14 May 2024
The CITIZEN
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first CITIZEN-branded watch
New limited-edition model with a hand-dyed indigo washi paper dial
The CITIZEN watches, created as part of CITIZEN’s pursuit of the essence of the watch, offer both exceptional quality and outstanding accuracy. A new limited-edition The CITIZEN model with an indigo-dyed washi paper dial is being released to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first CITIZEN-branded watch. This new limited-edition model, equipped with a high-accuracy light-powered Eco-Drive*1 movement with annual accuracy of ±5 seconds, features a unique washi paper dial hand-dyed with indigo using the pole-wrap shibori technique.
* Final price, launch date, and number of pieces may be subject to change.
The CITIZEN / 100th Anniversary of the First CITIZEN Watch Limited Edition Model
AQ4100-65L 600 pieces worldwide
The first The CITIZEN model to feature a hand-dyed indigo washi paper dial was launched in 2022.
Natural indigo dye, also known as “Japan Blue,” produces a beautiful deep blue color. The indigo-dyed washi paper allows light to pass through while showcasing the distinctive hue and texture of the natural materials, making it a perfect match for light-powered Eco-Drive watches.
2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the first CITIZEN-branded watch. To celebrate this milestone, CITIZEN is launching this new limited-edition The CITIZEN model with an indigo-dyed washi paper dial. The paper is dyed by using the traditional pole-wrap shibori technique, a method usually used for dyeing fabric, in a new and innovative way.
Product Features
■ Indigo-dyed washi paper dial provides a glimpse of moments of beauty in nature
Washi paper has long been used for paper screens in Japan to bring natural light into living spaces, making it the ideal material for Eco-Drive watch dials.
Indigo leaves are dried and fermented to produce a substance called sukumo. Wood ash lye is then added to the sukumo and the mixture is fermented as part of the natural wood ash lye fermentation technique, a traditional Japanese dye-making method. Washi paper is hand-dyed with this natural indigo dye to create the beautiful deep blue color on the dial of this new model. To celebrate the milestone, CITIZEN is launching this new limited-edition The CITIZEN model with an indigo-dyed washi paper dial. The paper features delicate patterns created using the pole-wrap shibori technique, a method usually used for dyeing fabric. The pole-wrap shibori technique begins with the washi paper being wrapped around a tube. The artisan then creates fine wrinkles by gently pushing the paper toward the top of the pole. The wrapping and dyeing process is repeated multiple times to create a delicate pattern. The hand-dyeing process produces unique patterns on the surface of the paper and ensures that no two pieces are the same. The subtle shading and sense of depth produced by this technique expresses the beauty of the clouds floating in a clear blue sky.
The gold coloured second hand accenting the dial is inspired by the “angel’s ladder” - a mystical phenomenon where sunlight seems to spill out from gaps between the clouds to produce golden streams of light.
■ Movement with annual accuracy of ± 5 seconds and a perpetual calendar
This model is equipped with a high-accuracy light-powered Eco-Drive movement with annual accuracy of ±5 seconds, eliminating the need for regular battery changes. All The CITIZEN models with high annual accuracy also feature a perpetual calendar that automatically adjusts the end of each month, including in leap years, until February 28, 2100. These models are also equipped with CITIZEN’s proprietary impact detection and lock function to protect the watch mechanism, an automatic hand correction function in the event that the hands deviate from the correct time, as well as a calendar that changes instantly at the stroke of midnight.
■ Super Titanium™*2 case and bracelet
CITIZEN’s proprietary Super Titanium™ is the ideal material for wristwatches - it is lightweight (approx. 40% lighter than stainless steel) with superior hardness (approx. 5 times harder than stainless steel), as well as being corrosion resistant and gentle on the skin.
The lugs and the bezel feature a highly polished mirror finish while the bracelet has a brushed finish to create an attractive contrast.
■ The Eagle Mark - the symbol of The CITIZEN
The dial, crown, and case back feature an Eagle Mark - the symbol of The CITIZEN. Eagles have incredible eyesight - they can clearly spot their prey from a distance of 1,000 meters or more. The eagle symbolizes foresight, the ability to anticipate the future and act accordingly. Eagles have also formed bonds with humans since ancient times. The eagle mark symbolizes the twin ideals of The CITIZEN - foresight and dedication to the pursuit of ideals as well as the enduring connection between watch and wearer.
Product Specifications
 |
| Brand | The CITIZEN /100th Anniversary of the First CITIZEN Watch Limited Edition Model with Eco-Drive and annual accuracy of ± 5 seconds |
|---|---|
| Model | AQ4100-65L |
| Launch | Spring / Summer 2024（Scheduled） |
| Price（projected） | USD4,400 |
| Limited quantity | 600（Worldwide） |
| Case / Band | Super Titanium™（Duratect Platinum*3） |
| Glass | Dual Sphere Sapphire Glass with Anti-Reflective Coating |
| Case diameter / thickness | 38.3mm / 12.2mm（ design specification only ） |
| Specifications | Cal.A060/ Accuracy of ±5 seconds per year / Eco-Drive runs for 1.5 years on full charge (in power save mode) / Independently adjustable hour hand / Instant date change mechanism ■W.R. 10 BAR |
- *1 Eco-Drive is CITIZEN’s proprietary technology that powers watches using any natural or artificial light source, eliminating the need to replace batteries. A first within the watch industry, Eco-Drive was certified as an Eco Mark product by the Japan Environment Association (JEA) and recognized for its contribution to environmental sustainability.
- *2 Super Titanium™ is CITIZEN’s proprietary technology to treat solid titanium with surface hardening technology. It is at least 5 times harder than stainless steel. It is highly resistant to scratches, lightweight and gentle to the skin for excellent wearing comfort. (Vickers hardness of stainless steel is about 200 HV).
- *3 Duratect Platinum is CITIZEN’s proprietary surface hardening technology that enhances the surface hardness of metals such as stainless steel and titanium, protecting watch bodies from scratches and damage. This technology offers excellent abrasion quality and maintains the luster of metals for long periods of time. Platinum is a soft precious metal with Vickers hardness of 50-100 HV. CITIZEN’s proprietary surface hardening technology boosts this figure to 1,000-1,200 Hv. This treatment provides superior hardness as well as a bright, almost transparent, silver sheen to produce remarkably beautiful timepieces. (Vickers hardness of stainless steel is approx. 200 Hv).
<About The CITIZEN>
The CITIZEN brand aims to become an integral part of users’ lives by tirelessly pursuing the next ideal in timekeeping accuracy, quality, design, and reliability.
The CITIZEN special site:
https://www.citizenwatch-global.com/the-citizen/ 
<About CITIZEN>
CITIZEN WATCH is a true manufacture d'horlogerie with the capabilities to carry out the entire watch manufacturing process in-house, from creating a watch’s individual components to its final assembly and adjustment. The company operates in more than 140 countries and regions around the world. Since its founding in 1918, CITIZEN has held the belief of “Better Starts Now” — that is, no matter who you are and what you do, it is always possible to make something better, and now is the time to start doing it. Sharing this belief, we began making mechanical watches, invented and improved technologies and explored the future of watches such as our proprietary light-powered Eco-Drive technology.
- * Eco-Drive, Duratect, Super Titanium are trademarks or registered trademarks of Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
- * The final design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
- * The availability, specifications, and related information, such as the product code for the models featured in this site, may vary by markets. If you would like to know more details, including the availability of these products in your area, please select your local website from our global site.