Citizen is no stranger Washi paper dials, being a feature of The CITIZEN line since 2017, and these two new limited editions truly show how much character this format can bring to a dial. Handmade by artisans in Japan’s Kochi Prefecture, the paper lets light through to the Eco-Drive movement beneath. It’s a lovely material for the job.

The AQ4100-65X goes for color. Ultra-thin Japanese Tosa Tengujoshi paper sits beneath a transparent plate treated in deep crimson, with the paper’s ultra-fine textures still visible through the red. A sunburst pattern adds another layer when the dial catches the light. Housed in a Super Titanium case and bracelet finished in silver-toned Duratect Platinum, the watch is limited to 350 pieces worldwide.

CITIZEN Tosa Washi AQ4100-65X

CITIZEN Tosa Washi AQ4100-65X

The AQ4106-00B has a gentler and dressier look. Its off-white Japanese Unryushi paper, which literally means “cloud dragon paper”, showcases long, cloud-like swirls and glinting gold fibers. This one is paired with a Sakura Pink Super Titanium case instead and is supplied with a crocodile leather strap. This model is limited to 300 pieces.

CITIZEN Tosa Washi AQ4106-00B

There’s truly lots of clever work done behind both looks. The transparent upper plates give such rich colors and dynamic visuals throughout the dial, while still allowing light to pass through to power the movement. On the Unryushi model, the long fibers are added as the paper is made, so the pattern varies from dial to dial. It’s worth taking a closer look at either one.

CITIZEN Tosa Washi AQ4106-00B

Both cases measure 38.3mm across, with the Super Titanium weighing about 40 percent less than stainless steel and has a treated surface making it around five times harder. That’s a huge plus in a watch that you’d want to wear often.

CITIZEN Tosa Washi AQ4100-65X

CITIZEN Tosa Washi AQ4106-00B

And the movement makes that choice easier too. The light-powered Caliber A060 is rated to +/- 5 seconds per year and can run for 18 months on a full charge in power-save mode. Its perpetual calendar handles month ends and leap years automatically until 28 February 2100, with the date changing instantaneously at midnight.

Tech Specs: The CITIZEN Tosa Washi AQ4100-65X

Movement Light-powered Eco-Drive Caliber A060; up to 18 months on a full charge in power-save mode
Functions Hours, minutes and seconds; instantaneous date change; perpetual calendar; independently adjustable hour hand
Case 38.3mm × 12.2mm; Super Titanium with Duratect Platinum; dual-sphere glass with anti-reflective coating; water resistant to 100m
Dial Deep crimson Tosa Tengujoshi paper with sunburst-patterned upper plate
Bracelet Super Titanium with Duratect Platinum
Price USD 2,995
Availability Limited edition of 350 pieces

Tech Specs: The CITIZEN Tosa Washi AQ4106-00B

Movement Light-powered Eco-Drive Caliber A060; up to 18 months on a full charge in power-save mode
Functions Hours, minutes and seconds; instantaneous date change; perpetual calendar; independently adjustable hour hand
Case 38.3mm × 12.2mm; Super Titanium with Duratect Sakura Pink; dual-sphere glass with anti-reflective coating; water resistant to 100m
Dial Tosa Unryushi paper with swirling fibres and gold fibres
Strap Crocodile leather from a Leather Working Group-certified tannery
Price USD 3,095
Availability Limited edition of 300 pieces worldwide