Limited-edition Eco-Drive model PHOTON to mark the 50th anniversary of Eco-Drive

To mark the 50th anniversary of Eco-Drive, CITIZEN’s proprietary solar technology, the Japanese company is presenting two limited-edition anniversary models called Eco-Drive PHOTON. The light-powered watches are equipped with a new movement (Cal. E036) which, when fully charged, runs for 365 days without any further light input. From autumn/winter 2026, two models featuring a multi-layered dial design with three-dimensional overlapping cut-outs will be launched.

The BJ6569-53W

The year 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of CITIZEN’s world-first analogue light-powered watch, launched in 1976 (now known as Eco-Drive). To celebrate this significant milestone, the Japanese company is introducing two limited-edition versions of the Eco-Drive PHOTON.
This model is inspired by scientific research into light and features an innovative design that reflects the development and progress of CITIZEN’s Eco-Drive technology. It transforms sunlight and even dim indoor light into electrical energy, which in turns powers the watch. The name ‘PHOTON’ refers to the quantum unit of light energy. The dial features two superimposed metal plates with wave-shaped cut-outs that reveal an underlying textured coloured foil dial.

The light reflected through the cut-outs creates shifting hues and effects on this dial. Inside the watch is the new Cal. E036 movement, which runs for 365 days when fully wound.This watch features a complex dial design that only CITIZEN can produce. For half a century, the company has been a pioneer in the field of light-powered watches and continues to develop new designs and ideas. The case and bracelet are made from lightweight, scratch-resistant Super Titanium™. The rounded octagonal case flows seamlessly into the bracelet, giving the model a harmonious design and a sleek yet striking shape.
The BJ6560-53W mixes a sleek silver-coloured case with a textured dial visible through the cut-outs, which is highlighted by a yellow seconds hand.

Limited-edition Eco-Drive model to mark the 50th anniversary
Eco-Drive PHOTON: BJ6560-53W　
Limited edition of 5,000 units worldwide
Available from autumn/winter 2026

The BJ6569-59X

The BJ6569-59X features a striking black and gold colour combination. The contrasting dial and the purple seconds hand are special highlights. The Eco-Drive 50th-anniversary logo and a unique limited-edition number are engraved on the back of the case. Each watch is presented in a special box featuring the characteristic cut-out motif from the dial.

50th anniversary of Eco-Drive

This year, CITIZEN is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the world’s first analogue light-powered watch (now known as Eco-Drive). The light-powered Eco-Drive technology, which powers watches using light that shines in the same way all over the world, reflects CITIZEN’s corporate philosophy: “Loved by citizens, working for citizens.”

The world's first light-powered analogue watch CRYSTRON SOLAR CELL (1976)

In the early 1970s, the world was in the grip of an energy crisis, and the engineers at CITIZEN saw sunlight as an innovative, environmentally friendly source of energy. Sie hatten es sich Its mission was to develop an eco-friendly watch that no longer required regular battery changes. In 1976, CITIZEN launched the world’s first light-powered analogue watch. Since then, over the past half-century, CITIZEN has refined the functionality and design of Eco-Drive technology, which transforms even the smallest amounts of light into energy. Eco-Drive watches can now be found in around 140 countries and regions across the world.
With the Eco-Drive PHOTON, CITIZEN demonstrates that Eco-Drive transforms every kind of light into energy that powers time. In the same way, the unique personality of the wearer has the power to light up the future and our society, helping to drive change forward.

The concept behind this model is inspired by the double-slit experiment – a scientific experiment designed to study the nature of light. The two metal dials, featuring wave-shaped cut-outs, represent the passage of light through the dial. The design intuitively conveys the transmission of light, reflecting the actual function of Eco-Drive. Cut-outs are integrated into the dial cover, creating a multi-layered dial structure with a sense of depth. The textured colour film visible through the openings gives the watch additional expressive power thanks to the variety of light reflections. Textured colours are a phenomenon in which bright and aesthetic colours are created not by pigments, but by microscopic surface structures that reflects light. The aesthetic of the dial harmonises perfectly with the light-powered Eco-Drive technology.

The dial’s design harmonises perfectly with Eco-Drive, a light-powered technology. The model is fitted with the Cal.E036 movement, which runs for 365 days on a complete charge. The Eco-Drive PHOTON features a complex dial design that reflects CITIZEN’s decades of experience in developing light-powered watches and its ongoing quest for new forms of expression.
Just as the study of light has evolved through a constant stream of new scientific discoveries, this model symbolises CITIZEN’s commitment to the ongoing innovation and development of Eco-Drive technology. The case and bracelet are made of Super Titanium™. The rounded octagonal case flows seamlessly into the bracelet, creating a unified, harmonious shape that encloses the whole watch and gives it an elegant yet iconic design.
The Eco-Drive 50th-anniversary logo and a unique limited-edition number are engraved on the back of the case. Each watch is presented in a special box featuring the distinctive cut-out motif from the dial.

Product Specifications

Brand	CITIZEN Eco-Drive PHOTON
Model	BJ6560-53W		BJ6569-59X
Available	Autumn/Winter 2026
Limited Edition	5,000 of each worldwide
Price (expected)	895 Euros	995 Euros
Case/ Bracelet	Super Titanium™（Duratect Titancarbid）	Super Titanium™（ Duratect DLC・ Duratect Amber Yellow ）
Glass	Dual spherical sapphire glass with anti-reflective coating
Diameter/height of the housing	39.6 mm/9.9 mm (design specification only)
Specifications	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

Find out about Eco-Drive