Uncovering Half a Century of Innovation: An Intimate Journey With Citizen's Eco-Drive in Japan

Despite its prominent identity in the watchmaking world, Citizen Watches and its acclaimed Eco-Drive technology yearn for a deeper dive into their histories. The journey reveals a captivating intersection between ubiquity and watchmaking marvelling. Unbeknownst to many, Eco-Drive’s immense global popularity has prevented the use of approximately 100 million watch batteries since its inception in 1976. This impressive feat equates to a staggering 3,600 Mount Everests if stacked. Yet, this gigantic achievement remains a mere surface scratch of what Eco-Drive truly represents. Behind its universal presence lies 50 years of ingenious watchmaking innovations, uniquely backed by meticulous hand assembly, a facet of Citizen’s craftsmanship that tends to surprise many. Indeed, the ‘common’ and ‘serious’ aspects of watchmaking are not necessarily exclusive, but rather complementary in a fascinating manner within the Eco-Drive universe. During a week-long exploration of Japan to celebrate Eco-Drive’s 50th anniversary, the author had the opportunity to spectrum several facets of the technology. From visiting Citizen’s headquarters-based museum in Tokyo to experiencing the Kawaguchiko Dial Factory at the foot of Mount Fuji, the journey provided priceless insights into the deep-seated artistry and precision that the iconic Eco-Drive line embodies.