By: Roger Ruegger
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Citizen‘s first analog light-powered watch (known as “Eco-Drive” since 1996 and further upgraded in 2000 to use any light as an energy source), two versions of the Eco-Drive Photon, more precisely the Eco-Drive Innovation 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Model in Super Titanium (Ref. BJ6560-53W shown here and the BJ6569-59X with DLC), have just been introduced in New York. Both versions are limited to 5,000 pieces each and available in Fall 2026.
“Inspired by the history of science relating to light, this model features an innovative design expressing the evolution and advancement of Citizen’s proprietary Eco-Drive technology, which converts sunlight and even faint indoor light into electrical energy to power the watch.” – Citizen
Before 1976, quartz watches required regular battery replacements. Citizen’s goal was to instead convert light into energy using one single inbuilt power cell. During the last fifty years, Citizen has managed to combine the technology with a large number of styles and functions, including radio-controlled chronograph models with world time, perpetual calendar, 12/24-hour timekeeping, and a power reserve display. Or as an elegant dress watch with a mother of pearl dial set with diamonds.
Perhaps equally impressive, solar-powered watches have also started to successfully enter the more traditional luxury segment recently, demonstrated by the first solar-powered watch ever from Cartier in 2021 (Solarbeat), the Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph from TAG Heuer a year later, or the new Solarmetre from Citizen’s sister-brand Alpina.
The dial of the Eco-Drive Innovation 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Model consists of two metal plates with ripple-like slits layered one over the other, revealing a structural, iridescent color film dial beneath (the dial is printed with pigment-free ink that produces colors by using light reflecting off the surface of the microstructures in the ink layer).
The octagonal case and the integrated bracelet are made of Super Titanium (which, according to the Japanese watch brand, is five times harder and 40% lighter than stainless steel), movement is the brand’s Cal. E036, which runs for 365 days when fully charged.
The BJ6560-53W shown here pairs a silver-colored case with a structural color dial and a yellow second hand. The BJ6569-59X features a black-and-gold color scheme, and a purple second hand. The solid caseback found on both models is engraved with the Eco-Drive Innovation 50th Anniversary logo and an individual limited edition number.
Ref.: BJ6560-53W and BJ6569-59X with DLC
Dimensions: ⌀ 39.6 mm, thickness 9.9 mm
Case: Titanium; WR 50 m
Movement: Cal. E036 ( with an accuracy of ±15 seconds per month, and a power reserve of one year when fully charged)
Bracelet: Titanium
Warranty: 60 months
Price: $995 ($1,195 with DLC)
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