Citizen continues to enhance their The Citizen collection with yet another washi paper dial model, this time using a shibori dying method to depict mist like patterns on indigo on the dial.
Press Release information with commentary in italics.
New: The Citizen Indigo Washi AQ4090-08A
The Citizen Indigo Washi AQ4090-08A retails at SGD 5,886 inclusive of GST. Limited edition of 200 pieces.
Commentary
This is another addition to the The Citizen collection. We reviewed the base collection AQ4080 way back in 2018, and remains one of our more popular reviews. The AQ4090 is the same watch, but in a Super Titanium case and bracelet instead of the stainless steel of the AQ4080. As such, it is often considered as a premium model. Though originally this series is designated as JDM (Japan Domestic Model), it is now being released in small numbers worldwide. Stay tuned as we have been given some information, in confidence, of the direction Citizen is going to take in 2027 particularly with the The Citizen collection. We will reveal when the time is appropriate.
The novelty in this new watch is the washi paper dial. This time, instead of an evenly dyed dial, like in the earlier models, for example, the AQ4091-56W and the AQ4094-58L, this dial has striations. The pattern on the dial is caused by first wrapping the paper around a tube. Then the artisan creates wrinkles by wrapping the paper with string and gently crinkling the paper towards the top of the pole. Causing the dye to take up on some parts of the paper, and less on others. This creates a delicate pattern which is unique. I will have more on this washi dial and the techniques in a report of my visit to the Citizen manufacture at Kawaguichi where the dials are made.
The movement remains the superb A060 which has seen service since the first The Citizen models, in both the AQ4080 and the AQ4090 series. The other dial embellishments also remain unchanged, including the gold Eagle, the magnificently polished, faceted indices and hands. The case is in Super Titanium Duratech Platinum, and finished in matte which leaves the surface gleaming with an almost transparent silver. The lugs and bezel have zaratsu finishing.
Release details
Captivating Mist-like Patterns
The CITIZEN watches, created as part of CITIZEN’s pursuit of the essence of the watch, provide both superior quality and outstanding accuracy. A limited-edition model is being released featuring an indigo washi paper dial created using delicate shibori dyeing techniques that produce captivating mist-like patterns.
*Final price, launch date, and number of pieces may be subject to change.
The indigo-dyed washi paper on the dial of this model is dyed using the pole-wrap shibori technique, a method usually used for dyeing fabric. The pole-wrapping technique begins with the washi paper being wrapped around a tube. The artisan then creates fine wrinkles by wrapping the paper with string and 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 the indigo dye on the white washi paper expresses the still, otherworldly beauty of mist on a chilly morning.
This new model is equipped with a high-accuracy Eco-Drive*1 movement with annual accuracy of ± 5 seconds and the 40.0 mm case and bracelet are made of lightweight, scratch resistant Super TitaniumTM*2. The eagle marks on the dial, crown, and case back symbolize the twin ideals of The CITIZEN – foresight and dedication to the pursuit of ideals as well as the enduring connection between watch and wearer.
This model features a gold-colored eagle mark on the dial, exclusive to limited-edition models, as well as a limited-edition number engraved on the case back.
Product Features
■ Indigo washi paper dial with captivating mist-like patterns
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.
First, indigo leaves are dried and fermented to produce a substance called sukumo. Wood ash lye is then added and then the mixture is fermented as part of the natural wood ash lye fermentation technique, a traditional Japanese dye-making method. The paper features delicate patterns created using the pole wrapping technique, a method usually used for dyeing fabric. The pole-wrapping technique begins with the washi paper being wrapped around a tube. The artisan then creates fine wrinkles by wrapping the paper with string and 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 the indigo dye on the white washi paper expresses the still, otherworldly beauty of mist on a chilly morning.
■ Eco-Drive movement with high annual accuracy of ± 5 seconds and a perpetual calendar*3
This new 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 TitaniumTM case
CITIZEN’s proprietary Super TitaniumTM 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 case and bracelet are treated with Duratect Platinum*4, giving the metal a gleaming, almost transparent silver hue that stays beautiful for longer. 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 eagle marks – 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.
The Citizen Indigo Washi AQ4090-08A specfications
| Brand | The CITIZEN / Eco-Drive model with high annual accuracy of ± 5 secondsLimited-edition model |
| Model | AQ4090-08A |
| Launch | August 2026 (Scheduled) |
| Price (projected) | SGD 5,886.00 include 9% GST |
| Limited quantity | 200 pieces worldwide |
| Case / Band | Super Titanium™（Duratect Platinum） |
| Glass | Dual Sphere Glass with Anti-Reflective Coating ※5） |
| Dial | Hand-dyed indigo Tosa washi paper |
| Case diameter / thickness | 40.0mm／12.2mm（ 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 Calendar / Independently adjustable hour hand ■W.R. 10 BAR ■ Luminous (Hands+Indices) |
