Citizen unveils a 200-piece Eco-Drive with a morning mist-inspired washi paper dial

Citizen's Eco-Drive solar charging system turned 50 this year, and the company has been celebrating the milestone with a steady stream of limited-edition releases that blend traditional Japanese craftsmanship with some of its most advanced tech. After debuting green and blue washi paper anniversary models, Citizen is back with a new limited-edition Eco-Drive.

The new Citizen AQ4090-08A is limited to 200 individually numbered pieces worldwide, and it features an indigo-dyed washi paper dial finished with soft, mist-like patterns evoking fog drifting across a chilly morning. And since every dial is hand-dyed, each watch ends up with unique patterns.

A handcrafted dial inspired by morning mist

Citizen says it used a traditional Japanese fabric-dyeing technique called pole-wrap shibori to achieve this look, which involves wrapping white washi paper around a tube, and tying it off with string to create fine wrinkles, and then repeatedly hand-dipping it into a natural indigo dye made from fermented leaves. 

The Citizen AQ4090-08A is powered by the same Caliber A060 Eco-Drive movement found in the blue and green washi paper models. The flagship movement boasts an annual accuracy of ±5 seconds, and offers features like a perpetual calendar programmed through February 2100, automatic hand correction, magnetic resistance, instant date change at midnight, and up to 1.5 years of runtime in power-save mode. In addition, it also comes equipped with Citizen's impact detection and lock function to protect the watch mechanism.

The 40mm case is made from the company's proprietary Super Titanium with a scratch-resistant Duratect Platinum coating, while a dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective Clarity Coating protects the dial. But unlike the bracelet-equipped green and blue models, the AQ4090-08A comes fitted with a black crocodile leather strap, which gives it a dressier feel. Elsewhere, you get 10 ATM water resistance, luminous hands and markers, and the gold eagle emblem on the dial as well as on the case back—reserved for limited-edition models in The Citizen collection. 

Pricing & Availability

The indigo washi paper Citizen AQ4090-08A is priced at $3,000 / ¥440,000 and is set to go on sale in the US and Japan sometime in August.

Specifications

• Model: Citizen AQ4090-08A
• Collection: The Citizen
• Limited edition: 200 individually numbered pieces worldwide
• Movement: Citizen Caliber A060 Eco-Drive (solar-powered)
• Accuracy: ±5 seconds per year
• Power reserve: Up to 1.5 years in power-save mode
• Case size: 40mm
• Case thickness: 12.2mm
• Case material: Super Titanium with Duratect Platinum coating
• Crystal: Dual-curved sapphire crystal with Clarity Coating
• Dial: Handcrafted indigo washi paper with traditional shibori dyeing
• Strap: Black crocodile leather with tri-fold push-button clasp
• Water resistance: 10 ATM (100 meters)
• Magnetic resistance: JIS Class 1 (Type 1)
• Functions: Perpetual calendar, date display, quick date correction, time zone setting, charge level indicator, power-saving mode, charging warning, overcharge prevention, automatic hand correction, shock detection, and instant calendar change at midnight
• Lume: Luminous hands and hour markers
• Special details: Gold-colored eagle emblem, individually numbered caseback
• Country of manufacture: Japan
• Price: $3,000 / ¥440,000