Citizen Puts Japanese Craftsmanship on Full Display with One of Its Finest Watches to Date

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of its Eco-Drive technology, the brand goes all-in on a timepiece that exemplifies its cultural heritage.

Citizen 30th Anniversary Eco Drive Indigo Washi Murakamo Shibori Dyed Paper Dial Watch AQ4106 26L Watch closeup

By Sean Tirman

Published July 9, 2025

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Citizen is one of the world’s biggest, most recognizable watch brands, Japanese or otherwise. But it took a long time to get to this point. Need proof? The brand’s Eco-Drive solar-powered quartz movement technology is turning 30 this year.

In celebration, the brand has pulled out all the stops with the Citizen 30th Anniversary Eco-Drive AQ4106-26L, an absolutely stunning dress watch built with traditional Japanese fine art techniques.

It might just be the brand’s finest watch to date.

Citizen 30th Anniversary Eco Drive Indigo Washi Murakamo Shibori Dyed Paper Dial Watch AQ4106 26L Watch on background matching dial — The watch has an indigo-dyed Tosa washi paper dial made with a traditional Murakamo shibori technique.

Dye in the sky

A few things make this watch special, but the most eye-catching is certainly its dial. The unique, undulating sky-like material might look like a specialty stone, but it’s actually made of paper.

Called Washi (this particular version comes from the Tosa region), it is a traditional Japanese handmade paper, sometimes called the world’s thinnest. That alone would make the dial special, but the technique that gives it its unique color takes things a step further.

Citizen 30th Anniversary Eco Drive Indigo Washi Murakamo Shibori Dyed Paper Dial Watch AQ4106 26L Watch dial closeup — Every dial is unique, thanks to the Murakamo shibori dyeing technique.

The unique indigo color comes from a process called Murakamo shibori dyeing, which requires an artisan to compress the paper gently, giving it distinct wrinkles. Then, the dye is carefully applied. The result is a cloud-like pattern that’s impossible to replicate, making each dial unique.

While the dial certainly elevates this watch to new heights, there’s also a lot of other stuff going for it, creating a well-balanced timepiece that’s as practical and durable as it is beautiful and refined.

The strap’s clasp matches the gray of the titanium case.

Citizen

Eco warrior

As mentioned, this watch was created in celebration of the brand’s Eco-Drive movement tech turning 30. As such, it houses a reliable, solar-powered quartz movement with an annual accuracy of ± 5 seconds and a perpetual calendar complication. It also boasts the brand’s proprietary impact detection and lock function to protect it.

Furthermore, the movement is housed inside a Super Titanium case that’s 40 percent lighter than steel while being five times harder. It also gets a Duratect DLC coating, for extra durability, which gives the watch case its gunmetal color.

Citizen 30th Anniversary Eco Drive Indigo Washi Murakamo Shibori Dyed Paper Dial Watch AQ4106 26L Watch caseback — Mirroring the dial, the watch’s caseback features Citizen’s eagle logo.

The watch comes with an alligator leather strap produced by a Leather Working Group-certified tannery. This strap is done up in a dark blue to match the color of the dial.

All told, it’s a stunning dress watch that offers plenty of modern convenience and wearability. However, it’s quite limited; only 300 examples are being produced.

Citizen 30th Anniversary Eco Drive Indigo Washi Murakamo Shibori Dyed Paper Dial Watch AQ4106 26L Watch — This watch is a stunning testament to the Japanese brand’s heritage and craftsmanship.

Coming soon

The Citizen 30th Anniversary Eco-Drive AQ4106-26L hasn’t yet dropped on the brand’s site. Slated for an August release, this exclusive watch will cost $3,300 … if you can get it before it’s gone.