Citizen launches affordable radio-controlled Eco-Drive watches with Direct Flight and UTC bezel

Alongside three compact 38mm dress watches, Citizen has also unveiled a new range of radio-controlled Eco-Drive timepieces. They arrive in the same colorways and look nearly identical to the standard 38mm models, but deliver some meaningful upgrades that help justify the higher price tag, including multi-band atomic timekeeping, world time support, and a Direct Flight function that lets you switch between time zones in just a couple of steps.

The trio is part of the Citizen Collection and includes the silver/white CB0300-53A, the sunburst black CB0300-53E, and the sunburst blue CB0300-53L. Like their siblings, they feature applied baton indices, Dauphine-style minute and hour hands, a framed date window at 3 o'clock, and a three-link brushed stainless steel bracelet. However, their stainless steel case clocks in at a well-proportioned 40mm instead of 38mm.

The main draw here is, of course, the addition of radio-controlled timekeeping, which allows these models to automatically receive standard radio waves to sync the time and calendar across Japan, China, Europe, and America. If you travel frequently, you'll also appreciate the Direct Flight function, which allows you to easily switch to local time in other countries, as well as the UTC chapter ring.

The watches also boast Citizen's Perfex Multi 3000 tech, which combines shock detection, automatic hand correction, and JIS Class 1 magnetic resistance to prevent the hands from drifting out of alignment from impacts or exposure to magnetic fields. Other highlights include 5 ATM water resistance, luminous hands and indices, and a perpetual calendar.

Pricing & Availability

Citizen’s new radio-controlled Eco-Drive collection will go on sale in Japan on August 6 for ¥58,300 (~$364). The company hasn’t yet confirmed plans for an international release, but we can expect the lineup to make its way to other markets in the coming weeks. In the meantime, you can check out this Eco-Drive Sport Luxury PCAT radio-controlled chronograph on Amazon.

Specifications

• Models: CB0300-53A (Silver/White), CB0300-53E (Sunburst Black), CB0300-53L (Sunburst Blue)
• Movement: Citizen Caliber H145 Eco-Drive (solar-powered)
• Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month (without radio signal reception)
• Radio-controlled: Automatic synchronization with atomic time signals in Japan, China, Europe, and North America
• Power reserve: Up to 2 years with power-saving mode enabled
• Case size: 40mm
• Case thickness: 9.6mm
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Crystal: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
• Bracelet: Stainless steel three-link bracelet with fold-over push-button clasp
• Water resistance: 5 ATM (50 meters)
• Magnetic resistance: JIS Class 1
• World time: 26 time zones
• Calendar: Perpetual calendar with date display
• Travel feature: Direct Flight time zone adjustment
• Additional features: Perfex Multi 3000 (shock detection, automatic hand correction, magnetic resistance), automatic station selection, daylight saving time, battery level indicator, charging warning, overcharge prevention, power-saving mode, luminous hands and indices
• Weight: 122g
• Dial: Recycled dial components
• Made in Japan
• Price: ¥58,300 (approximately $364)