The Citizen Watch: A Japanese Masterpiece with a Unique Dial Treatment
The Citizen Watch, a Japanese timepiece, is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and innovation. With a price tag of $3,000, it is the ultimate all-purpose watch, offering a unique blend of classical dress watch architecture and high-performance sports watch capabilities. The latest addition to the Citizen lineup, the Washi Paper 'Japan Blue' reference, is a stunning example of how the brand continues to push the boundaries of design and functionality.
What makes this watch truly special is its dial, which is a work of art in itself. The use of washi paper, a traditional Japanese craft, allows light to reach the photovoltaic cells that power the Eco-Drive movement below. The horizontal tie-dye effect, inspired by the ethereal mist depicted in Japanese artwork for centuries, is achieved using a pole-wrap shibori technique. This technique creates a layered effect, resulting in a unique and one-of-a-kind dial.
The case is also a work of art, made of Citizen's proprietary Super-Titanium alloy, treated with a Duratect Platinum coating that prevents scuffs and scrapes while creating a platinum-like luster. The new 40mm Super-Titanium Case, introduced in early 2026, is just under 2mm wider than the collection's previous case, and features a more traditional silhouette with smoother sloping lugs. A small, curved crown guard was added to enhance the watch's already superb durability.
The Caliber A060 quartz movement is the heart of the Citizen Watch. It is charged by any light source, meaning you never have to change a battery. It can sit in the dark for a full year, then kick back on and set itself to the correct time once it senses light. This is thanks to a built-in perpetual calendar that keeps the instantaneous date complication accurate throughout the year, including leap years, once it's properly set.
The Citizen Watch is an incredibly impressive timepiece, offering a unique blend of style, functionality, and innovation. It is a testament to the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what a watch can be. Personally, I think the new Washi Paper 'Japan Blue' reference is one of the prettiest Citizen dials yet, and it is now available from Citizen for $2,995. It is a limited edition of 200 pieces, so if you're a purist who's partial to simpler dial variations, you might want to act fast.
In my opinion, the Citizen Watch is the best all-purpose watch $3,000 can buy. If you can get past the lurching seconds hand and any prejudice against quartz movements, it is an incredibly impressive watch. It is a true masterpiece of Japanese craftsmanship and innovation, and it is a must-have for any watch enthusiast.
