Citizen will release a limited edition model of the Citizen Eco-Drive One, which is equipped with the world's thinnest light-powered Eco-Drive movement, featuring a case and band coated with Citizen's proprietary surface hardening technology, Duratect DLC. The model is scheduled to be released on June 18, 2020.
What is Citizen's "Eco-Drive"?
Citizen has a long history with light-powered watches. In 1976, the company developed the world's first analog light-powered watch, the Crystron Solar Cell. This technology, which converts sunlight or faint indoor light into electricity to power the watch and stores any excess electricity in a secondary battery, was named "Eco-Drive." This system, which eliminates the need for regular battery changes, has been highly praised for its environmental protection benefits, and in 96 it became the first wristwatch to be certified as an "Eco Mark Product" in Japan. In 2014, the widespread adoption of Citizen's "Eco-Drive" products and the company's environmental efforts were recognized, making it the first watch in the industry to receive the "Eco Mark Award Gold Prize." It's truly an "eco" movement.
The world's thinnest analog light-powered watch movement, measuring just 1.00mm thick
The extremely thin movement, measuring just 1.00mm (design value), contains 85 parts. By eliminating excessive functionality and extravagant decoration to the utmost extent, the aim was to express the beauty of the watch in a simple way. In order to fit all the necessary parts into the limited space, the structure and processing methods were completely reconsidered.
For example, it would be impossible to fit the rotor (motor rotor), the heart of a watch, into a 1.00mm thick movement if it remained a standard three-body structure. Instead, it was made into a two-body structure, and a new welding technique was used to significantly reduce the size. Repeated trial and error was also carried out with the coil and secondary battery, resulting in a structure that goes beyond the conventional wisdom of watchmaking.
Materials and hardening technology that combine thinness and strength
Typically, pursuing thinness leads to problems with strength. In previous models, Citizen has attempted to overcome this issue by using high-hardness materials such as Cermet and Altic. The new Citizen Eco-Drive One Super Titanium™ model utilizes Duratect DLC to achieve both thinness and strength. Duratect is Citizen's proprietary surface hardening technology, which protects the watch's original beauty from scratches by applying a special treatment to the surface of the watch case and band. Citizen has obtained numerous patents for this technology. Duratect is broadly divided into three types, and by applying Duratect tailored to the purpose of each watch, the required hardness and desired color tone can be achieved. Of the many Duratect technologies available, Duratect DLC is the one that demonstrates its superior capabilities as a material coating technology.
DLC is a commonly used technology and stands for Diamond-Like Carbon. It's not only scratch-resistant, but also extremely smooth to the touch. Citizen's Duratect DLC differs from other DLCs in that its careful attention to the intermediate material improves adhesion, making it less likely to peel and more durable. Furthermore, the company pursues not only hardness but also beauty, achieving rich color development. Citizen was one of the first companies in the industry to adopt DLC in its watches.
Citizen's proprietary Super Titanium™ is made from pure titanium treated with Duratect, making it approximately five times harder than stainless steel. It's a material that combines lightness, beauty, and durability. The metal's soft texture develops as scratches accumulate, creating a different kind of enjoyment than the watch itself. This modern, tough, and practical watch is sure to be a hit.
Geometric pattern and pink gold color contrast
Light-powered Eco-Drive. Runs for approximately 12 months on a full charge. Super Titanium™ + Duratect DLC (diameter 36.5mm, thickness 3.5mm). Water resistant for everyday use. Price: 53 yen (excluding tax).
The design is extremely simple, allowing the beautiful luster of the material to shine through. The 3.5mm thick black case, combined with the delicate geometric pattern on the dial and the pink gold accents, creates a striking contrast. The 36.5mm diameter case is a comfortable size for both men and women. Only 200 pieces will be produced worldwide.
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