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Citizen Eco-Drive Gents Red Arrows Chronograph Watch - Limited Edition
Ref. CA0080-03E
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Stepping up in the same colour and case shape
The Red Arrows collaboration gives Citizen an honest reason to build around aviation rather than merely gesture at it. The RAF aerobatic team's insignia is stamped into the screw-back caseback, and the dial carries the red and white accents of the display team's livery rather than borrowing the colour palette as a styling exercise. World time across 24 cities is managed through a rotating inner bezel operated from a crown at 8 o'clock — a position that keeps it clear of the wrist and reflects the kind of functional thinking the brief demanded. At 43mm across and only 11.6mm deep, the case sits flatter than the chronograph complication usually permits, which helps it move under a cuff despite its breadth. The B612 calibre, built by Miyota in Japan, runs on any available light and holds charge for seven months in complete darkness — useful in a watch worn by people who sometimes leave things in a bag. The black leather strap picks up the dial's red accents through contrast stitching along its edges, and a traditional pin buckle with pre-punched sizing holes keeps the fit straightforward to dial in.
- Reference
- CA0080-03E
- Brand
- Citizen
- Case size
- 43mm
- Case thickness
- 11.6mm
- Case material
- Stainless steel
- Case shape
- Round
- Dial
- Black
- Crystal
- Mineral
- Movement
- Solar
- Calibre
- B612
- Functions
- Chronograph, Date, Small seconds, World time, Solar powered
- Water resistance
- 100m
- Bracelet / strap
- Leather strap
- Strap colour
- Black
- Clasp
- Buckle
- Lume
- Luminous
- Retailer
- F.Hinds
Learn more about Citizen
The Shokosha Watch Research Institute began in Tokyo in 1918, and the Citizen name was given to its first pocket watch in 1924 by the then mayor of Tokyo, Shinpei Goto, who wanted a watch that would be available to ordinary citizens rather than only the wealthy. The company formally took the name in 1930.
That founding intention has held. Citizen is the largest watch manufacturer in the world by volume and is fully vertically integrated, making its own movements, cases, and electronic components.
Its most significant technology is Eco-Drive, introduced in 1976 and refined over decades. A photovoltaic cell beneath the dial converts any light — including indoor light — into stored energy, so the watch never needs a battery change. Citizen has sold well over a hundred million Eco-Drive watches, and the environmental argument is substantial: hundreds of millions of cells not discarded.
The company also produced the first analogue quartz watch with a titanium case in 1970, the first professional dive watch with an electronic depth sensor, and the Caliber 0100, an Eco-Drive movement accurate to within one second a year — the most accurate independent watch movement ever put into production.
Citizen owns Bulova, Frederique Constant, Alpina, and the movement manufacturer Miyota, whose calibres power a large share of the affordable mechanical watch market worldwide.
- 1918
- The Shokosha Watch Research Institute is founded.
- 1924
- The Citizen name is given to its first pocket watch.
- 1976
- Eco-Drive light-powered technology is introduced.
- 2018
- The Caliber 0100 achieves accuracy of one second a year.
Manufacturer’s guarantee
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Frequently asked questions, and things you should know about this watch
Can I swim with it?
Yes. At 100m it is rated for swimming and snorkelling, though not for diving.
Will the glass scratch?
It can, over time. Mineral glass handles daily wear but will pick up fine scratches that sapphire would not.
Does it need a battery?
No. It charges from light, and the cell behind that is designed to last a decade or more.
Is it a men's or women's watch?
Listed as men's.
Cheapest place to buy
Both F.Hinds and Goldsmiths list it at £279, so choose on delivery and warranty rather than price.
Who are F.Hinds?
F.Hinds has been run by the same family since 1856 and is now in its fifth generation, with more than 115 shops across England and Wales. They are a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council and an Authorised Diamond Dealer.
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