Citizen debuts new Eco-Drive racing chronograph with reverse panda dial

Citizen has quietly announced a new solar-powered chronograph in the US and UK. The new model is essentially a sportier take on the Chrono Racing CA4716-50L that debuted in Asia earlier this year, trading a stainless steel bracelet for a perforated leather band.

Part of Citizen’s Chrono Racing collection, the new CA4716-09L offers a vintage racing-inspired design in a wearable 39.5mm stainless steel case. The deep blue sunray dial features vertical striping in the middle, framed by a matching blue tachymeter bezel. The classic reverse panda layout consists of two high-contrast silver sub-dials that sit at 3 and 9 o'clock and handle 24-hour time and a 60-minute chronograph counter, respectively, along with a discreet blue running-seconds register at 6 o'clock.

The red central chronograph hand and the red-accented dual pump pushers add an energetic racing flair, while large silver-tone hour markers along with an oversized numeral "12” and lumed hands keep the main display readable. A tiny date window sits between 4 and 5 o'clock.

The watch is powered by the same solar-powered B620 Eco-Drive movement found in the stainless steel model. On a full charge, it delivers up to 270 days of reserve power and boasts accuracy of ±15 seconds per month. You also get a chronograph function that can measure up to 60 minutes in 1/5-second increments, a low battery indicator, and up to 100 meters of water resistance.

The biggest distinction between the new CA4716-09L and the CA4716-50L is the band. While the CA4716-50L came with a brushed stainless steel bracelet for an all-metal look, this new watch has a perforated brown leather strap with cream contrast stitching, which gives it a distinctly vintage racing character.

Pricing & Availability

The Citizen Chrono Racing CA4716-09L is available now via Citizen’s UK storefront for £349. Citizen US hasn't yet listed this model on its website, but it's already up on Amazon for $525.

Specifications

• Model: CA4716-09L
• Movement: Citizen B620 Eco-Drive
• Power source: Light-powered, no regular battery changes
• Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month
• Power reserve: Up to 270 days
• Case: Silver-tone stainless steel
• Case size: 39mm
• Crystal: Mineral crystal
• Dial: Blue
• Tachymeter bezel
• Chronograph: 1/5-second intervals, up to 60 minutes
• Time display: 12/24-hour
• Date: Yes
• Low-charge indicator
• Water resistance: 100 meters / 10 bar
• Strap: Brown perforated leather with contrast stitching
• Clasp: Pin buckle
• Price: £349 / $525