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Monday, January 2, 2012

Citizen Eco-Drive Ring BU1020-08A to be Released February 2012

The Citizen Eco-Drive Ring model was introduced as a concept at Basel 2009 and its commercialization was announced at Basel 2011.  Citizen recently announced that the Ring model BU1020-08A will be available for sale February 8, 2012.



All pictures in this post are from Citizen's website.

The significance of this model is that rather than charging the solar cell through the dial as is the case for every other Citizen Eco-Drive, the Ring is actually charged through the perimeter of the case.  This innovation not only permits Citizen to use conventional dials with unlimited potential for artistry and construction, but also affords new opportunities in case construction to showcase and literally shine some light on the relocated solar cells.

Some key design features for this model include three-dimensional dial markers at the 2, 4, 8, and 10 positions, a moon phase indicator at the 6 o'clock subdial and that I believe is a 24 hour indicator at the 12 o'clock subdial.  The case is constructed of Duratec coated stainless steel with a dual curved, anti-reflective sapphire crystal.  The coin edge detailing on the edge of the case covering the solar cells is actually curved sapphire crystal as well!  Completing the package is a genuine crocodile strap and a nicely milled steel buckle.  The 8712 caliber holds a power reserve of 6 months when fully charged with an accuracy specification of +/-15 seconds per month.  The case is on the large side at 44.4 mm wide and 15.8 mm thick.







Full retail price will be 399,000 Yen and production will be limited to 250 world wide.

All I can say is like the Seiko Spring Drive Credor Minute Repeater, this Ring model by Citizen is an excellent demonstration of haute horology... a perfect mix of technological innovation dressed in a package of unique and imaginative construction.  Congratulations Citizen!

More information can be found at the dedicated Citizen Eco-Drive Ring website as well as the Citizen Eco-Drive Concept Watch website.

2 comments:

quietcanary said...

If only the size is a little smaller. Nonetheless, it is an innovative and yet extremely beautiful watch.

Anonymous said...

I second that... I'd probably interested in a 90% scale model.