The Citizen has announced a new model, the "High-Precision Annual Accuracy ±5 Seconds Eco-Drive Eco-Drive 50th Anniversary Limited Edition." This limited-edition model commemorates the 50th anniversary of Eco-Drive and features a washi paper dial in the traditional Japanese color "Chitose Midori."
Photographs by Masahiro Okamura (CROSSOVER)
Written by Tsubasa Nojima
Text by Tsubasa Nojima
[Article published on January 13, 2026]
2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Eco-Drive.
One of Citizen's signature technologies is Eco-Drive, which converts light into power for its watches. The name Eco-Drive began to be used in the mid-1990s. However, the company had already released the world's first solar-powered analog quartz watch, the "Crystron Solar Cell," in 1976. In 1986, they released the "Analog with Solar Cell," which achieved 200 hours of continuous operation, and have continued to work on extending operating time by reducing power consumption and increasing the efficiency of solar cells.
Eco-Drive watches have the advantage of never running out of battery, as they store electricity generated by solar cells in a rechargeable battery, as long as they are continuously exposed to light. While the rechargeable battery will eventually need replacing due to degradation over time, it requires less maintenance than a typical primary battery-powered quartz watch, which is another attractive feature. This also contributes to its environmentally friendly "eco" characteristic. Batteries contain various metals and harmful substances, and if used batteries are not disposed of properly, they can lead to environmental pollution, resource loss, fire, and explosion. Eco-Drive, which uses a rechargeable battery, reduces these risks and is a sustainable product that generates energy from light.
2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the Crystron solar cell, which marked the beginning of Eco-Drive technology. To commemorate this, Citizen has announced a limited-edition model of The Citizen: the "High-Precision Annual Accuracy ±5 Seconds Eco-Drive 50th Anniversary Limited Edition."
A new model featuring a washi paper dial in "Chitose Midori," a traditional Japanese color, has been released. This rare model is limited to 650 pieces worldwide to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Eco-Drive. It is a light-powered quartz watch. It has a battery life of approximately 1.5 years on a full charge (in power-saving mode). It has a titanium case (40.0mm diameter, 12.2mm thickness). It is water-resistant to 10 atmospheres. Limited to 650 pieces worldwide. 462,000 yen (tax included).
The Chitose Midori Washi paper dial was finally realized after much trial and error.
Most current The Citizen watches are equipped with Eco-Drive movements. The Citizen is, of course, Citizen's flagship luxury brand, but the combination of luxury timepieces and light-powered quartz is generally considered not to be a good match. Because light needs to be transmitted through the solar cell, using a typical solar cell limits the materials and decorations that can be used for the dial. However, The Citizen has overcome this weakness by using washi paper, a material that is both light-transmitting and elegant.
Since 2017, The Citizen has featured washi paper dials in a variety of patterns and colors, but for this new model, they have adopted washi paper in a vibrant green reminiscent of fresh green leaves. This is "Chitose-midori," a traditional Japanese color derived from the needles of the pine tree, a representative evergreen tree, and has been cherished as a color symbolizing permanence. As a brand that accompanies people throughout their lives, it can be said that this color is fitting to symbolize The Citizen, which has been improving the overall quality from products to support.
Washi dials are manufactured by dyeing washi paper with dyes, but recreating the Chitose Midori color was not a simple task. A single material couldn't produce the green; it had to be created by mixing yellow and blue. This is where they encountered a problem. They tried various yellows from plants, including marigolds and lemons, but couldn't achieve the ideal shade.
After much trial and error, the dye they arrived at was "Ibukikariyasu," a perennial grass of the Miscanthus genus that grows wild around Mount Ibuki in Shiga Prefecture. It is a historical dye mentioned in Heian period texts and is characterized by its soft yellow color. In this work, the yellow is fixed by repeatedly dyeing and drying the fabric, and then indigo is layered on top to create the Chitose green color.
Achieving a consistently uniform color requires the skill and experience of a craftsman. Differences in color fixation, unevenness, and the balance of yellow and blue can all result in variations in the final color. It's crucial to remember that the existence of exceptional craftsmen was essential in bringing the theoretically perfected Chitose Midori to market. This product embodies the company's uncompromising commitment to realizing its ideal color.
The actual Chitose Midori dial has a calm and sophisticated feel. While many brands have recently added green dials to their lineups as a standard color, the impression they give varies widely, from bright and poppy to dark and chic. This particular model, with its unique fibrous texture characteristic of washi paper and a color that is neither too dark nor too bright, will likely be easy to wear in a wide range of situations.
Furthermore, while a single shade of green might have resulted in a somewhat bland appearance, the use of gold-colored eagle marks at the 6 o'clock position and the second hand adds a nice contrast, which is another appealing feature. It's worth noting that the indices and other details are not directly attached to the washi paper, but rather to a clear plate placed on top of it. The transparency of the plate, which conceals this connection, is an important element in allowing the wearer to directly appreciate the texture of the washi paper.
True to The Citizen brand, practicality hasn't been overlooked. The date display at the 3 o'clock position is slightly larger than usual, as with other models, and the indices and hands are thoroughly coated with luminous paint.
Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and hypoallergenic exterior made of Super Titanium™.
The case and bracelet are made from Citizen's proprietary Super Titanium™. This is titanium treated with Citizen's unique surface hardening technology, Duratect, resulting in a material that is approximately 40% lighter than stainless steel and has more than five times the surface hardness.
The three-dimensional finish, achieved through a combination of hairline and polished surfaces, and its brighter, whiter luster compared to typical titanium, give it an aesthetic appeal comparable to stainless steel. Unless you check the spec sheet or hold it in your hand, it would be difficult to tell at a glance that it's made of titanium.
The case diameter is 40.0mm, a popular size for modern men's watches. The design is based on a simple concept, but the placement of the crown guard at the 3 o'clock position and the beveling of the lugs give it a sharp and sporty feel. Combined with the dial color, these elements contribute to a youthful appearance. The corrector located at the 2 o'clock position on the side of the case is for adjusting the perpetual calendar, but it is unlikely to be used if the power generation is sufficient.
This triple-strand bracelet features two thin, polished rows for an elegant look. It has a tri-fold buckle that opens and closes with a push button, making it perfectly functional.
From sourcing dyes to hand-dyeing by skilled artisans, this limited edition model is filled with the passion of its creators.
This watch could be considered the perfect choice for a business watch with a touch of individuality. In addition to the convenience of Eco-Drive, which eliminates the need for regular battery changes, it boasts a lightweight Super Titanium™ exterior that doesn't strain the wrist, 10 ATM water resistance that allows you to wear it regardless of the weather, and other basic specifications at a high level, all combined with a distinctive green dial.
And it's not just any green. Through repeated trials, they have created the Chitose-midori, a color cherished as a symbol of timelessness, and expressed it on washi paper, a traditional Japanese craft. Wearing this piece is a way of showing respect for Japanese tradition and craftsmanship.
Eco-Drive, which keeps moving by converting light into energy. The Citizen aspires to be a brand that stays with you for a long time. Like the ever-green needles of a pine tree, the Chitose Midori embodies unwavering sentiment and will surely be cherished by its owner for many years to come.
