Craftsmanship Meets Innovation: A Toast to 50 years of Citizen's Eco-Drive Technology

Published: 31 Mar 2026
Citizen marked its 50th anniversary of Eco-Drive, the brand’s trailblazing light-powered technology, with a special celebration at the flagship store in New York City.

Citizen recently marked a significant milestone - 50 years of its revolutionary Eco-Drive technology - hosting an anniversary celebration at its Flagship Store and Museum in New York City. This event was attended by esteemed members from the Hodinkee community along with notable personalities from Citizen Watch teams in America and Japan.

Guests at the event were treated to an immersive journey through the history and evolution of Eco-Drive, accompanied by expert panel discussions and intriguing displays of legacy timepieces. The conversations went beyond the technical details to touch upon the brand’s philosophy and long-term vision. Echoing Citizen’s 100+ year-old ethos to create a watch for every Citizen of the World, the success of Eco-Drive proffers the exciting prospect of further exploring longer power reserves, lower power consumption, and smaller case sizes.

Over the last 50 years, Citizen has introduced an array of innovative watches from the world’s thinnest light-powered watch to others that can run for an entire year on one charge. The constant endeavour to revolutionise timekeeping with light continues to dictate the brand’s pursuits. The next 50 years hold limitless possibilities for Citizen, as they continue to shape the future of sustainable and innovative watchmaking.