Let The Light Shine On Citizen's New BN1010-05E Limited Edition Eco-Drive 365 Watch
The new Citizen BN1010-05E Limited Edition is a mesmerizing homage to their 1973 Quartz E.F.A. watch!
It just so happens that I turned 50 years young earlier this year, so what better way to celebrate it than with a reissue of a birth year watch, Citizen’s new BN1010-05E E365 Limited Edition!
Based on its Quartz ‘Extra Fine Adjustment’(E.F.A.) timepiece from 1973, this reissue truly captures the spirit of its 50-year-old predecessor, albeit with a lot more innovation. The vintage-inspired case (which is almost tonneau shaped, but not exactly) with immaculately polished stainless steel, the four lab-grown rubies at the cardinal points, and the stunning gold rehaut with matching 5 minute markers floating above the dial and glittery black (almost deep purple in sunlight!) watch face, makes this a showpiece you would be proud to wear on your wrist.
But wait, there is more! Under the hood, this Citizen sports the latest in their Eco-Drive solar movement, the caliber E365. This new Eco-Drive’s name gives its secret away, it can last for 365 days on a full charge! Not that I wouldn’t wear this watch for a year - it is just too beautiful to be locked away in the dark, but it is good to know that I can leave it for a bit and not have to worry about the watch keeping time or needing more sunshine.
The BN1010-05E is coupled to a supremely comfortable dark brown LWG (Leather Working Group) certified leather strap that must be felt to understand it’s supple texture and comfort on the wrist. I love that fact that the strap is fastened via a matching stainless steel deployment clasp instead of a pin buckle - it adds to the overall premium look and feel of the watch.
Speaking of premium, the sapphire crystal that is chamfered towards the case tops off this stunning watch. With its ~42.7mm case (the pull-out crown is tucked within the case’s boundary) and 11.1mm thickness, the watch can be worn by a myriad of wrist sizes - you never have to worry about the crown digging into your hand! Being that I have a 7” wrist, the watch hits the sweet spot and wears more like a 39mm - which isn’t a bad thing at all.
As a homage watch, this new Citizen has a history and pedigree to carry the torch for this line, which makes owning it that little bit sweeter. Also, being environmentally conscious, it is great to know that Citizen has been at the forefront of sustainable innovations in building their watches, and this one is no exception. Mark my words, once the 1,200 pieces are sold out, this limited-edition watch will quickly become highly desirable, meaning it will go for a lot more than its current retail price.
If I am to be down-right honest, I can’t recommend this watch enough. If you are into innovative vintage-looking timepieces, then this watch embodies the best of Citizen - clean, clear, sleek lines coupled with innovation and design excellence which make this a future classic to own.
