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Citizen has opened preorders in Japan for four xC hikari Eco-Drive watches ahead of their scheduled October 8, 2026 release. The collection uses 32.7 mm stainless-steel cases, spherical sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating and Citizen’s light-powered E116 caliber. Citizen positions the case as a slightly larger hikari size, though 32.7 mm remains compact by conventional watch-case measurements. The Roman-numeral dial description comes from Notebookcheck’s October 5 report; Citizen’s retrieved product-page text confirms the references and specifications but does not independently detail the numeral layout.
Which Citizen xC hikari models are launching?
The four Japanese-market references are EO1240-58L, EO1244-57A, EO1245-54W and EO1246-51A. Notebookcheck reported that preorders opened ahead of an October 8, 2026 release in Japan. The available information does not confirm a release date or availability in other markets.
| Reference | Finish and dial | Japanese list price | What is established |
|---|---|---|---|
| EO1240-58L | Unplated stainless steel; pale-blue dial | ¥55,000 including consumption tax (¥50,000 before tax) | Citizen’s 2026 Japanese product page lists the reference, finish, price and specifications. |
| EO1244-57A | Yellow-gold-tone partial plating | ¥59,400 including consumption tax (¥54,000 before tax) | Citizen’s 2026 Japanese product page lists the reference, finish, price and specifications. |
| EO1245-54W | Sakura-tone partial plating | ¥59,400 including consumption tax (¥54,000 before tax) | Citizen’s 2026 Japanese product page lists the reference, finish, price and specifications. |
| EO1246-51A | Sakura-pink finish; described as a plated variant | Not stated in the retrieved sources | Notebookcheck identifies the model as part of the launch; a detailed official product-page specification was not available. |
The published prices are Japanese list prices, not confirmed prices for other countries. Citizen’s retrieved pages describe EO1240-58L as the unplated option; the two other prices listed above are for partially plated models.
How large are the watches, and what do they share?
Citizen gives a 32.7 mm case width for the collection and calls it a slightly larger hikari size. That is the manufacturer’s size positioning, not a guarantee of fit: wrist shape, lug span and bracelet adjustment also affect how a watch wears. Citizen lists a 9.0 mm thickness and 70 g weight specifically for EO1244-57A and EO1245-54W; those figures should not be assumed for EO1246-51A, whose detailed official specifications were not retrieved.
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On the retrieved official product pages, the common construction and functions include:
- Stainless-steel case and bracelet
- Spherical sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Citizen E116 caliber with Eco-Drive light-powered operation
- 5-bar water resistance
- 16 mm band width and stated wrist-size range of 120–185 mm
- Luminescent hands and recycled material in dial components
These are Citizen’s manufacturer specifications, not independent test results. The retrieved official text does not establish that every listed detail applies to EO1246-51A.
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How does Eco-Drive work, and how long does it run?
Citizen says Eco-Drive converts sunlight or indoor light into electricity to power the watch, avoiding routine battery replacement. The product pages state approximately one year of operation after a full charge and accuracy of ±15 seconds per month. Both figures are Citizen specifications; actual operation depends on use and exposure to light, and they have not been independently verified here.
What do the Roman numerals and sapphire mean?
Notebookcheck’s October 5, 2026 report describes the new dials as using Roman numerals. The retrieved Citizen product-page text confirms the model specifications but does not spell out the numeral layout, so the description should not be treated as verified for each reference from that text alone.
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- Timeless styling that effortlessly takes you from work to play.
- 3 Hand, Day / Date
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Mineral Crystal
- 100 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
Sapphire crystal is a distinct practical feature from the dial styling. Citizen specifies a spherical sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, but the source material provides no independent scratch-resistance or legibility testing for these watches.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should buyers know about warranty and availability?
On the EO1244-57A page, Citizen describes a three-year international warranty. It also says registration with MY CITIZEN within one year enables five-year domestic coverage. The extended term is described as domestic, so buyers should check the warranty terms for their own market rather than assume the five-year coverage applies internationally.
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- STAINLESS STEEL CASE WITH MILITARY-INSPIRED NYLON STRAP — The 42mm stainless steel case features a solid caseback and fixed bezel, paired with a 22mm nylon NATO-style strap with a buckle closure. The fabric band has a backing just like a proper military strap — a purposeful, field-watch aesthetic that pairs naturally with the black or olive colorways and fits the 22mm lug width for easy strap swaps.
- DAY & DATE DISPLAY | 24-HOUR INNER BEZEL | LUMINOUS HANDS — The black dial features hour, minute, and second hands, a day and date display, and a 24-hour inner chapter ring. Luminous hands ensure readability in low-light conditions — a practical field-watch detail that keeps the time visible after dark without a backlight. Mineral glass protects the dial from everyday scratches.
- 100M WATER RESISTANT | SCREW-ON CASEBACK | 42MM STAINLESS STEEL — Water resistant to 100 meters (10 ATM), with a stainless steel case measuring 42mm in diameter. The caseback is screw-on, providing additional movement protection — a construction detail typically found on watches at a significantly higher price point. Push-in crown completes the clean, purposeful profile.
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The stated October 8 release and listed prices concern Japan. The available sources do not establish a global launch, overseas pricing, or stock at Amazon or other retailers.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
