The Citizen AQ4106-18X - A quiet masterpiece from Citizen
The Citizen AQ4106-18X is a masterfully executed quartz high horology watch from Citizen.
When I first saw this watch, I was immediately drawn to it. The dial execution is simply stunning—the subtle gradient colour's of the dial, the warmth of the gold hands and indices, the dark grey titanium case, and the beautifully textured strap all come together perfectly.
But there's more to this watch than just looks. Below are the reasons why I think this is a genuine high horology watch from Citizen:
- The extraordinary Caliber A060 movement - Citizen introduced the Caliber A060 in 2015, it was the first perpetual-calendar quartz movement with accuracy rating of ±5 seconds per year. It also combined Eco-Drive, independent hour adjustment, power-reserve indication and automatic hand correction - a remarkably sophisticated movement.
In 2017, Longines matched the ±5 second per-year perpetual-calendar feat with their Conquest V.H.P. - the only other watch to achieve this feat.
- The stunning and sophisticated dial —( Hazy moon captured in Japanese washi paper)
The dial uses ultra-thin Japanese Tosa washi paper that lets light reach the Eco-Drive solar cell beneath. The dial colour shifts between earthy brown, olive green and warm golden tones as the light changes. This inspiration is from Japanese egasumi & Oborozuki moon (Hazy moon seen through mist). Gold-tone markers and hands paired with a DLC titanium case complete the design.
I love pairing this watch with khaki chinos and olive or cream polos. Its earthy tones work beautifully with both smart-casual and relaxed outfits, making it surprisingly versatile.
- Dark Grey Duratec titanium case
The dark grey case is made from Citizen’s proprietary Super Titanium and treated with Duratect DLC (Diamond like Carbon). It gives the watch an understated, almost charcoal grey appearance. The watch is very lightweight and scratch resistant. One of the most comfortable watches I own. The dark case also provides the perfect frame for the spectacular dial as well !
- A very special and super comfortable Chari Happo leather Strap
Even the strap has a story. Chari-Happo is a rare Japanese goatskin leather whose roots go back to the Meiji era, when American leather specialist Charles “Charlie” Henninkel introduced Western tanning techniques to Japan.
“Chari” is said to derive from Charlie, while “Happo” refers to the leather being painstakingly kneaded by hand from multiple directions, creating its wonderfully deep, three-dimensional grain by shrinking the leather by 20%. The traditional Happo-momi technique has become so rare that it is reportedly practised by just one specialist craftsman and this is the first time such leather was used by citizen. The strap is a very soft, supple and comfortable on skin.
- Limited edition of 350 pieces
The AQ4106-18X was a limited edition release just 350 pieces worldwide thereby adding to its appeal.
Summary :
The AQ4106-18X feels like Citizen quietly showing off everything it does best: ±5-second-a-year precision, a perpetual calendar, Eco-Drive engineering, Tosa washi craftsmanship, hardened titanium and rare Chari-Happo leather.
Limited to 350 pieces, this watch seems to showcase cutting edge Japanese technology meeting centuries-old Japanese craft. Truly a masterpiece and perhaps Citizen at its very best.
I found this watch at a discount store in Japan. Bought it for around USD 2100.