Pursuit of New Value

Concept Models

https://ms.citizen.jp/assets/RING_02_25-14

2025.08.18

To highlight the value of CITIZEN’s core technology, the light-powered Eco-Drive, a total of eight concept models were unveiled between 2009 and 2012. The models were selected through an in-house competition. The only rule was that they had to be 'powered by light.' With no other restrictions, designers were free to propose new products from a completely blank slate.

The models were announced on a grand scale at BASELWORLD, the world’s largest watch fair held in Switzerland, drawing significant attention. Furthermore, the initiative did not end with the unveiling of the concept models; efforts were made to mass-produce them with their original designs as much as possible. Four of the announced models were produced in limited quantities, and their technology and design codes had a major influence on subsequent models.

Eco-Drive DOME

Introduced in 2009 / Released in 2011

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This model embodies Eco-Drive’s philosophy that light is clean energy that shines equally on everyone, everywhere. It absorbs light through the dial and transmits it as energy to the movement. The dome-shaped dial visually expresses both the 'absorption' and 'conversion to energy.' The five layers of pearl white painting applied to the case evoke a sense of the near future.

Eco-Drive RING

Introduced in 2009 / Released in 2012

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A model designed with the concept of incorporating the light-powered Eco-Drive mechanism into the design itself as a beautiful form. By capturing light not from the dial but from the side surface of the case to generate electricity, it overturned conventional wisdom. This is a new-concept watch born from the fusion of light-powered technology and design.

Eco-Drive VITRO

Introduced in 2009

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A watch powered by a solar cell that appears transparent to the naked eye, with ultra-fine amorphous silicon wires arranged on the crystal. Features such as the curved indicator hand on the back and Arabic numeral indexes along the inner side of the tube-shaped case break free from conventional ideas of watch components, making this a model that challenges the norms of watchmaking.

Eco-Drive EYES

Introduced in 2010 / Released in 2013

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The concept is 'Light and Shadow.' This watch expresses the uniquely Japanese aesthetic sense of light and shadow through its design. The interplay of shadows created by thirteen extremely tall ceramic indexes on the dial—reminiscent of Stonehenge or the skyscrapers of a futuristic city—makes you keenly aware of the presence of light, something we rarely notice in daily life.

Eco-Drive LOOP

Introduced in 2010

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A women’s watch developed with the theme 'The eternal loop of light and time.' Diamonds encircle the dial, and a loop-shaped second hand travels around this space. By attaching a band-shaped solar cell to the side of the watch, it allows for free dial design. The floating design evokes the rings of Saturn.

SATTELLITE WAVE H990

Introduced in 2011 / Released in 2011

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The world’s first analog light-powered satellite radio-controlled watch that receives time information from satellites. The spiral part on the outer edge of the dial represents the wavelength of time signals streaming from space and is also an homage to the first radio-controlled watch capable of multi-station reception. The round ceramic case, which appears to float above the lugs, is inspired by the Earth.

Eco-Drive LUNA (2012)

Introduced in 2012

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The design theme is 'The elegance of silence – Hidden beauty blooms.' This phrase comes from Zeami’s treatise "Fūshikaden." Although the watch is adorned with 60 diamonds, only one is visible at any given moment. By intentionally concealing most of the diamonds, the hidden beauty is accentuated. This mysterious watch not only captures light but also expresses the passage of time through light filtered by gemstones.

Eco-Drive NOVA

Introduced in 2012

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A watch powered by light and telling time with light—a watch of light. Its dial, reminiscent of compound eyes, is created by densely arranged optical fibers that replicate the principle of TV stone. Light particles sparkle, flow, and eventually converge to form the luminous hour and minute hands. The design evokes the 'breath of light,' as the watch both absorbs and emits light.

WATCH

CREDIT

Writer

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Shota Mimura

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https://ms.citizen.jp/assets/061_07-06_Eco-Drive DOME_01

Abstract Movement

This model takes on the challenge of embodying the theme of "wearing clean energy from light." To express the abstract concept of "cleanliness," elements that would complicate the shape, such as the bezel, have been removed. The surfaces are divided within the same plane, integrating functional components into a unified mass. Additionally, when using a multifunctional chronograph movement, as many printed indicators on the dial as possible have been eliminated. Instead, the design utilizes the recognition of shapes through reflections from transparent molded parts, and by layering vapor-deposited transparent components, it creates reflected shapes and shadows. Finally, printing is applied to floating parts, making the print appear to drift within a luminous space, thereby expressing the theme of "energy of light."

https://ms.citizen.jp/assets/023_03-05_Eco-Drive RING_01

Radiant Icon of a Near‑Future

This watch was created as a symbol of the "fusion of technology and beauty," inspired by modern architecture. Its striking design and unprecedented light-harvesting system come together to create a piece of art that expresses the concept of the near future through a watch. The structural combination of sapphire glass on the case side and the metal pillars of the central case is truly reminiscent of modern architecture. It balances the functionality of protecting the movement with the visible beauty of sparkling glass. Rather than a simple three-hand watch, it also features a new expression of the moon phase, symbolizing the relationship between light and shadow that this watch represents. The index design, with its playful focus on the side view, contributes to a flawless overall design. Placing what was once in front to the side—while it sounds simple, positioning the solar cell on the side was a challenge no one had ever attempted before. Thanks to the engineers' efforts, innovative technology and a novel form have come together. This product was introduced to the world with the catchphrase "The Monster That Absorbs Light." This design, which has pioneered the future, absorbs light and radiates it brilliantly, becoming a crystallization of hard work. The attention to each part and the overall balance are beautifully embodied as a single symbol.

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Ephemeral Continuum

This model feels like a collection of ephemeral elements. The large, dome-shaped sapphire glass, the gently curved hands that follow its contour, the grayish printing, and the ceramic material that, while shining with a beautiful smooth surface, is actually fragile—all these features give the watch a sense of beauty as a product, yet also evoke a certain weakness and transience. The floating glasses-like parts seem to gaze at you, giving an organic impression. Not only visually, but also through touch, the design reinforces this concept. The silicone band (liquid rubber strap) is soft and feels very pleasant to the touch. This band, with its simple, undecorated surface, gives a clean impression that matches the dial. One of the keywords for this model is the 'light and shadow' created by the three-dimensional dial, but even that light and shadow is fleeting, constantly changing with the moment. The fleetingness of each moment, visible only at that time, and the continuity of those moments, can be said to define this model itself.

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Showmanship

This model turns the constraints of using a large movement to its advantage, creating a dynamic, deep form that leverages the ample volume to substantiate its functions, resulting in an extraordinary presence. The design, composed of a contrast between black and green, combines beauty with the functionality of a watch. The case uses ceramic material to avoid affecting reception sensitivity, and features a highly glossy, smooth finish that cannot be achieved with plating. The vivid green coil encircling the outer edge of the dial is inspired by the antenna of the first radio-controlled watch. The bezel is placed on the sapphire glass surface, creating an expression as if it is floating, evoking the image of a satellite orbiting, and the motif of the green coil on the dial can be seen from the side, allowing enjoyment from every angle. The hour hand is three-dimensionally bent, and the letters engraved on the disc-type hand rotate, with precisely assembled parts operating in a small space. The way these parts function evokes the excitement of wearing a miniature city diorama on your wrist, offering a sense of fun that brings out the child in the user. Whether or not you are interested in watches, this model is designed to make you stop and stare. Such dramatic presentation is embodied in this watch.