineup perfect for users seeking individuality and sophistication.
My top three current Eco-Drive One models
The Eco-Drive One has a diverse lineup that ranges from classic models suitable for formal occasions to modern designs with a sporty impression. From the many models available, we have carefully selected three recommended models that combine elegance and practicality.
AQ5022-02E
Solar-powered Eco-Drive (Cal. 8845). Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month. Stainless steel case (diameter 36.6mm, thickness 4.5mm). Water resistant for everyday use. Price: 363,000 yen (tax included).
The AQ5022-02E embodies the charm of Eco-Drive One. Its slim, 4.5mm case, equipped with a movement just 1mm thick, provides a comfortable fit. The amber yellow case, treated with Citizen's proprietary Duratect surface hardening process, exudes a refined, subdued shine that harmonizes perfectly with the black dial. The small seconds hand at 6 o'clock adds a classic touch.
In addition, the watch uses clarity-coated sapphire glass, which transmits approximately 99% of light, ensuring clear visibility so that the time can be checked from any angle.
Equipped with Eco-Drive technology that keeps charging using sunlight or indoor light, it can operate for a long time on a single full charge, eliminating the need for regular battery changes, making it highly practical and appealing.
AQ5012-14A
Solar-powered quartz movement (Cal. 8845). Accuracy ±15 seconds per month. Stainless steel case (diameter 36.6mm, thickness 4.5mm). Water resistant for everyday use. Price: 352,000 yen (tax included).
The Ref. AQ5012-14A is a special model that combines the sophistication of Eco-Drive One with Japanese tradition.
It goes without saying that it features a slim case, but the dial of this model is the first Eco-Drive One to feature "Tengu-hiri" paper, a traditional Japanese craft, made from Tosa washi paper. The case and bezel are finished in "Duratect Pink," achieving both elegance and durability.
The dial, made from Tosa washi paper, has a delicate texture that shows different expressions depending on the amount of light, creating an elegant contrast with the gold indexes and hour and minute hands.
AR5075-69E
Solar-powered quartz movement (Cal. 8826). Accuracy ±15 seconds per month. Stainless steel and zirconia ceramic case (diameter 39.0 mm, thickness 3.48 mm). Waterproof for everyday use. Price: 407,000 yen (tax included).
Among the Eco-Drive One models that pursue ultimate thinness and lightness, the Ref. AR5075-69E is a model that not only has a dressy look, but also functional beauty and a modern impression, thanks to its bezel made of high-hardness zirconia ceramic.
The design is as simple as possible, so it fits naturally on the wrist in any situation, while still emanating a subtle presence. Despite its simplicity, the case surface is treated with Duratect Platinum, giving it a bright, shining silver color.
The metal bracelet is easy to handle, making it a recommended watch for first-time watch buyers.
