ULTRA THIN CITIZEN
Last year Citizen added three 39mm models ($3,500) to its Eco-Drive One collection, Citizen’s
thinnest Eco-Drive collection. These new models boast high-tech Cermet bezels and a Dura-
tect coating over the steel cases. Duratect is Citizen’s proprietary surface hardening technology
that coats an alloy with very thin and hard layers to protect against scratches and insures that
the case color never fades. Cermet is a Citizen-developed composite of hardened ceramic and
metal. In spite of its 1mm thinness, Citizen’s Eco-Drive Caliber 8826 inside the new Eco-Drive One
will operate for twelve months on a single full charge. The original 2016 Eco-Drive One debuts
celebrated Citizen’s 40-year history as the leading force in the development of light-powered
wristwatches. Look for a new Eco-Drive One at Baselworld 2018.
“During our hundred years we have developed many important new mate-
rials for our watches,” Takeuchi adds. “One of our biggest accomplishments
has been the development of titanium for watchcases and bracelets. Almost a
half-century ago we developed the first watch made from 100% pure titanium.
That was one of our biggest accomplishments.”
Watchmakers around the globe now see the value of using titanium to
create watchcases.
“It is gentle to the skin, is lightweight, it doesn’t rust, it is strong and it’s good
for the environment. We forecast even more use of titanium. This is an alter-
native to other metals without compromising design and style.”
CITIZEN SMART WATCH?
Some would argue that the smart watch today represents a type of cutting-
edge wristwatch technology. While Citizen recognizes this position, its
views on connected wristwatch technology mean you likely won’t see a
CITIZEN TIMELINE
2008: Bulova Corporation becomes a consolidated subsidiary, Citizen Miyota Co.,
Ltd. and Citizen Finetech Co., Ltd. merge.
2011: World’s first light-powered, satellite synchronized analog watch, Eco-Drive
SATELLITE WAVE introduced.
2012: Prothor Holding SA (Arnold & Son, component maker Prototec & La Joux-
Perret (formerly Jaquet SA) join as subsidiaries.
2014: A model equipped with mechanical movement from La Joux-Perret SA
introduced from Campanola. Also, Light-powered satellite synchronized
watch equipped with the world’s thinnest case, world’s fastest reception,
world’s first light level indicator (Eco-Drive Satellite Wave F100) introduced.
2015: Introduction of Satellite Wave F150, which receives time signal at the world
fastest signal reception speed; Satellite Wave GPS F900 also introduced.
2016: Frederique Constant/ Alpina becomes a consolidated subsidiary; Eco-Drive
One introduced.
2017: The world’s first light-powered, 1000-m diving watch (Citizen Promaster
Eco-Drive Professional Diver 1000) introduced.
54 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | SPRING 2018
Right: The 2017
Citizen Proximity
Pryzm