Measuring only 2.98mm front to back, Citizen’s Eco-Drive One drew considerable attention when it was introduced last year as the slimmest light-powered analog wristwatch available. As our coverage of the debut noted here, Citizen launched the collection with one 800-piece tungsten-cased limited-edition model with crocodile strap priced at $6,000 and a bracelet-only version with a steel case and different bezel metal priced at $2,600.
This year Citizen adds three new 39mm models with crocodile leather straps to the Eco-Drive One collection. Due to reach showcases later this year, these new models boast high-tech Cermet bezels and include a tough Duratect coating over the steel cases. Duratect is Citizen’s proprietary hardening alloy that protects against scratches and insures that the case color never fades. Cermet is a Citizen-developed composite of hardened ceramic and metal.
A new version of Duratect, called Duratect DLC, appears as a dark grey color and debuts on the Eco-Drive One this year for the first time. Two of these new models (AR5024-01E and AR5025-08E) feature this new coating, paired with silver and pink cermet bezels respectively. The most classical of these three new Eco-Drive Ones, with a white dial (AR5026-05A), is hardened with Citizen’s steel-hued Duratect A offset with a pink cermet bezel and a dark-brown crocodile leather strap.
Longer power reserve
In spite of its 1mm thinness, Citizen’s Eco-Drive Caliber 8826 inside the new Eco-Drive One will operate for twelve months on a single full charge. This extends the movement’s initial power reserve from the ten months noted at the watch’s debut last year. This improvement in energy efficiency is not a surprise. During a visit to Citizen’s factories last spring, I was impressed with its never-ending efforts to improve Eco-Drive’s efficiency.
Also new here is the use of a Cermet back plate, which makes the watch all the more resistant to shocks and exterior pressure—important features for any ultra-thin watch bound for serious wrist-wear.
The 2017 debuts are slightly larger in diameter than the flagship Eco-Drive One that debuted last year, measuring 39mm compared to the 38.15mm of that 2016 tungsten-cased debut. And by comparison, the new models are just a hair smaller in diameter than the 39.8mm steel-cased 2016 versions.
Effectively the new collection offers fans another chance at obtaining just about every feature of last year’s limited-edition crocodile-strapped Citizen Eco-Drive One, but with a different case metal, a slightly more efficient caliber and just a bit wider diameter. All for far less than the $6,000 asked for the 2016 debut version.
Those initial Eco-Drive One debuts in part celebrated Citizen’s 40-year history as the leading force in the development of light-powered wristwatches. The company’s Eco-Drive collection today encompasses a full range of watches replica, from sporty to dressy, and is the Japanese brand’s bestseller worldwide.
Specifications: Citizen Eco-Drive One
Case:39mm by 2.98mm thick stainless steel with Duratect A or Duratect DLC; pink or silver Cermet bezel and Cermet caseback
Movement: Cal.8826, light-powered Eco-Drive with accuracy of ±15 seconds per month, runs 12 months on full charge
Dial: Black or white
Strap: Black or brown crocodile leather
Price: $3,500