CITIZEN is releasing the Eco-Drive 50th Anniversary Limited Model Eco-Drive PHOTON to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Eco-Drive※1. This light-powered watch is equipped with the new Eco-Drive movement Cal. E036, which can run for 365 days on a single full charge. Two models featuring a multi-layered dial design with three-dimensionally overlapping slits are set to be released.
*Prices, launch dates and limited quantities are subject to change.

Eco-Drive 50th Anniversary Limited Model
Eco-Drive PHOTON: BJ6560-53W
Limited edition of 5,000 pieces worldwide

2026 marks the 50th anniversary of CITIZEN launching the world’s first analogue light-powered watch in 1976 (now known as Eco-Drive). To commemorate this significant milestone, two models of the Eco-Drive PHOTON, the Eco-Drive 50th Anniversary Limited Model, are being introduced.

Inspired by the history of science relating to light, this model features an innovative design expressing the evolution and advancement of CITIZEN’s proprietary Eco-Drive technology, which converts sunlight and even faint indoor light into electrical energy to power the watch. “PHOTON” refers to the quantum unit of light energy. The dial consists of two metal plates with ripple-like slits layered one over the other, revealing a structural colour film dial※2 beneath. Light reflected off this structural colour film dial through the slits creates ever-changing expressions and hues. The model also contains the new Cal.E036 movement, which can run for 365 days on a full charge. This timepiece embodies the complex dial construction that only CITIZEN can achieve, as a pioneer in light-powered watches for half a century and a brand that has continually pursued new methods of expression. The case and bracelet are made of lightweight, scratch-resistant Super Titanium™※3. The rounded octagonal case seamlessly connects to the bracelet, creating a unified, enveloping feel and a smooth yet iconic form..

The BJ6560-53W pairs a refined silver-coloured case with a structural colour dial visible through the slits, accented by a yellow second hand. The BJ6569-59X features a striking black-and-gold colour scheme, highlighted by the structural colour dial and a purple second hand. The case back is engraved with the Eco-Drive 50th Anniversary logo and an individual limited-edition number. Each watch is presented in a special box designed with the distinctive slit motif of the dial.

■ Eco-Drive’s 50th Anniversary

This year marks the 50th anniversary of CITIZEN introducing the world’s first analogue light-powered watch (now known as Eco-Drive). Light-powered Eco-Drive technology, which drives watches using light that shines equally across the world, embodies CITIZEN’s corporate philosophy of being “loved by citizens, working for citizens.”

In the early 1970s, the world was in the midst of an energy crisis, and the engineers at CITIZEN looked to sunlight as an innovative, non-polluting energy source, with the aspiration of creating an environmentally friendly watch that eliminates the need for regular battery changes. In 1976, CITIZEN launched the world’s first analogue light-powered watch. Since then, for half a century, CITIZEN has evolved the functionality and design of Eco-Drive technology, which converts even the smallest amounts of light into energy. Today, Eco-Drive watches are worn in approximately 140 countries and regions worldwide.

Through Eco-Drive PHOTON, CITIZEN conveys the message that, just as Eco-Drive converts any light into energy to keep time moving forward, the unique brilliance of each wearer has the power to illuminate the future and society, driving progress.

The world's first light-powered analogue
watch CRYSTRON SOLAR CELL (1976)

Product Features

・This model is inspired by the scientific experiment relating to light known as the double-slit experiment. The two metal dial plates with ripple-like slits represent the passage of light through the dial. The design intuitively conveys the transmission of light at a glance, expressing the very function of Eco-Drive itself. Slits are also incorporated into the dial cover, creating a multi-layer dial structure with dimension. The structural colour film, visible through the slits, adds vibrancy to the watch through the varied expressions created by reflected light. Structural colour is a phenomenon in which vivid and beautiful colours are produced not by pigments, but by microscopic surface structures that reflect light. The dial’s aesthetic harmonizes well with Eco-Drive, a light-powered technology. The movement is Cal.E036, which runs for 365 days on a full charge. The Eco-Drive PHOTON features a complex dial structure that reflects CITIZEN’s half-century of experience in developing light-powered watches and its continual pursuit of new expressive techniques.
Just as the study of light has evolved through ongoing scientific discovery, this model symbolises CITIZEN’s commitment to continued innovation and advancement in Eco-Drive technology.

・The case and bracelet are made of Super Titanium™. The rounded octagonal case seamlessly connects to the bracelet, creating a unified form that envelops the entire watch and results in a smooth yet iconic design.

・The case back is engraved with the Eco-Drive 50th Anniversary logo and an individual limited-edition number. Each watch comes in a special box featuring the distinctive slit motif of the dial.

• ※1　Eco-Drive is CITIZEN’s proprietary technology that powers watches using any natural or artificial light source, eliminating the need to replace batteries. A first within the watch industry, Eco-Drive was certified as an Eco Mark product by the Japan Environment Association (JEA) and recognized for its contribution to environmental sustainability.
• ※2　A dial printed with pigment-free ink that produces colours by using light reflecting off the surface of the microstructures in the ink layer.
• ※3　Super Titanium™ is CITIZEN’s proprietary technology to treat solid titanium with surface hardening technology. It is at least 5 times harder than stainless steel. It is highly resistant to scratches, lightweight and gentle to the skin for excellent wearing comfort. (Vickers hardness of stainless steel is about 200 HV).
• ※4　Duratect titanium carbide: Duratect is CITIZEN’s proprietary surface hardening technology that enhances the surface hardness of metals such as stainless steel and titanium, protecting watch bodies from scratches and damage. This technology offers excellent abrasion quality and maintains the lustre of metals for long periods of time. Duratect Titanium Carbide has a silver colour similar to pure titanium. Titanium carbide technology is commonly used for a range of applications, and CITIZEN’s Duratect Titanium Carbide produces　Vickers hardness between 1,000 and 1,200 HV.
• ※5　Duratect DLC: Duratect is CITIZEN’s proprietary surface hardening technology that enhances the surface hardness of metals such as stainless steel and titanium, protecting watch bodies from scratches and damage. This technology offers excellent abrasion quality and maintains the lustre of metals for long periods of time. Duratect DLC achieves Vickers hardness of 1,000-1,400 by creating an amorphous carbon hard film—mainly composed of carbon and hydrogen—on the surface of the material.
• ※6　Duratect amber yellow: Duratect is CITIZEN’s proprietary surface hardening technology that enhances the surface hardness of metals such as stainless steel and titanium, protecting watch bodies from scratches and damage. This technology offers excellent abrasion quality and maintains the lustre of metals for long periods of time. Duratect amber yellow is a variety of Duratect that produces a soothing gold colour. It provides Vickers hardness of 1,700 to 2,300 HV, approx. 10 to 20 times harder than conventional gold plating. (Vickers hardness of stainless steel is approx. 200 HV)
• ※7　Anti-reflective coating:　A multi-layered coating applied to the glass. The coating reduces the reflection of light from the surface of the glass that makes the dial easier to see.

<About CITIZEN>

CITIZEN WATCH is a true manufacture d'horlogerie with the capabilities to carry out the entire watch manufacturing process in-house, from creating a watch’s individual components to its final assembly and adjustment. The company operates in more than 140 countries and regions around the world. Since its founding in 1918, CITIZEN has held the belief of “BETTER STARTS NOW” — that is, no matter who you are and what you do, it is always possible to make something better, and now is the time to start doing it. Sharing this belief, we began making mechanical watches, invented and improved technologies and explored the future of watches such as our proprietary light-powered Eco-Drive technology and satellite-synchronised timekeeping. 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the launch of CITIZEN’s world first light-powered watch, and we will continue to explore the future of watchmaking through innovation.

「Eco-Drive 50 YEARS OF INNOVATION」 https://www.citizenwatch-global.com/special/50th-ecodriveinnovation/index.html

• *Eco-Drive, Duratect, Super Titanium are trademarks or registered trademarks of Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
• *The final design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
• *The availability, specifications, and related information, such as the product code for the models featured in this site, may vary by markets. If you would like to know more details, including the availability of these products in your area, please select your local website from our global site.