Citizen Unveils "The Citizen" Limited Editions with Tosa Washi Dials

Citizen introduces two new limited-edition timepieces to "The Citizen" collection, which elegantly merge the art of traditional Japanese papermaking with advanced solar-powered technology. These remarkable watches showcase dials crafted from Tosa washi paper, meticulously prepared by artisans in Kochi Prefecture. The paper's translucent quality serves a dual purpose: allowing light to energize the movement while imbuing the dials with distinctive visual depth and texture.

The collection offers two distinct interpretations of this innovative material. The first model, "The Citizen Washi Dial Limited Edition AQ4100-65X," features an ultra-thin Tosa Tengujoshi paper dial overlaid with a rich crimson top plate. This design creates a striking sunburst effect where the delicate texture of the paper is subtly visible beneath the vibrant color. The timepiece's case and bracelet are constructed from Super Titanium, enhanced with a Duratect Platinum finish, lending them a lustrous, silvery appearance. This model, limited to 350 units, is priced at $2,995.

Conversely, the "The Citizen Washi Dial Limited Edition AQ4106-00B" adopts a more organic approach to the washi material. This variant utilizes Tosa Unryushi paper, which is characterized by long, intertwined fibers that form intricate, cloud-like patterns, further embellished with gold-colored threads for added contrast and visual interest. Encased in Super Titanium with a Duratect Sakura Pink finish, this watch is complemented by a crocodile leather strap sourced from a Leather Working Group-certified tannery. Limited to 300 pieces, this edition is available for $3,095.

Despite the intricate artistry of the washi dials, both watches maintain a clean and highly readable display. Sharp, well-defined hour markers and faceted hour and minute hands offer excellent contrast against the textured backgrounds. A precisely crafted, faceted date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, adding a subtle architectural detail. To ensure optimal visibility in low-light conditions, the dials are treated with Superluminova coating.

Powering these sophisticated timepieces is Citizen’s Caliber A060, an Eco-Drive movement renowned for its exceptional accuracy, rated at an annual deviation of just ±5 seconds. This movement boasts an impressive power reserve of up to 18 months when its power-saving mode is active. Additional features include a perpetual calendar, impact detection, automatic hand correction, and an instantaneous date change at midnight. This innovative integration of traditional Tosa washi paper and Eco-Drive technology continues a concept first introduced by Citizen to "The Citizen" collection in 2017, demonstrating a commitment to blending heritage with cutting-edge horological advancements. The translucent paper not only provides an aesthetic nod to Japanese tradition but also serves the crucial function of allowing light to reach the underlying movement.

These two limited-edition watches from Citizen demonstrate a harmonious fusion of ancestral Japanese craftsmanship with modern horological innovation. Both timepieces showcase distinct aesthetic approaches to the Tosa washi dials, while sharing core functionalities like high-precision Eco-Drive movements and robust Super Titanium cases. The collection stands as a testament to Citizen's dedication to meticulous detail, superior performance, and the preservation of cultural artistry within contemporary watchmaking.