Eco-Drive Photon
Introducing the Eco-Drive innovation 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Model Eco Drive Photon
Introducing the Eco-Drive innovation 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Model Eco Drive Photon
Citizen is commemorating the 50th anniversary of Eco-Drive Innovation with a 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Model, the Eco-Drive PHOTON. This light-powered watch is equipped with the new Eco-Drive movement Cal. E036, which can run for 365 days on a single power reserve. Two models featuring a multi-layered dial design with three-dimensionally overlapping slits are set to be released
Super Titanium™
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 Innovation 50th Anniversary logo and an individual limited edition number. Each watch comes in a special box featuring the distinctive slit motif of the dial.
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. Slits are also incorporated into the dial cover, creating a multi-layer dial structure with dimension. The structural color film, visible through the slits, adds vibrancy to the watch through the varied expressions created by reflected light. Structural color is a phenomenon in which vivid and beautiful colors 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 single power reserve. 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 symbolizes Citizen’s commitment to continued innovation and advancement in Eco-Drive technology.
Citizen Eco-Drive PHOTON*
BJ6560-53W
Fall 2026
5,000 pieces worldwide per model
$995
Super Titanium™ (Duratect titanium carbide※4）
Dual spherical sapphire glass with anti-reflective coating※7
39.6mm /9.9 mm（design specification only）
Cal.E036 /Accuracy of ±15 seconds per month/ Eco-Drive runs for one year on full charge
W.R. 5 BAR
Luminous (Hands+indices)
Recycled materials used for selected dial components
Limited Edition box
Citizen Eco-Drive PHOTON*
BJ6560-53W
Fall 2026
5,000 pieces worldwide per model
$1,195
Super Titanium™（Duratect DLC※5・Duratect amber yellow※6）
Dual spherical sapphire glass with anti-reflective coating※7
39.6mm /9.9 mm（design specification only）
Cal.E036 /Accuracy of ±15 seconds per month/ Eco-Drive runs for one year on full charge
W.R. 5 BAR
Luminous (Hands+indices)
Recycled materials used for selected dial components
Limited Edition box
Press Release
Eco-Drive Innovation 50th Anniversary
Limited Edition Model: Eco-Drive PHOTON
New York, March 19, 2026 — Citizen is releasing the Eco-Drive Innovation 50th Anniversary Limited Edition 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 power reserve. Two models featuring a multi-layered dial design with three-dimensionally overlapping slits are set to be released.
2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Citizen launching the world’s first analog 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 Innovation 50th Anniversary Limited Edition 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 color film dial※2 beneath. Light reflected off this structural color 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 single power reserve. 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 the brand’s proprietary 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-colored case with a structural color dial visible through the slits, accented by a yellow second hand.
The BJ6569-59X features a striking black-and-gold color scheme, highlighted by the structural color dial and a purple second hand.
The case back is engraved with the Eco-Drive Innovation 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.
*Prices, launch dates and limited quantities are subject to change.
*Powering performance varies by light intensity.**CITIZEN, CITIZEN L and ECO-DRIVE are registered trademarks of Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.*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 colors 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 luster of metals for long periods of time. Duratect Titanium Carbide has a silver color 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 Citizens 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 luster 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 luster of metals for long periods of time. Duratect amber yellow is a variety of Duratect that produces a soothing gold color. Achieves a Vickers hardness of 1,700–2,300 HV, approximately 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.