Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology, born out of a vision during the 1970s energy crisis, relies on the brilliance of any light. By ingeniously converting light into energy, Citizen was able to develop the world’s first light-powered analog watch in 1976. Since then, the brand’s light-powered watches have gone on to adorn wrists across countless nations, showcasing Citizen’s dedication to sustainable technologies and leading the market in forward-thinking manufacturing. With the Eco-Drive 365, this legacy continues, with the models able to offer a full year of operation on a single charge.

Each model in the Eco-Drive 365 series boasts a distinctive stainless steel case, with the design taking direct inspiration from a timepiece produced by the brand in 1973 known as the Citizen Quartz EFA. Thoughtfully designed and meticulously crafted, these cases feature clean lines, elegant ridgelines, and curved sapphire windows. The overall design harkens to a retro-futuristic aesthetic unlike much else, all while thoroughly embodying the brand’s legacy of sustainable performance, style, and innovation.

On the wrist, the Eco-Drive 365 wears 42.5mm by 11.1mm, with three distinct models available including a limited edition full steel model, alongside two regular production editions in a black ion-plated option and a two-tone variation. The two regular production models feature matching-tone steel bracelets, while the limited edition is secured to the wrist via a Leather Working Group (LWG) certified calf leather strap. The LWG is a global organization comprised of leather brands, tanners, and chemical companies which assess the environmental impact and safety of leather production processes, and certifies tanners that meet its rigorous auditing standards.

The dial of the new watch is a canvas of innovation. Utilizing the latest manufacturing techniques, Citizen has created a surface that not only captures the essence of the endless starry sky, but also generates an outsized power for the watch upon each exposure to light. Glittering accents in various colors and sizes adorn the dial, creating a surface that exudes the innate beauty of our planet.

The metal indices, strategically placed on the outer ring, add depth and breadth to the display, further elevating the aesthetic. Notably, while the two regular production models opt for applied metal indices, the third all-steel variation makes use of four lab grown rubies alongside gold-tone accents for a particularly vintage-inspired look. Lab grown rubies notably have the same hardness and sparkle as rubies mined from the earth, with each ethically-created gem produced in adherence with the highest level of environmental, safety, and labor standards.

At the core of the Eco-Drive 365 is the remarkable Caliber E365 movement. The mechanism, designed to run for 365 days on a full charge, represents the next generation in light-powered Eco-Drive technology, with it importantly also able to maintain an accuracy of +/-15 seconds per month. The movement is the beating heart of sustainability in the watch, translating light into timekeeping performance and bringing innovative function to aesthetically-driven form.

The Citizen Eco-Drive 365 series, including the limited-edition model, is available now both via authorized retailers and directly through the brand. The BN1015-52E, with its modern all-black allure, and the BN1014-55E, featuring distinctive silver tones, are priced at $550 and $495, respectively. The third model, the BN1010-05E, will be limited in production to 1,200 editions, with its pricing marked at $895.

To learn more, visit Citizen, here.

As many watch enthusiasts are aware, the history of aviation and horology have long been linked through the necessity of a pilot needing to know the time immediately while in the air. Through this, the pilot’s watch has developed over the decades to become the recognizable icon it is today. The flieger triangle at 12 o’clock, the oversized case and crown, and the development of lume have all been tied to catering to a pilot’s needs while in flight so it was only a matter of time before watch brands embraced the altimeter. In this visit to the WatchTime Archives, we look at five brands that have done just that in recent years. 

Oris Big Crown ProPilot Altimeter

In 2014, Oris tapped its flight heritage to release the Big Crown ProPilot Altimeter. The watch has two crowns: the crown at 2 o’clock adjusts time and date, while the crown at 4 o’clock operates the altimeter. To activate the altimeter, you must unscrew the second crown into position one, indicated by a red ring. At position 2, the altimeter can be set. Once this is completed, the watch illustrates the altitude through the yellow indicator and the air pressure via the red indicator. The altitude scale is read through the outer dial ring and can measure the altitude up to 15,000 feet. The air pressure scale is located between the altimeter scale and the central dial. The 47-mm watch uses the Oris Caliber 733, which is a modified Sellita SW200 movement. The watch costs $3,800 on a textile strap and $4,100 on a bracelet.

Favre Leuba Bivouac 9000

In 2017, Favre-Leuba marked its 280th anniversary with the Bivouac 9000, a mechanical watch that boasts the capability of measuring altitudes up to 9,000 meters (29,527 feet) above sea level. This isn’t exactly new territory for Favre-Leuba, as the Bivouac 9000 is the direct descendant of a 1962 wristwatch the brand released that was the first timepiece that could measure the altitude up to 3,000 meters. The 48-mm titanium case houses an aneroid barometer, which allows the watch to indicate the elevation at a given point by reacting to the changing air pressure surrounding it. The central red altimeter hand indicates altitude gain in 50-meter steps and goes up to 3,000 meters in one rotation. Once the watch has completed three such rotations, you know that you’ve reached an altitude of 9,000 meters The price is CHF 7,500, or approximately $8,000.

Casio PRG-650Y-1

Casio is a popular choice for many daredevils that want extreme functionality without compromising on good looks. Last September, the Japanese brand expanded its Pro-Trek collection to add the PRG650Y-1 and PRG650YBE-3, two new timepieces that include a magnetic sensor for compass readings, a pressure sensor that functions as an altimeter and a thermosensor for temperature. The two analog-digital watches also have stopwatch capabilities, up to five daily alarms, water resistance up to 100 m, a worldtimer, and a countdown timer. This kind of souped-up gadgetry is what Casio is best known for and it doesn’t disappoint here. Both watches are powered by Casio’s Tough Solar Power technology that eliminates the need to change a battery. It’s worth noting that every watch in Casio’s Pro-Trek series includes an altimeter. The PRG650Y-1 is available for $320 and the PRG650YBE-3 for $340.

Citizen Promaster Altichron

Citizen’s main focus in 2017 was on ultra-rugged watches that spare no expense. Along with a diving watch that can reach a depth of 1,000 m, the Japanese brand introduced the Promaster Altichron which has an altimeter that reaches up to 32,000 feet. Citizen chose to display the time and functions in analog rather than digital form to simplify the information available. The various functions include the altimeter, a compass, a power reserve, and a date window. Like all Eco-Drive watches, the Promaster Altichron is powered by light and it has a rate of plus or minus 15 seconds per month. You can find it for $550.

Bremont U-22

It’s no secret that Nick and Giles English, the British founders of Bremont, are quite fond of flying. At Baselworld 2015, the young brand unveiled the U-22, which contained a date window inspired by an altimeter. Yes, this technically doesn’t have a functioning altimeter but it’s a great looking watch that has been flight tested by the brand up to 100,000 feet for over 12 hours in the air and to temperatures as low as -50 degrees. The watch also features a bi-directional rotating bezel that has been altered to form a compass quadrant, often used in weather mapping. The Bremont U-22 uses the COSC-certified caliber 12 ¼ BE-36AE and has a 38-hour power reserve. It costs $5,195.

According to Citizen, the dial pattern used for the two regular variants in stainless steel (“Pepsi” NB6030-59L and “Batman” NB6031-56E) “combines a stylized take on Tokyo’s night-time skyline with a check pattern, a much-loved Japanese motif with connotations of prosperity and success.” The limited edition (NB6032-53P, 1,300 pieces), on the other hand, “takes autumn as its theme. The twin tones of yellow gold and rose gold used for the case and bracelet evoke the turning leaves in the fall. The dial pattern – an idealized Japanese landscape glowing in the golden evening sunlight – is a motif created especially for this limited edition.”

The GMT function allows time travelers to see the time in up to three time zones with the help of the GMT hand and the bi-directional rotating bezel whose color codes make for day and night indication. The two-part construction of the middle case accentuates the different finishes on the different facets.

The Series 8 880 GMT’s case has a diameter of 41mm and offers a water-resistance of 100 meters. More photos:

The Series 8 880 Mechanical will be available from fall 2023. Price is marked at $1,695 for the unlimited models, and $1,795 for the limited version with coating.

To learn more, visit Citizen, here.

The 37mm diameter of the new Promaster is a refreshing reiteration of the usually 44mm case. Made from steel, the hard-wearing exterior offers a to-be-expected water resistance of 200 meters. Though now smaller in size, the case maintains all of the features that have become standard for Citizen’s tool watches. Namely, the screw-down crown is characteristically situated at 4 o’clock and the unidirectional dive bezel is complete with a fully hashed, aluminum 60-minute insert. Each of the three new models has a distinct appearance, with the ref. EO2028-06L having a deep blue bezel and the ref. EO2020-08E equipped with a sleek black bezel. The ref. EO2023-00A is the most visually unique, sporting a rose-gold tone steel exterior with a gray-silver bezel. 

For the dial, Citizen maintains the strong design code that is key to the Promaster, one that omits distracting frills and instead opts for a sharp, streamlined design. The geometric indices and hands have a luminous coating that ensures their legibility in low light conditions. Each colorway has a dial that matches its bezel in color, the ref. EO2028-06L has a rich blue dial, the ref. EO2020-08E has a sporty black dial, and the ref. EO2023-00A has a dynamic silvery-gray dial. The date window is situated at 4 o’clock, conveniently adjacent to the position of the crown on the exterior of the case. 

Powering the new Promaster is the manufacture caliber E168. It uses Citizen’s proprietary Eco-Drive technology, which converts any ambient light source into a sustainable power supply. The process eliminates the need for a battery and can run for up to six months without additional light exposure when fully charged. The mechanism promises an accuracy of +/- 15 seconds per month.

Pricing for the blue ref. EO2028-06L and black ref. EO2020-08E is marked at $375, while the ref. EO2023-00A rose gold and pink model is priced at $395. All three models are presented on a polyurethane strap that is blue, black, and pink, respectively. 

To learn more, visit Citizen here. 

Citizen x Nissan Z / Fairlady Z 

Kicking off our list is a collaboration piece between two Japanese powerhouses: watchmaker Citizen and automaker Nissan. The Citizen x Nissan Z / Fairlady Z takes direct design cues from the Nissan Z sports car, better known casually as the Fairlady Z. The 42mm steel model is available in two distinct colors that match Nissan Z paint offerings, the first is Serian blue (AT8185-97E) while the other is Ikazuchi yellow (AT8185-89E). Inside, the Citizen caliber H804 quartz movement is powered by the watchmaker’s innovative light-powered Eco-Drive Radio-Controlled technology, allowing for both solar charging and quick time zone changing.

The Citizen x Nissan Z / Fairlady Z retails for $2,495 and is limited to 2,700 pieces. 

Q Timex GMT

In the first half of the year, Timex introduced the latest take on its featured Q Timex with the debut of the model with GMT functionality. The watch maintains the barrel-shaped case that is consistent with the rest of the collection, though it is now slightly upsized from its predecessors with a diameter of 38mm and a height of 12.5mm. Solidifying the watch’s GMT capabilities, the familiar 12-hour bidirectional rotating two-tone aluminum bezel insert is replaced with one sporting a 24-hour scale instead. Ticking inside the watch is a Swiss-made Ronda 505.24 that offers an independently adjustable 24-hour hand for the second time-zone functionality. 

The Timex Q Timex GMT retails for $199 on a synthetic rubber strap or $219 on a steel bracelet and is available in three options: a red and blue bezel presented on a bracelet, a black and blue bezel on a bracelet, or an all-black bezel on a rubber strap.

Cartier Tank Must Black

The Cartier Tank Must collection was first developed in the 1970’s to cater to a wider ranging potential audience as a more affordable, quartz dress watch option, with the series re-introduced in 2021 with much the same attitude. This year Cartier expanded the line, introducing a new all-black, steel version featuring the same Tank Louis Cartier-inspired case design and minimalist aesthetic. Opting for a characteristic numeral-free dial, the display is entirely black with only two sword-shaped hands to indicate the hour and minute. The watch is available in two sizes, large and small, each with a height of 6.66mm and presented on a black alligator strap, while inside the timepiece a quartz movement powers the hands of both the small and large models. 

The Cartier Tank Must is available in the large size for a price of $3,050 while the small version retails for $2,900.

Omega Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer

Taking hints from the Skywalker X-33 released in 2014, Omega introduced a new Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer this year that is specifically designed for travel to Mars. The design influence of the red planet is visible through a red-brown bezel, while the dial display is full of unique functionalities specific to space travel. Not only does the model display standard 24-hour time, but it also displays Martian time, which includes an extra 39 minutes per day. Users can switch between the two time zones, and a celestial body icon on the digital screen will indicate which time zone is currently being displayed. Inside the 45mm titanium case is an upgraded quartz caliber tested by the European Space Agency to ensure its reliability in any conditions.

The Omega Speedmaster Marstimer retails for $6,400.

TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph

At Watches and Wonders this year, TAG Heuer introduced its first-ever solar-powered watch: the Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph. On the exterior, the brand opts for a 40mm steel case with a black DLC coating and bezel inserts made from a blend of carbon and green Super-LumiNova. The inside of the watch is most notable, with a quartz TH50-00 caliber made exclusive for TAG Heuer that recharges with the sun or artificial light using “Eco-Drive” solar dial technology. With only two minutes of sunlight, the watch can run for an entire day. When fully charged (20 hours under the sun) the watch can run for six months. 

The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph retails for $3,050. 

Bulova Computron D-CAVE

Closing out our recap is an electronic watch coming out of a collaboration between watchmaker Bulova and digital innovator D-CAVE. Bridging the gap between the metaverse and the physical world, the Bulova Computron D-CAVE sports a steel case accented with luminous green accents and LEDs. Two versions of the watch were released, one put into serial production and the other that only became available to buyers via a D-CAVE NFT drop. Inside the watch, the quartz-powered movement is capable of indicating a dual time zone, date, minutes, hours, seconds, and it includes an AM/PM indicator. 

The Bulova Computron D-CAVE retails for $450, and for the first time in the brand’s history, Bulova will accept cryptocurrency as payment.

Honorable Mention: Apple Watch

Before we leave you with this list, one honorable mention to include is the Apple Watch, which saw significant updates to its technology this year. The watch is not technically powered by a quartz movement like the aforementioned, but it has in common the obvious digital capabilities that are common amongst quartz watches. The new watchOS 9 update offers a medication tracker, expanded sleep metrics, and improved and customizable health data tracking. Aesthetically, Apple introduced three new screen settings, dubbed Metropolitan, Lunar, and Playtime that each correspond to different resting screen designs, with the Metropolitan option being inspired by a traditional analog timepiece dial. 

Pricing for the Apple Watch begins at $249.