An intimate review of The Citizen Eco Drive Tosa Washi

The Citizen Eco Drive 40 Tosa Washi White Ref. AQ4091-56A is a watch I have been eagerly anticipate reviewing in my time here at Gnomon. Ever since I stepped into the shop, the vast collection of Japanese Domestic Models (JDM) have always caught my eye. Citizen in particular and their classic designs was almost like a first love. Fitting into my penchant for a minimalism, this watch was right up my alley, following through my days during 2024’s Lunar New Year.

In the world of watch collecting, there is an unspoken joy that comes with the discovery of a timepiece lights up a fire in our hearts, that speaks to our very soul. To me that was the Citizen Eco Drive 40 Tosa Washi White. Let’s begin by introducing this beauty. Sitting at the premium titanium end of Citizen at $3,700SGD, it measures at 40mm in diameter, 47mm lug-to-lug and 12.5mm thick. The fitting was fantastic for my 18cm wrist which puts me on the slightly bigger side for Asian men. It didn’t feel as big and overwhelming as my Seiko Samurai and yet not too small like a 38mm fitting watch.



About Citizen

Japanese culture and heritage have always intrigue me. I believed why this watch spoke to me was also due to the significance being its history which tells a story not many know of. Started in the late 19th Century, Citizen was a brand made for Japanese Citizen, hence the name. Alongside Seiko and Casio, these 3 brands were known as the big 3 and revolutionised watchmaking in Japan. Citizen was way ahead of it’s time, inventing and implementing solar powered quartz movement that saw unparalleled competition in accuracy. The topic itself is very extensive which we have actually wrote up on here at Gnomon which you can read here.

In the present, this solar powered movement by Citizen is known today as Eco-drive, and it is the very heart and soul of the watch. Being the first quartz watch I have experienced; I cannot understate how fantastic it feels to not needing to wind up the watch after not wearing it for awhile when cycling through my other watches. It really is a grab and go watch for me, never having to worry about the time being off.



First impressions matter

When I first laid eyes on this piece, what caught my attention was the white snow textured dial, highlighted by mirrored polished finishing along the bezel, case, markers and hands. The silver hands and markers are applied in such a way that gives the illusion that it is floating above the snowlike dial. Almost like a canvas, the interplay of textures on this watch resembles that of an art. A detail I share when anyone asks me about the watch.

As I picked it up, I was instantly taken aback by how weightless it felt. Citizen, known for their proficiency in titanium, made a watch weigh a measly 86g as compared to my Seiko Samurai which weighs 205g, which is more than twice as light. Almost as if I took off the training weights like Lee from Naruto. Naturally you would think that this would be an indicator of a fragile or hollow watch, but it is not the case. Citizen’s grade 5 titanium is known to be more durable yet lighter than normal stainless steel.

With such a difference in weight, the watch wearing experience was very different. It sat seamlessly on my wrist, to the point where I could even forget that it was even on my wrist. The weight distribution was just perfect; finely tuned and well balanced. I would occasionally switch hands when I wore my Samurai for long periods due to exhaustion. But with this, I never felt the exhaustion. The execution of the bracelet was no slouch either as it was just as light and well finished with a mixture of brush and polished highlights. It felt so breathable and didn’t bite my skin, which was additional points to an already excellent wearing experience.

The finely detailed timepiece goes more than just the aesthetics. As it sits on the wrist, the titanium material becomes a silent partner in boosting confidence. True to Japanese watchmaking which it’s known for their tireless attention to detail, the finishing of the watch is just breathtaking. The otherwise usual grey titanium is given a mirror-polished surface only made possible by an intricate process named “Zaratsu”. Citizen didn’t just stop there; they used a handmade Tosa Washi (Japanese Traditional Paper) to give a warm and gentle feel to the dial. Thin yet robust, the process of using this material for a dial is extremely demanding and takes ages to master. Wearing such a piece eludes the feeling of sophistication and classy minimalist style, carrying an embodiment of Japanese watchmaking at its finest.



More than Aesthetics

One of the reasons I choose this timepiece was also the sentimental memories that flood my mind. Being born in Singapore, which sits on the equator, we never grew up with snow. Which is why, many Singaporeans go out of their way to experience snow, even having a place such as “Snow City”. It is truly magical to us, and I am sure many Singaporeans will agree.

The snowy white dial took me back to my journey to Tokyo during the December 2019, when I was just 20 years old. The floating markers evoke the image of freshly fallen snow which was flaky and layered softly on the cold ice floor. The mirrored polished aesthetic reminds me of the cold I experienced. From the surface that was cold to touch and the reflective surface subconsciously bringing to mind the gleam of ice or frost. This piece really gives me the winter blues and my family who was with me, it is as sentimental as it gets.

As I wore the watch with me throughout Lunar New Year, friends and family members are inevitably curious about the new and fresh timepiece I have on my wrist. Sharing the watch isn’t just a casual act, but a moment of pride. Each specification becomes a story behind the Citizen, and the watch transforms from a personal accessory to a showcase of Japanese watchmaking. Sharing details felt endless from the “Zaratsu” finishing, the titanium weight, the eco drive to the dial texture. Lending it to friends to feel the weightlessness and appreciate the details becomes a shared experience, turning the watch into a conversational centre piece.



A different approach

Switching it up, I tried on a more classic vintage appeal, switching a brown leather strap to feel how the watch would wear. My first impressions were definitely wasn’t a positive one as I appreciated the minimalistic aesthetic of the original strap. The balance of the watch was tipped due to a slightly heavier strap. But as I wore it, the watch began to grow on me. The wearing experience was definitely a downgrade but not on the aesthetic department. The watch transformed into the classic white dial with brown leather strap appeal. It gave a vintage class vibe, and I could really appreciate the difference. Instead of the classy emotions I would usually it feel, the watch now makes me feel powerful and strong.

My experience with this piece has sparked a newfound appreciation for its titanium material. The weightlessness, while enhancing comfort, also highlights the material’s durability. It’s a revelation that beauty and endurance can coexist, adding a layer of depth to the watch beyond its visual allure. The watch becomes a lesson in material excellence and how it plays a part to a timepiece that you desire.



Concluding thoughts

I firmly believe that good quality watchmaking like this particular The Citizen shouldn’t be determined solely from hype, resale, or demand. Although it helps especially when budget it a concern but at the end of it, wear what you feel comfortable and truly love. This timepiece has really left a mark on me. I really treasured my time with it, and I do believe it resonated with me deeply. From the fine intricate details to the overall aesthetics and wearing experience, this made in Japan watch has differentiated itself from many other watches I have tried. It truly balances timeless vintage beauty with modern minimalism. The seemingly higher price of the watch becomes justified as you delve into the intricate details and quality of craftsmanship. The watch is suited comfortably to my liking and definitely a piece I will be adding to my collection as I continue my journey in horology. There is only so much that you can read about on the watch itself, I highly urge you to try it and the rest of what Citizen been offering, for yourself and write your own stories!