Citizen and Eco-Drive: Sustainable diversity, diverse sustainability

For five decades, the Japanese watch manufacturer Citizen has equipped many of its watches with its proprietary, environmentally friendly Eco-Drive solar technology. Now, the brand is presenting a diverse range of new models.

The energy crisis of the mid-1970s was one of the catalysts for Citizen to find alternative energy sources. And so, in 1976, the watch manufacturer presented the world's first analog, light-powered watch, the "Crystron Solar Cell." The technology behind it was named Eco-Drive.

A solar cell beneath the dial efficiently converts natural and artificial light into energy. This energy is stored in a microcell, keeping the watches functional for up to 270 days, even when stored in the dark.

Citizen currently sells approximately four million Eco-Drive watches annually, saving the same number of batteries. Assuming an average battery height of 2.1 millimeters, this equates to a tower 8,400 meters high – almost as tall as Mount Everest. Currently, around 80 percent of Citizen's non-mechanical watches across all collections are equipped with Eco-Drive.

Citizen Eco-Drive: From the striking steel watch to the delicate ladies' watch – eight new model series

Thanks to its in-house know-how and production facilities, the Japanese watch brand is now able to integrate solar cells almost invisibly – for example, under the dials.

Citizen applies this expertise in numerous variations across its collections – from sporty chronographs to delicately elegant ladies' watches. This year's launch includes a total of eight new model series:

Three new three-hand watch lines, three chronograph lines, and two women's lines. All the new Eco-Drive models are priced under €300 and will be available from authorized retailers and citizenwatch.eu starting in January 2026.

Striking steel watches in unisex sizes

These three steel models feature an angular case, a comfortable unisex size of 38 millimeters, and come in three dial colors. The two versions in blue and green have a classic stainless steel look. The third version, with a gray dial, opts for a stealthy look – both the case and strap are coated in gray.

All three models have an in-house solar-powered Eco-Drive movement (caliber E111) with date display and are water-resistant to ten bar.

(RRP €189 (stainless steel) or €229 (black))

Dress watches in day-date format

Classic, elegant, and featuring an exceptional day-date display at the 6 o'clock (date) and 12 o'clock (day of the week) positions. These dress watches have a diameter of 40.5 millimeters and are available in four variations.

Two of the watches come with a green and black dial on a stainless steel bracelet. The two versions with a blue and light dial have a leather strap – the latter also has a gold-colored coated case.

All models feature the in-house Eco-Drive J800 movement and are waterproof up to ten bar.

(RRP €169 (blue, leather strap), €179 (stainless steel strap) or €189 (gold-plated)

Robust Marine Sports

Three watches for active and sporty use, where getting wet is not a problem. These three diver-style watches are water-resistant to 10 bar, have a diameter of 43 millimeters, and come with a textured dial in black, blue, and green.

The black version has a black urethane strap, while the other two versions are equipped with a stainless steel strap.

Inside, the Eco-Driver caliber J810 with date function is at work.

(RRP €189 (urethane) or €199 (stainless steel strap)

Cool pilot watches

Four new 42mm pilot's chronographs, available with leather or steel straps, expand the Pilot Chrono line. All models feature a steel case. Only the version with a silver dial has a rose gold coating.

The Eco-Drive caliber B620 is used here, with totalizers at positions 3, 6 and 9. The water resistance is ten bar.

(RRP €269 or €249 (green dial, leather strap))

Racing chronographs in a vintage look

The unmistakable distinguishing feature of this new trio is the tachymeter bezel. The 39.9 mm diameter chronographs are inspired by the motor racing of yesteryear. For optimal legibility, the dials feature contrasting black and white colors – also known as panda and reverse panda dials.

Inside, the Eco-Drive caliber B620 operates, featuring a date display and totalizers at positions 3, 6, and 9. Water resistance is rated at 10 bar.

(RRP €259 (leather strap) or €269 (metal strap))

Outdoor-ready sports chronographs

These 43mm sports chronographs are perfectly suited for outdoor use. They are equipped with the Eco-Drive H500 caliber movement, featuring a date display and subdials at 2, 6, and 10 o'clock. Water resistance is rated to 10 bar.

(RRP €269 (blue with silicone strap), €279 (black, steel strap) or €299 (black coated, silicone strap))

Trendy Colors for Women

This new women's collection is presented in five different variations and in both stainless steel and gold finishes. Dial colors include classic white and rich green, as well as the trendy colors light blue and pink.

These ladies' watches have a diameter of 33.5 millimeters and a height of eight millimeters. They are water-resistant up to five bar.

(RRP €159 (stainless steel) or €199 (gold plated))

Casual dress with Milanese band

These two models come in silver and gold versions – each with a white dial and gemstones at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock positions. The diameter of both casual dress watches for women is 34 millimeters, and the height is a slim 7.33 millimeters. Inside, they are powered by the Eco-Drive E031 movement.

(RRP €169 (stainless steel) or €199 (gold plated))

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