KIH's comprehensive report on the CITIZEN Eco-Drive "EYES" launch reception provides an in-depth look at this innovative concept model, first announced at Basel 2010. His detailed coverage, including insights from the designer and close-up images of its unique ceramic components, highlights Citizen's commitment to fusing advanced technology with aesthetic beauty. This article is essential for understanding the brand's approach to design and material innovation in its limited edition releases.
Report of CITIZEN Eco-Drive "EYES" launch
reception.
As I have been reporting the innovative
products from CITIZEN design center, this model - announced at Basel
2010 - is to be soon launched (
Feb. 2013) worldwide as LE of 250 for
each of black model and white model. The bottom line of these "concept models"
is "fusion of the innovative technology
and the beauty",
which may somewhat overlap with the Pu
ristS
concept.A Message from the
designer:
Sorry for the bad lighting -
White version
Black
version
The raw
material of the special ceramic.
Day, date indicator parts
(the EYES)
Inner bezel without index bar
and dial plate.
These 13 ceramic blocks are
the index bars - all surfaces
are polished with diamond paper
to be so sharp, shiny and
flat. The process which really takes
time.
Inner bezel and dome sapphire crystal (both sides ARC)
and stainless steel cover with "dura-tect" coating
to protect from scratch and swirl.
Dura-tect is CITIZEN's metal surface coating technology to keep the case more
durable and less prone to scratch for longer
period.
Case
Dome crystal is for collecting more light into
the dial.
In the
box
Enjoy the light and
shadow....
Those 4 screws need to be
unscrewed to disassemble and service the watch.
Straps
is called "liquid rubber
strap" with special coating to protect it from stains or dusts.
The first all ceramic dial -
and the solar panel is hidden under the center of the
dial.
Tries to
absorb as much light as possible through the dome crystal. Quite domey,
White
version's center of the dial is the thin white ceramic while the black version's center
of the dial is not ceramic but sapphire crystal to achieve the power charge
efficiency.
-
Specification, other
info -
Case diameter: 43mm
Case thickness: 18.7mm (including the top of the dome crystal)
Caliber 8676: +/-15sec per month (no radio wave adjustment
function), Eco-Drive, Fully charged power reserve=6 months. Day and date
indicators. Water resistant 5 ATM
Reference numbers: White model
AO9010-02A, Black model
AO9010-02E
LE
pieces: 250 for each color (500 in total)
MSRP: JPY420,000.-
Expected
Launch date: Feb 2013
Eco-Drive is quartz movement and not mechanical, so it
may not be of such interest for PuristS here. But "eco" is
something everyone should be mindful of these days and design concept and their "attention to detail" way must be
something we should appreciate. Not extremely accurate as some of the quartz watches out there (without radio wave capture function either), but
this is an interesting and fun watch to look at and wear.
Honestly, I think CITIZEN will do something very
interesting or already have
something very interesting under its sleeve even for purists. I have been wearing Proximity these days - it's so convenient, comfortable and useful
as a beater watch (read -> home.watchprosite.com
).
Thanks!
Ken
This message has been edited by dxboon on 2013-01-09 17:44:51 This message has been edited by dxboon on 2013-01-12 10:00:57 
