Model: Citizen AQ4042-01P
Year: 2020
Features:
The Tech. Eco-Drive is Citizen’s proprietary solar-powered technology, capable of running a watch for up to six months on less than a day of sunlight. They’re so reliable and convenient that I regularly hear people half-jokingly complain about how an Eco-Drive has “taken over” their collection and become their go-to daily wearer. Stylistically, however, Eco-Drives have often been uninspiring. The need for a translucent dial to allow light to reach the solar capacitor has historically limited design possibilities.
The Dial. That all changed in 2017 when a Citizen engineer realised that Tosa Washi paper - one of the thinnest yet strongest papers in the world - could serve as a textured, translucent dial material. Washi paper has a wide range of applications, but if you’ve ever been to Japan, you’ll likely have seen it in shoji frames, which function as doors, windows, and room dividers. In fact, Washi is so integral to Japan’s culture that it has even been recognised on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
The Gold. Due to its prevalence in Japanese architecture, shoji are often decorated - and one of the most traditional methods of decoration is sunakomaki. The technique involves powdering and scattering gold leaf through bamboo, and it's only fitting that Citizen chose to elevate this classically Japanese Washi dial with sunakomaki. The result? A unique, shimmering texture where no two dials are ever the same.
The Finish. The indices and dial markers sit atop a thin glass layer above the washi and gold leaf. This allows shadows to form beneath them, creating the illusion that they’re floating in mid-air. Unsurprisingly, zaratsu polishing has been applied to every possible surface, including the hour markers and logos.
The Precision. Beyond aesthetics, the AQ4042 is also accurate. Really accurate. It’s good for ±5 seconds per year, which should immediately pique your interest if you’re familiar with the 9F Calibre - Grand Seiko’s equivalent movement. Despite being Grand Seiko’s most accurate movement, it’s only accurate to ±10 seconds per year. Using “only” when describing ±10 seconds might seem harsh, but given the AQ4042 is twice as accurate as any 9F, I’m not really left with a choice. You might be surprised to learn it also houses a Perpetual Calendar and Power Reserve Indicator - the operation of both is hidden behind the small button above the crown.
The Case. The eagle emblem on the dial and caseback represents Citizen’s “symbol of confidence and pride,” reserved exclusively for their finest timepieces. The case itself is crafted from gold Duratect-coated “Super” Titanium, making it remarkably lightweight and five times harder than stainless steel.
The Anniversary. Released to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of The Citizen collection, only 500 examples of the AQ4042 were produced. While the name "The Citizen" might not be the most inspired, the collection was built in 1995 around the concept of watches that effortlessly become “an integral part of your life”, with an emphasis on comfort and accuracy. For this anniversary edition, Citizen added beauty to that list.
Specifications:
Condition: Great condition overall. There’s a tool mark on the bottom right lug, but other than that the watch has no noticeable marks. Original strap and buckle.
Scope: No box and papers.
Movement: Citizen A060 Solar HAQ
Dimensions:
- Case Width: 38.3mm
- Lug to Lug: 44.2mm
- Case Thickness: 12.2mm
