【F】The Citizen Limited-Edition 30th Anniversary Models

• The Citizen Restricted-Version thirtieth Anniversary Fashions
• An Eco-Drive Perpetual Calendar
• Different particulars
• Ultimate ideas and availability

This yr, Citizen celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of its The Citizen line. Which will sound shocking, nevertheless it’s as a result of the model’s top-tier watches haven’t all the time been obtainable globally. Little by little, although, we’re seeing extra of those creations that always characteristic unusual dial supplies and extremely correct actions. At this time, we’ll take a look at two restricted international releases.

The Citizen has all the time struck me as an intriguing identify for a group of watches. Admittedly, it’s a bit complicated, however the signature eagle emblem makes these fashions simply identifiable. From a product-offering perspective, the catalog isn’t big, however The Citizen vary affords mechanical and quartz watches. The automated NC1000-51E is one in all my favourite trendy watches. For followers of precision watches, two completely different Eco-Drive actions are additionally obtainable within the line, bringing unimaginable accuracy. At this time’s items are Eco-Drive, however as we’ll see, they take their inspiration from ’60s mechanical fashions.

The Citizen Restricted-Version thirtieth Anniversary Fashions

The newest additions to The Citizen lineup are a pair of 38.3mm by 45.5mm watches fabricated from Super Titanium with the model’s proprietary Duratect surface-hardening know-how. Primarily, the processed materials affords scratch and dent resistance, however there’s one other neat trick. Citizen has developed the flexibility so as to add colour throughout floor hardening. At this time’s thirtieth Anniversary fashions make the most of this with Sakura Pink and Platinum-hued instances. The previous’s case has a pink-gold look, whereas the latter has a vibrant platinum-like sheen.

Washi dials

The Citizen watches have made a reputation for themselves by utilizing washi (和紙, “Japanese paper”) as a dial materials. Washi is a standard medium made by hand from the bark fibers of paper mulberry, amongst a couple of different crops. Analysis reveals this robust, resilient paper is registered on UNESCO’s checklist of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. On the Sakura Pink mannequin, the dial incorporates white and pink striations. The Platinum model makes use of indigo because the colorant for the hand-dyed washi. Each items comprise utilized indexes with brushed surfaces and an identical date body. The dagger hour and minute fingers proceed the brushed theme. Every mannequin additionally has a gold seconds hand, celebrating the thirtieth anniversary. Observe the utilized eagle emblem on the underside half of the dial. This can be a signature element of The Citizen watches. Every mannequin additionally sports activities a curved sapphire crystal with an antireflective coating.

A faceted case

The Citizen case design might look conventional and easy from overhead, however a slight wrist roll reveals extra element. The lugs are faceted in the direction of the tip and comprise a large, polished chamfer. A big shiny bezel supplies ample distinction in opposition to the brushed prime floor of the case. The signed crown is barely inset into the case and incorporates the model’s eagle emblem. Earlier than we transfer on to the motion, let’s take a short detour and point out the historic Citizen watch that impressed these fashions.

The Citizen Chrono Grasp Auto Date AUDS2910

In the event you’re a collector of classic Citizen watches, the eagle image will appear acquainted. Citizen used the same determine on Chrono Grasp watches within the Nineteen Sixties. These items had been meant to problem one of the best from inside Japan and elsewhere. I’m lucky to personal a lovely example, however one other mannequin lent its design to at present’s thirtieth Anniversary fashions. The Chrono Grasp Auto Date AUDS2910 from 1967 encompasses a comparable case design, sharing the faceted lugs, large chamfers, and polished bezel. The indexes are comparable, though the classic mannequin has black lacquer striping. The fingers on the unique are a lot thinner than the brand new piece and have a special design. It’s a beautiful older watch however considerably dated. This can be a uncommon case of me liking the brand new variations higher.

An Eco-Drive Perpetual Calendar

The Citizen thirtieth Anniversary fashions each use the 22-jewel Eco-Drive A060 caliber. The motion is powered by mild and might run for 18 months on a full cost. Like many battery-powered actions, it hacks as soon as the crown is pulled from the case. Then once more, homeowners might hardly ever do that for a few causes. They received’t have to right the time as a result of motion’s ±5-second yearly accuracy. Plus, the motion is a perpetual calendar, so altering the date shouldn’t be obligatory. If touring to a special time zone is within the forecast, the motion incorporates an unbiased leaping mechanism for the hour hand. Eager observers will query the aim of the small inset pusher at 2 o’clock. Miserable this strikes the fingers and divulges the remaining energy reserve.

Different particulars

The A060 is properly completed with striping, nevertheless it lives beneath a strong screw-in case again with a non-coated titanium eagle medallion within the middle. Info, together with the 10-bar water resistance ranking, is inscribed. Concerning the straps, the Sakura Pink mannequin comes on brown crocodile, and the Platinum is fitted with darkish blue crocodile. A titanium push-button folding clasp completes the package deal.

With reasonable case dimensions and a 12.2mm complete thickness, the Citizen items ought to match most wrists. Plus, with light-weight Tremendous Titanium being 5 occasions more durable than stainless-steel, the watches ought to function nice day by day items. Maybe the one want might be to swap out the 19mm straps with a extra swimming-friendly choice.

Ultimate ideas and availability

Simply 400 items of every of those new The Citizen Restricted-Version thirtieth Anniversary fashions might be obtainable globally. The Sakura Pink mannequin, reference AQ4106-00A, sells for US$3,000, and the Platinum version, reference AQ4100-22L, retails for US$2,900. For dyed-in-the-wool followers of mechanical watches, maybe these Eco-Drive-powered fashions aren’t of curiosity. They’re definitely not cheap, however the accuracy, ease of use, dials, and case supplies make The Citizen watches a singular proposition. I can’t wait to see them within the metallic. What are your ideas on these watches, and are you a fan of high-end Eco-Drive?

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Watch specs