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Many of us know Citizen as a brand that creates affordable and (mostly) quartz powered watches. Often packed with a multitude of complications, in large case sizes, and complex layouts. But there’s another side to the brand as well, one that takes full advantage of the many resources at their disposal to create drool worthy haute horlogerie pieces. Many of their offerings from this high-end sector are limited in production, and they feature some of the most sought after watchmaking craftsmanship desired by enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Today we’re taking a look at one of these special offerings which has just been announced in a limited batch of 160 pieces worldwide to celebrate Citizen’s 100th anniversary. This is part of Citizen’s longstanding series of “The Citizen” watches, highlighting the brand’s significant craft accomplishments and their highest end watchmaking. Watches with “The Citizen” designation are flagships for the brand, and often feature intricate case and dial finishing, or uncommon, high-spec movements.
Just one quick glance of the press images releases endorphins for most collectors. The dial has an air of whimsy and artistry with its “iceberg” inspired finish, and is clean and simple in layout, with thin applied baton markers. The rather austere design language on display here allows the communication of simplicity to dominate the aura of the watch instead of fixating on one sole function or spec, such as an eye catching tourbillon or fluted bezel.
Not only does this new release simply look great, it also uses a rather rare mix of metals, with the case of the watch constructed of stainless steel, and the bezel made of 18-karat white gold. Generally, a metal combination like this is used to accentuate a two-tone look with the use of two different metal colors, but in this case Citizen went the distance to create an extremely subtle contrast and lustre shift from two white colored metals.
The sizing of the watch hits a sweet spot for most wrist sizes, with a 40mm diameter and a wafer thin 10.9mm thickness. Curiously, Citizen went with an integrated design for the leather strap, moving away from a traditional lug design to a heavier filled in appearance – one could speculate that this could also increase wrist presence.
Flipping the watch over reveals the stunning movement through a display back window, displaying the only colors to be found on the watch with the pink jewels and 22 karat yellow gold rotor. The movement holds up to 60 hours of power reserve, with a 28,800 VPH, and can be expected to have an accuracy of -3 to +5 seconds per day.
This latest entry in the “The Citizen” line carries a retail price of $10,095 with availability expected next year. Citizen
