This new Citizen Attesa Layers of Time is the definition of practical beauty
Zach BlassYou can always expect two things from a well-established Japanese watch manufacturer: limited editions to celebrate major anniversaries, and a nature-inspired sensibility. Today we are taking a closer look at the new Citizen Attesa Layers of Time Eco-Drive Satellite Wave GPS F950 (and breathe), one of five Layers of Time limited editions that celebrates the 100th anniversary of the first Citizen-branded watch – a pocket watch from 1924. Brand poetry aside and getting down to brass tacks, what we have here is a highly durable and functional watch with a captivating dial that could possibly be one of the best true daily wearers you could explore. Let me tell you why.
The case
Its 100-metre water-resistant case, 44.6mm in diameter and 15.6mm thick, has an attractive, faceted design that is finished well and it is made of Citizen’s tough yet lightweight Super Titanium that utilises Duratect treatment to increase the resistance of the material further. Super Titanium is billed to be five times harder than standard stainless steel making it very scratch-resistant. It is also highly rust-resistant and gentle on the skin (for those concerned due to nickel or other metal allergies). Larger wrists will not be concerned, but it is important to note that the male link extends out from the case and creates a bit of fixed flare. However, it is sloped so it creates a sense of camber.
The dial
Drawing a parallel between the passing and measurement of time through the formation of geological layers of rock and minerals, this Citizen, in partnership with Fujifilm, features an eye-catching dial made of 100% recycled polycarbonate that is then printed with a structural colour ink developed by Fujifilm. When light reflects off of this special, pigment-free ink, it creates an iridescence that results in a spectrum of blue, green, and purple hues – like an aurora on your dial.
The pattern of the dial has a rock-like feel, thus creating a sort of light-peering-into-a-cave effect. This colour gradient also extends to its sapphire world-time bezel. With the Japanese philosophy of practical beauty, the dial hosts a ton of indications and functions while remaining very legible, and still allowing the splash of colour to peer through. Focusing on the most notable, at 9 o’clock, you have a counter that conveys the day of the week on its left half, and a power reserve indicator on the right. At 6 o’clock is the dual time sub-dial that displays a second time zone with 24-hour and minutes hands. Finally, at 3 o’clock, you have a mode indication counter which is of course crucial to setting all of these various indications.
For example, to use the chronograph you would set the mode to CHR, which will then hijack the left sub-dial to become a 1/20th of a second counter, while the 24-hour sub-dial becomes a 24-hour and 60-minute elapsed time indicator. We then have a 4:30 positioned date window, contentious for some but… c’mon.. where else could you possibly put it here? At least it’s executed in a rather dial-blending white-on-black. Lastly, all of the hands and indices have luminous coatings.
The bracelet
The bracelet, expectedly since it is titanium, uses pins and collars for the links which are a good size in regard to finding the right size for your wrist. That being said, I would have liked to see a hole or two drilled into the clasp for some micro-adjustment. This may result in some looking for a compatible rubber strap, as though the case itself appears to have a compact lug-to-lug span for its size, the aforementioned fixed flare seen on the bracelet will be problematic for some wrists.
The movement
Inside we have Citizen’s high-performing in-house Eco-Drive F950 movement which uses light to charge it. On a full charge, the watch will run continuously for five years, giving you more than enough time to break it out of its box and give it some time under the sun. Even without time signal reception, the movement is accurate within five seconds per month. In total, the movement powers its hours, minutes, seconds, perpetual calendar, world time, alarm, power reserve indication, and chronograph complications.
The verdict
At first, hearing its price tag of US$2,295 may give some sticker shock – Eco-Drive watches can be had for much less. But when you consider the Duratect-coated Super Titanium, well-finished case, iridescent dial and sapphire bezel, and the incredible amount of functionality that are harmoniously packed into its analogue display – and do not forget its high accuracy – this is one of the strongest daily wearers you could possibly own. It may not have the romance of highly complicated mechanical watches, but it also doesn’t carry their hefty price tags. Ultimately what Citizen has offered here is meticulously crafted externals and a romantic and attractive dial/bezel aesthetic paired with the highly functional in-house technology to offer the utmost practical beauty.
Citizen Attesa Layers of Time Limited Edition CC4057-60E pricing and availability
This Citizen Attesa Layers of Time Eco-Drive Satellite Wave GPS F950 is available now as a limited edition of 1,900 pieces. Price: US$2,295
| Brand | Citizen |
| Model | Atessa Layers of Time Limited Edition |
| Reference | CC4057-60E |
| Case Dimensions | 44.6mm (D) x 15.6mm (T) |
| Case Material | Duratec-coated Super Titanium |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire crystal |
| Dial | Iridescent Fujifilm ink polycarbonate |
| Strap | Case-matching bracelet with folding clasp |
| Movement | Citizen F950, in-house, Eco-Drive |
| Power Reserve | Five years on a full charge |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, perpetual calendar, dual time, world time, chronograph, alarm, power reserve |
| Availability | 1,900 pieces |
| Price | US$2,295 |