This is a project in which prominent watch journalists highlight their "interesting" and "recommended" models from among the new models released in 2025. Watch writer Arai Kento's pick is The Citizen AQ4106-26L. This model, which was released to commemorate the brand's 30th anniversary and features an indigo-dyed washi paper dial with a "Murakumo tie-dye" pattern, was chosen and we would like to discuss its appeal and the reasons for its selection.
Text by Kento Nii
[Article published on January 28, 2025]
AQ4106-26L with a Murakumo tie-dyed indigo-dyed washi paper dial
It's a difficult task to choose just one watch from the vast number of watches released in 2025. This year in particular has seen many brands release smaller-diameter models of their Icon collections, and for someone like me with a relatively slim wrist, it's been a bumper year. Therefore, it was extremely difficult to choose one for this article.
After much deliberation, I decided to choose the "Watch of the Year" from among the models I had personally visited and checked out in person at a retailer. I ended up with The Citizen "30th Anniversary Limited Edition Model, High-Precision Annual Accuracy ±5 Seconds Eco-Drive" Ref. AQ4106-26L, which is sold exclusively at select retailers and is limited to 300 pieces.
Solar-powered quartz movement. Ti case (38.3mm diameter, 12.2mm thick). Water resistant to 10 ATM. Limited to 300 pieces at select stores. Price: 484,000 yen (tax included).
The Citizen, launched in 1995, is the company's flagship line, which has returned to its roots and pursued precision, quality, timeless design, and hospitality, based on the Citizen philosophy of creating timepieces that are intimately connected to people's lives. This model, released to mark the 30th anniversary of the brand, combines a light-powered Eco-Drive movement, boasting high accuracy of ±5 seconds per year, with a Tosa washi paper dial dyed with the traditional indigo dyeing technique.
Since The Citizen first introduced indigo-dyed washi dials in 2022, they have been using this tasteful design primarily on limited edition models. However, what is particularly noteworthy about this model is that the dial features a more dynamic pattern than previous models. This is created using a technique called "Murakumo Shibori Dyeing," and the resulting shades of light and dark create the appearance of white clouds rising from the indigo blue, a pattern that could literally be called "Murakumo."
The Super Titanium™ case measures 38.3mm in diameter and 12.2mm thick, making it a versatile size. Finished in black with Duratect DLC, it's lightweight, scratch-resistant, and hypoallergenic. It's also water-resistant to 10 bar, making it a perfect everyday watch.
Why I Chose This New Citizen Watch
The main reason I'm drawn to this model is, of course, its indigo-dyed washi paper dial. To be honest, I'm originally from Tokushima Prefecture, a region famous for its indigo dyeing. So, as a fellow native, I can't help but feel proud that a traditional craft beloved in my hometown has been adopted for an anniversary model by one of Japan's leading watch manufacturers and is being promoted to the world.
However, I would like to point out that I did not select this work simply out of local pride, but also because of the impressive technical challenges it poses.
Yes, we're talking about the "Musakumo tie-dye" technique used in this work. This is a technique that involves creating wrinkles in the washi paper, intentionally creating uneven dyeing and creating random patterns. The presence of Eco-Drive is crucial here. Since the watch is powered by light, the dial must have a certain degree of transmittance in order to supply light to the solar cell. However, if the watch is dyed too much with indigo, the transmittance decreases, and not enough power is supplied to the secondary battery.
In other words, the indigo dyeing artisans do not simply dye randomly, but also take into consideration the light transmittance and control the dyeing to create this rich look. Behind the scenes, it is clear that there were detailed discussions with Citizen's development team. This indigo-dyed washi paper was made by Watanabe's, an indigo dyeing workshop based in Tokushima, and their outstanding craftsmanship is truly impressive.
Of course, the high level of perfection of this watch as a practical watch is also an important point. We've become accustomed to Citizen's high level of technical prowess, but when you think about it objectively, the accuracy of ±5 seconds per year, which means no regular battery changes and almost no time adjustment, is an exceptional specification for a watch that doesn't receive standard radio waves. Furthermore, it is equipped with a perpetual calendar that eliminates the need for date adjustment, and Perfex (JIS Class 1 magnetic resistance, shock detection, automatic hand correction) that maintains this excellent accuracy, making it a truly comprehensive watch.
Additionally, the Super Titanium™ case, coated with Duratect DLC, not only hardens the surface but also achieves a smooth, lustrous texture thanks to superior finishing techniques. The contrast between the understated yet luxurious black case and the organic indigo-dyed dial, combined with the rarity of only 300 pieces, is sure to satisfy any desire to own a luxury watch.
The reason why we chose "Musagumo" instead of "Kachiiro"
In selecting this watch, there was one model that I struggled to decide on until the very end: the AQ4100-65M, also a 30th anniversary model from The Citizen. This model uses indigo-dyed washi paper in "Kachiiro" (victory color), a shade of indigo that is said to be impossible to dye any darker, yet like the Murakumo model, it meets the light transmission requirements for Eco-Drive. Furthermore, the color has long been a symbol of strength, making it difficult to choose between the two.
This limited edition model features an indigo-dyed washi paper dial in the color of victory (kachiiro). Kachiiro is a traditional Japanese color that is considered auspicious and has a history of being used for military equipment and celebratory items. It features a solar-powered quartz movement, a titanium case (38.3mm diameter, 12.2mm thick), and is water resistant to 10 bar. It is limited to 550 pieces worldwide. Price: 462,000 yen (tax included).
The reason I ultimately chose the Murakumo tie-dye model is because of its familiarity. I previously spoke to an indigo dyeing craftsman, who told me that Murakumo tie-dye is a simple technique that even an indigo dyeing novice like me can practice, and that it has been popular with people since ancient times.
With this in mind, I personally found the Murakumo tie-dye dial, which combines dynamism and familiarity, to be a more appealing choice for a model celebrating a milestone for The Citizen, whose concept is "a watch that is close to the citizens and lives together with them."
