Citizen’s The Citizen is one of the watches which get us excited these days, and for Fall and Winter, we see two additional new models being released – both in Tosa washi paper, both limited edition watches.
Press Release information with commentary in italics.
New: The Citizen Fall Winter releases
The Citizen Iconic Nature has the following retail pricing:
- AQ4103-16W in Duratect Amber yellow: USD 3,300 / SGD 4,621.60 (with GST)
- AQ4100-22A in Duratect Platinum: USD 3,200 / SGD 4,578.00 (with GST)
Each is limited to 400 pieces.
Commentary
We have always been super-keen on The Citizen. After our first encounter, we arranged for long term loaner from Citizen. And we wrote this comprehensive review after about 6 months. We continued to follow-up with new dial colours. And when the collection was released with exquisite mechanical movements in 2021 with another comprehensive review. And followed up with the new model in 2022.
This latest release extends the original Eco-Drive model lineup. The two novelties are essentially the same as the AQ 4020-54Y which we hailed as probably the best quartz watch in the world. The series encompasses the three icons from Citizen where they lead the entire watchmaking industry by leaps and bounds viz, quartz movements, solar power technology and the use of titanium in case and bracelets.
This latest release exploits further advancements that Citizen has made in the front of their use of titanium. The models are release in the latest Duratect Amber Yellow and Duratect Platinum, both new hues. We covered the Citizen excellence in titanium in a recent event which we co-hosted. And from our examination of the samples in the event, the case does look like it is in a shade of platinum and rose gold. Though when handling the watches, the dead giveaway is the heft, as the cases are made of titanium.
The dial remains the metiérs d’art Japanese Toshi Washi Paper dial.
The Duracect Amber Yellow model AQ4103-16W carries a black washi paper with a kasure brushstroke effecte created with gold leaf with a delicate brown gradient.
And the Duratect Platinum model AQ4100-22A carries a silvery dial made with platinum leaf applied by hand using the traditional Japanese technique of Sunago-maki. Platinum powder is sprinkled on the surface to show up on the paper like snow.
The movement remains the excellent A. 060, which has a perpetual calendar and keeps timing accurate to 5 seconds a year. This is a step down from Citizen’s crown jewel Caliber 0100, which achieves an amazing 1 second a year. We hear that the first production of the C. 0100 (see this comprehensive review) is already sold out, and there are no current plans for new models, though we do hope that new models are released for enthusiasts who missed the first release. And in the absence of the C. 0100, the C. 060 is the next best thing, with the obvious benefit of being less expensive coming in at an RRP of about half the C. 010.
We are impressed also that Citizen has kept the pricing at an even keel. The model we reviewed in 2019 remains at the same RRP at roughly JPY 3.3 million. There appears to be a small USD 100 premium for the various Duratect hues, but we think this is a negligible amount.
Release details
CITIZEN watches, created as part of CITIZEN’s pursuit of the essence of the watch, provide both superior quality and outstanding accuracy. Two limited-edition models will be launched to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the brand. Equipped with a high-accuracy light-powered Eco-Drive*1 movement with annual accuracy of ±5 seconds, these two new models from the Iconic Nature Collection use Tosa washi paper on the dial to express fleeting moments of beauty in nature. Both models will be released with a limited edition of 400 pieces worldwide.
Two new models are being launched from the Iconic Nature Collection to celebrate this milestone. Both models speak to the living, breathing spirit of Japanese aesthetics that has endured throughout the country’s history. The concept of okashi appears in classical Japanese literature and is used to describe fleeting moments of beauty and joy in everyday life inspired by beautiful landscapes, the changing seasons, or anything that moves the soul. This idea is central to the way that Japanese people interpret the world around them as demonstrated by the concepts of nijimi (intentionally allowing ink to bleed into paper) and kasure (light, dry brushstrokes) which reflect the natural artistic effects of ink on paper. Washi paper, with its natural textures and association with ink drawings and calligraphy, is the ideal material to convey these ideas.
The AQ4103-16W is a model inspired by the spectacular moment when the setting sun creates a golden glow along the ridge of a mountain. The black washi paper dial features a kasure brushstroke effect created with gold leaf together with a brown gradient that is reminiscent of autumn colors. The case is made of Super Titanium™※2 finished with Duratect Amber Yellow*３, a newly developed surface hardening technology with an elegant amber yellow color.
The AQ4100-22A is a model expressing the magical moment when dawn gently breaks in mid-winter and the rising sun gradually illuminates the freshly fallen snow covering the landscape. It features a Tosa washi dial with platinum leaf applied by hand using a traditional Japanese decorative technique called Sunago-maki, where fine platinum leaf powder is sprinkled on the surface of the paper like snow. A gray gradient provides the element of nijimi, capturing the harsh beauty of the winter scenery. The gray second hand is reminiscent of charcoal, burned to combat the harsh winter cold, and provides a striking accent.
Both models are equipped with a high-accuracy Eco-Drive movement with annual accuracy of ±5, seconds and the cases are made of lightweight, scratch resistant Super TitaniumTM. The crocodile leather straps are produced by a tanner certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG)*4. The eagle mark on the dial, crown, and case back 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.
The Citizen Iconic Nature Collection Specifications
| Brand | The CITIZEN / Eco-Drive with Annual Accuracy of ± 5 Seconds Limited edition model | |
| Model | AQ4103-16W | AQ4100-22A |
| Launch | Oct 2025 (Scheduled) | |
| Price(projected) | SGD $ 4,621.60 (with GST) | SGD $ 4,578.00 (with GST) |
| Limited quantity | 400 (Worldwide) | 400 (Worldwide) |
| Case / Band | Super Titanium™（Duratect Amber yellow）/Crocodile（LWG） | Super Titanium™（Duratect Platinum）/Crocodile（LWG） |
| Glass | Dual Sphere Glass with Anti-Reflective Coating | |
| Dial | Japanese washi paper | |
| Case diameter / thickness | 38.3mm / 12.3mm（ design specification only ） | |
| Specifications | Cal.A060/ Accuracy of ±5 seconds per year / Eco-Drive runs for 18 months on full charge (in power save mode) / Perpetual CalendarIndependently adjustable hour hand ■W.R. 10 BAR | |
1 Comment
Beautiful,I had from secondary school