Citizen Celebrates 50 Years of Eco-Drive with the PHOTON Limited Edition Watch
Citizen is commemorating the 50th anniversary of its Eco-Drive technology with the release of the Eco-Drive PHOTON, a limited-edition timepiece inspired by the properties of light. The new watch features a unique design and updated movement, representing a new challenge for the brand after half a century of innovation.
A Half-Century of Light-Powered Innovation
In 1976, Citizen launched the world’s first analogue light-powered watch, which would later become known as Eco-Drive 1. Eco-Drive technology converts any light source – from sunlight to indoor lighting – into energy to power the watch, eliminating the need for battery replacements.
The Eco-Drive PHOTON: Inspired by Light Itself
The Eco-Drive PHOTON takes inspiration from the Double Slit Experiment, a scientific demonstration of light’s unusual properties. The watch’s design aims to capture the beauty derived from this scientific concept 1. Citizen’s Senior General Manager, Yoshihisa Yajima, explained the piece was designed as part of an internal competition within the company 2.
Design and Features
The PHOTON features a multi-layered dial design with three-dimensionally overlapping slits. These slits allow light to pass through, revealing a structural colour film dial beneath, creating ever-changing expressions and hues 1. The watch is powered by the new Eco-Drive movement Cal. E036, which offers a power reserve of 365 days on a full charge 1.
The case and bracelet are constructed from Super Titanium™, a lightweight and scratch-resistant material 1. Two models are available: a titanium version with a blue dial and a DLC two-tone version with black and gold accents.
Availability and Pricing
Both models of the Eco-Drive PHOTON are limited to 5,000 pieces worldwide 2 and 4. The titanium model with the blue dial is priced at $995, while the DLC two-tone version retails for $1,195 2. The watches are expected to be available in fall 2026 4.