Following four decades of success with the world’s first analog quartz watch that uses light as a power source – Eco-Drive, Japanese watchmaking giant Citizen announced the launch of a timepiece Eco-Drive One which is the world’s thinnest light-powered analog quartz watch with a 2.98mm case and 1.00 mm movement.
Capturing the rank of ‘world’s thinnest’ required redesigning almost every part of the movement, the structure of parts by using Citizen’s most advanced processing techniques. They improved on the Eco-Drive technology as Eco-Drive One runs ten months on a single full charge by successfully reducing energy consumption despite being so thin.
To create a watch with a case thickness of 2.98mm required the use of new materials. Materials that are thin, strong and malleable to form a beautiful silhouette that would hug the wrist but at the same time a material that would be strong enough to resist flexing.
The case of the Eco-Drive One Limited Model (AR5014-04E) and the bezel for AR5000-50E/AR5000-68A/AR5004-59H models all use a cermet (an advanced composite composed of ceramic and metallic materials) to achieve the mutually exclusive requirements of “beautiful thinness” and “durable hardness.” It also helps to keep the watch’s beautiful finish and metallic luster. The bezel on the Limited Model (AR5014-04E) is made from a binder less cemented carbide that is hard and resistant to both corrosion and oxidation.
The high end luxury timepiece in this range is available in a limited edition run of 800 units and is priced at $6,000 Specifications and features while the entry level watch is priced at $2,600.
As a light-power pioneer, Citizen has broken the boundaries and explored new possibilities of incorporating light powered technologies to craft timepieces that inspire people everywhere.
Citizen watch is a true manufacture d’horlogerie with a comprehensive manufacturing process that extends from creating a watch’s individual components to its final assembly. The company operates in more than 100 countries around the world. Since its establishment in 1918, the company has made innovative watches, invented and improved technologies and explored the future of watches such as their propriety light-powered technology Eco-Drive and state-of-the-art satellite-synchronized timekeeping.
