Citizen Celebrates 50 Years of Solar-Powered Analog Wristwatches with New Eco-Drive Photon Series

• March 28, 2026

Citizen commemorates a significant milestone in wearable technology by celebrating the 50th anniversary of the world’s first analog wristwatch powered by solar energy. The milestone honors Citizen’s pioneering development of solar-powered watches, which debuted in the mid-1970s and revolutionized battery life in quartz timepieces.

A Half-Century of Innovation in Solar Timekeeping

In the early 1970s, quartz watches emerged with enhanced accuracy but struggled with limited battery longevity, creating challenges for users and manufacturers alike. To address this, Citizen introduced the Citizen Crysotron Solar Cell watch in 1976. This model integrated solar cells within the watch dial, allowing it to harness ambient light to recharge its internal battery. This innovation offered a continuous power source, reducing the reliance on disposable batteries and enabling longer-lasting, more reliable timepieces.

Half a century later, Citizen celebrates this legacy by unveiling a new limited edition lineup called the Eco-Drive Photon chronometers. This series pays tribute to the brand’s ongoing commitment to sustainable and advanced watchmaking technologies. By refining and expanding its Eco-Drive technology, Citizen continues to combine traditional analog watch design with solar-powered efficiency.

The original solar watch was a conceptual leap, integrating clean energy solutions ahead of widespread consumer demand for environmentally friendly electronics. Over time, solar-powered watches have gained popularity for their minimal maintenance, reduced environmental impact, and robust performance in everyday wear.

Citizen’s Eco-Drive system, which powers watches by converting light into energy, has evolved considerably since the initial 1970s model. The new Eco-Drive Photon series represents the latest chapter in this evolution, incorporating modern materials and movements while honoring heritage design elements.

The release of this limited edition serves not only as a celebration of a technological milestone but also as a nod to the foresight demonstrated by Citizen when it first introduced solar charging in wristwatches. With increasing global interest in sustainable technologies, solar-powered watches remain a relevant and viable alternative in the consumer electronics market.

Pricing details and production quantities for the Eco-Drive Photon series have not been disclosed. However, the release underscores Citizen’s longstanding role as an innovator in watch technology and its continued influence in shaping energy-efficient wearables. The 50-year anniversary marks a testament to how combining traditional craftsmanship with forward-looking technology can create enduring products.

Citizen marks 50 years since launching the first analog solar wristwatch with a new limited edition Eco-Drive Photon series.