Citizen introduced the world’s first analogue light-powered watch in 1976. Fifty years later, Eco-Drive continues the light-powered legacy.
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Solar and light-powered timepieces continue to be an evolving frontier in watchmaking.
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At the forefront of the innovation is the Japan-headquartered watch brand, Citizen, which introduced its first light-powered movement back in the ’70s. The Crystron Solar Cell timepiece was the first light-powered analogue watch to hit the market.
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“Citizen introduced the world’s first analogue light-powered watch in 1976, pioneering what would become Eco-Drive,” says Eric Senftleben, the managing director of Citizen Watch Canada. “Citizen is the market maker that continues to lead light-powered technology in watchmaking.”
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The company, which entered the Canadian market via Montreal in 1992, sees its watches available at select jewelry and watch stores across Canada as well as online at Citizenwatch.com. We caught up with Senftleben to learn more.
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West Coast Table
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Q: What makes Canada important for the brand?
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A: The Canadian market has long been important to Citizen Watch Company. Canadian consumers value innovation, quality, and sustainability – key pillars of the brand. As a market that increasingly prioritizes eco-conscious products alongside performance and design, Canada is a natural fit for Citizen’s technology-driven approach.
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From everyday wear to enthusiast collectors, the diversity of the audience allows Citizen to showcase a full spectrum of timepieces powered by Eco‑Drive technology and enhanced by advanced materials such as Super Titanium and satellite timekeeping.
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Q: How has the Eco-Drive technology evolved over the years?
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A: Over the years, Eco‑Drive evolved from a breakthrough sustainability concept into a highly advanced platform capable of powering everything from beautiful ladies’ products to professional dive watches to GPS satellite-controlled timepieces. Today, Eco‑Drive is capable of running for a full year on a single charge and sources energy from virtually any light source.
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Q: There’s a distinction between solar-powered and light-powered. What more can you share on this?
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A: That distinction is key. Many watches are described as “solar-powered,” typically relying on direct sunlight. Eco‑Drive is different – it converts any type of light, from sunlight to city lights, into energy. This flexibility makes it more practical for everyday wear, while eliminating the need for regular battery replacement and reinforcing Citizen’s long-standing commitment to sustainability.
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Q: What’s new for the milestone anniversary this year?
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A: This year marks the 50th anniversary of Citizen’s light-powered technology. To celebrate, Citizen is highlighting five decades of innovation through special edition releases, elevated designs, and a new brand campaign Powered by Any Light that reinforces Eco-Drive’s key differentiator – that it works with any light source, not just sunlight.
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Q: And where can we expect to see Citizen go from here?
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A: Looking ahead, we will continue to evolve Eco-Drive to unlock new possibilities in design, performance, and sustainability for all Citizens of the World. The focus remains on creating timepieces that combine innovative technology, design, and environmental responsibility in a way that is timeless.
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