Citizen Attesa has announced a new model, "Shades of Red." This model is inspired by the total lunar eclipse that will be visible across Japan on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The lineup includes two models: a GPS radio wave model and a standard radio wave model.
Photographs & Text by Tsubasa Nojima
[Article published on January 16, 2026]
The theme of this work is a total lunar eclipse
Citizen Attesa is a brand known for its excellent packaging, combining a multi-function movement with a titanium exterior. While it has a strong impression of a timeless design that is popular among businessmen, Attesa often releases playful limited edition models based on specific themes. The new model announced for 2026 is "Shades of Red," inspired by the mysterious red moon seen during a total lunar eclipse, known as the "Blood Moon."
A total lunar eclipse is an astronomical phenomenon that occurs when the Earth, Sun, and Moon line up in a straight line, causing the Moon to appear red as it is completely in the Earth's shadow. It appears red because only red light is refracted as sunlight passes through the Earth's atmosphere, reaching the Moon. While it can only be observed once every few years, the next time it can be seen in Japan is on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. So how has Citizen incorporated this mysterious astronomical phenomenon into their watches?
"ACT Line Eco-Drive GPS Satellite Radio Wave Watch Shades of Red"
The Shades of Red lineup includes two models. One is the "ACT Line Eco-Drive GPS Satellite Radio Wave Watch Shades of Red," based on the high-end Attesa model. Equipped with Eco-Drive light-powered technology and the Cal. F950 movement with GPS satellite radio wave reception, it offers the convenience of almost zero time setting effort.
This GPS satellite radio-controlled model features a sapphire crystal bezel. It keeps accurate time anywhere on Earth as long as GPS signals are received. It features a light-powered Eco-Drive movement (Cal. F950). It lasts for approximately five years on a full charge (with power save activated). It has a Super Titanium case (diameter 44.6mm, thickness 15.4mm). It's water resistant to 10 bar. It's limited to 1800 pieces worldwide. It's priced at 385,000 yen (tax included).
The playful element stands out precisely because the watch has such a solid foundation. The dial of this watch is made up of a multi-layered structure made up of multiple overlapping parts.
The underlying layer is iridescent mother-of-pearl. Despite its delicate nature, it's crafted into an intricate plate with cutouts for the subdial and date window. A wine-red translucent dial, featuring a textured, three-dimensional lunar surface pattern created using inkjet printing, is layered on top of it. A ring-shaped piece with indexes and a flange are then attached on top of it. The sapphire crystal bezel insert, with its silver-deposited city codes, is coated with a dark red vapor-deposit on the reverse, enhancing its seamless integration with the dial.
Although I have never witnessed a total lunar eclipse in person, I have observed the night sky through a telescope. When I saw the rings of Saturn and the stripes of Jupiter that I had seen in picture books as a child, I was filled with awe at their mystical quality. The vast universe stretches out above the sky, and countless stars exist. The Earth on which we now reside is just one of them. My first impression of this piece was similar to that. The iridescent colors of the mother-of-pearl evoke a sense of mystery, and the wine-red color of the textured plate evokes a sense of awe, a glimpse into the vastness of the universe.
Of course, it goes without saying that the quality of the watch is excellent. The hands and indexes are sharp and free of burrs, and there is no bleeding or blurring in the printed areas. Although the watch is unified in dark tones, the white luminous paint ensures excellent visibility. The city codes on the bezel are a little dark, but since they are only used at limited times when setting the world time, this should not be a problem. I often forget, but this watch is equipped with an Eco-Drive function, and I am always impressed by how well it ensures good light reception despite the intricate dial.
The case and bracelet have a sharp design based on straight lines. They are made of Super Titanium, a titanium-based material treated with Duratect DLC, a surface hardening technology. While the 44.6mm diameter may appear large, perhaps due to the black Duratect DLC finish, it doesn't feel like a big deal. The short lugs and light weight also contribute to the watch's comfortable feel on the wrist. The low-profile push buttons and crown guard are also less likely to catch on clothing.
At first glance, the three-link bracelet is constructed with H-shaped links joined by square links. Its wide range of movement and smooth interior make it comfortable against the skin. The buckle is equipped with an adjuster, allowing for slight adjustments by pressing the push button and pulling.
"Eco-Drive Radio-Controlled Watch Shades of Red"
The other Eco-Drive radio-controlled watch, Shades of Red, adopts a similar concept but allows for a more direct view of the moon. Based on a popular model equipped with a Lunar Program that automatically calculates and displays the age of the moon, it features a moon phase display at the 6 o'clock position.
This Lunar Program model boasts a clean design. Enjoy the moon phase without the hassle of adjustment. Light-powered Eco-Drive (Cal. H874). Approximately 2.5 years of operation on a full charge (with power save activated). Super Titanium case (41.5mm diameter, 10.8mm thick). Water resistant to 10 bar. Limited to 2200 pieces worldwide. Price: 198,000 yen (tax included).
The wine-red dial features a three-dimensional inkjet print to recreate the surface of the moon. The moon phase is given a lustrous shine by using a pearlescent print. Compared to the first model, this model is more suitable for business settings. The smooth bezel without city codes gives it a slightly dressier impression. Another attractive feature is the case diameter, which is kept to 41.5mm. At 10.8mm thick, it fits easily under a shirt cuff.
The case and bracelet are both made of Super Titanium. Lightweightness is a major advantage for a watch that will be worn daily. Titanium has excellent corrosion resistance, and Duratect DLC enhances scratch resistance, allowing the watch to maintain its beauty for a long time.
Wear the mysteries of the universe on your wrist
Both of Attesa's new models, which tackle the unusual theme of a total lunar eclipse, will be sold in limited quantities. The GPS satellite radio wave model is limited to 1800 pieces worldwide, while the standard radio wave model is limited to 2200 pieces. The former boasts the brilliance of mother-of-pearl and provides accurate timekeeping no matter where you are, while the latter boasts an easy-to-handle size and a lunar programming function featuring the "Blood Moon" motif. Each model has its own unique appeal, making it difficult to choose. It's tempting to imagine what it would be like to watch a total lunar eclipse while wearing this watch on your wrist. Regardless of which model you choose, purchasers will receive a special bonus. This means you can observe this precious astronomical phenomenon any time you glance at your wrist.
