IT has been 40 years since CITIZEN invented the world's first analog quartz watch that uses light as a power source. CITIZEN called this technology Eco-Drive since it uses a renewable natural resource that anyone can access to generate its own electrical energy. Eco-Drive has evolved as one of our core technologies and serves as the foundation of our corporate philosophy of “crafting timepieces loved by citizens all over the world.”
For this milestone, CITIZEN introduced its latest flagship model, 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. We also improved on our Eco-Drive technology. For example, in spite of its thinness, Eco-Drive One runs 10 months on a single full charge by successfully reducing energy consumption.
To create a watch with a case thickness of 2.98mm required the use of new materials. Materials that are both thin and strong. Materials that are malleable to form a beautiful silhouette that would hug the wrist but 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 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 binderless cemented carbide*4 that is hard and resistant to both corrosion and oxidation.
As a light-power pioneer, CITIZEN will continue to break boundaries and explore new possibilities of incorporating light powered technologies to craft timepieces that inspire people everywhere.
