For decades, Grand Seiko has sat comfortably atop the Japanese watchmaking hierarchy, a benchmark for precision, finishing, and cultural storytelling. Citizen, meanwhile, was often cast as the practical, affordable counterpart — a perception that never quite reflected the brand’s true capabilities.
Now, with two new releases in The Citizen collection, that dynamic feels overdue for a rewrite. The Super Titanium Washi Dial AQ4100 and AQ4106 are not only among the most compelling quartz dress watches on the market — they might just be Citizen’s boldest declaration yet: we’re no longer the sidekick.
A Dial With Depth — Literally
Citizen’s choice of washi paper for the dial is nothing short of brilliant. This centuries-old Japanese craft, traditionally used for lanterns and shoji screens, carries both heritage and practicality. Its natural transparency allows light to pass through, feeding the Eco-Drive solar cells beneath.
The result is both functional and poetic. The AQ4100’s tonal blue washi dial ripples like a rushing river, while the gold-tone seconds hand mimics sunlight glinting on its surface. Its sibling, the AQ4106, offers a softer vision: a Sakura Pink dial that captures the fleeting beauty of clouds at dusk, framed by a rose gold DLC-coated Super Titanium case.
These aren’t just pretty dials — they’re cultural canvases. And in a space where Grand Seiko has long dominated with textured masterpieces, Citizen has clearly decided it’s time to share the stage.
Quartz, Perfected
At the heart of both models lies the caliber A060 Eco-Drive, arguably one of the finest quartz movements in existence. With an accuracy of ±5 seconds per year, it goes toe-to-toe with Grand Seiko’s 9F. The difference? Citizen’s movement is powered by light, eliminating the need for battery changes altogether.
It’s not just numbers on paper, either. Citizen grows its own quartz crystals, selecting only the best for each movement. Add in temperature regulation and overcharge protection, and you have a quartz caliber that feels every bit as deliberate and artisanal as a mechanical one.
The Case for Titanium
Grand Seiko may still reign supreme in polishing with its Zaratsu sorcery, but Citizen plays to its own strengths. Both references feature Super Titanium cases — a material five times harder and significantly lighter than steel, refined through decades of in-house research.
The AQ4100 gets a platinum DLC finish, adding a dark, elegant sheen, while the AQ4106 opts for a warmer rose gold tone. Each comes on a crocodile leather strap with a Super Titanium folding clasp. The only drawback? DLC coatings can compromise titanium’s natural scratch resistance. But that’s a trade-off some collectors will gladly accept for the visual payoff.
Value, Redefined
Here’s where Citizen makes its boldest move: the AQ4100 retails for $2,895, the AQ4106 for $2,995. Both are limited to 400 pieces. Compare that to Grand Seiko’s quartz offerings, all in steel and priced well over $4,000, and Citizen’s value proposition becomes impossible to ignore.
Final Thoughts
Citizen isn’t just nipping at Grand Seiko’s heels anymore. With these new Super Titanium Washi Dial models, it has created watches that combine artistry, technology, and exclusivity — at a price that feels refreshingly grounded.
Grand Seiko still has the upper hand in finishing, and Spring Drive remains unmatched. But for collectors who crave accuracy, cultural resonance, and real-world value, Citizen has just served notice: the era of playing second fiddle is over.
Leave a comment