Citizen’s new Exceed pair – the CB1080‑52W and EC1120‑59W – combine Super‑Titanium cases, solar Eco‑Drive movements and mother‑of‑pearl dials that echo traditional Japanese umbrellas. Only 400 of each will be made, with a Japanese launch price of ¥187 000.
Citizen has rolled out two limited‑edition Exceed models for the Japanese market, the CB1080‑52W and EC1120‑59W. Both watches draw visual inspiration from classic Japanese paper umbrellas, a motif that shows up in the radial‑cut mother‑of‑pearl dials. The dials come in muted white, blue and gray tones, and pair Roman numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9 with baton‑style hour markers elsewhere. A simple date window sits at 3 o’clock, while three blue hands sweep the face.
Core specifications
| Feature | CB1080‑52W | EC1120‑59W |
|---|---|---|
| Case material | Super Titanium (silver) | Super Titanium (silver) |
| Case diameter | 29.2 mm (≈1.15 in) | 38.0 mm (≈1.50 in) |
| Strap | Super Titanium | Super Titanium |
| Crystal | Spherical sapphire | Spherical sapphire |
| Movement | H149 Eco‑Drive (radio‑controlled) | H246 Eco‑Drive (radio‑controlled) |
| Accuracy | ±15 s/month | ±15 s/month |
| Water resistance | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Magnetic resistance | Yes | Yes |
| Over‑charge protection | Yes | Yes |
| Direct Flight (quick time set) | Yes | Yes |
| Production run | 400 units | 400 units |
| Price (Japan) | ¥187 000 (~$1 174) | ¥187 000 (~$1 174) |
Both models use Citizen’s Eco‑Drive technology, meaning they charge via any light source and store energy in a rechargeable cell. The H149 caliber in the CB1080‑52W is a 15‑second‑per‑month radio‑controlled movement that syncs to atomic clocks in the region, guaranteeing tight accuracy without manual adjustment. The larger EC1120‑59W houses the H246, which offers the same radio‑control but supports a slightly higher power reserve, useful for the bigger case.
How they stack up against recent Exceed releases
The previous Exceed flagship, the CB1200‑57A, featured a 40 mm titanium case and a more conventional black dial. Compared to that model, the new CB1080‑52W is noticeably smaller, targeting users who prefer a dress‑watch size. The EC1120‑59W sits between the two in terms of diameter, offering a middle ground for those who like a bit of presence on the wrist without going full‑size.
In terms of materials, the shift from standard titanium to Super Titanium is significant. Super Titanium incorporates a proprietary alloy that reduces weight while increasing strength, a claim backed by Citizen’s own testing data (see the official spec sheet). The sapphire crystal remains a constant, providing scratch resistance comparable to high‑end smartwatch displays.
Who should consider these pieces
- Collectors – The 400‑unit limit and the umbrella‑inspired dial make these watches immediate conversation starters for anyone building a limited‑edition portfolio.
- Dress‑watch enthusiasts – The sub‑30 mm CB1080‑52W offers a refined silhouette that pairs well with suits, while still delivering modern tech like radio‑control and magnetic resistance.
- Tech‑savvy users – Eco‑Drive’s solar charging eliminates the need for battery changes, and Direct Flight lets you set the time in seconds via a button press, a convenience rarely seen in this price tier.
- Anyone who values durability – 5 ATM water resistance covers everyday exposure (rain, hand‑washing), and magnetic resistance protects the movement from everyday magnetic fields.
Market outlook
Citizen has not announced any plans to export the Exceed duo beyond Japan, so international fans will need to rely on third‑party importers, which could push the effective price well above the ¥187 000 launch figure. The limited production run suggests a short window for purchase; once the 400 units per model are gone, secondary‑market prices are likely to climb.
For a closer look at the dial texture and the umbrella motif, see the official reveal gallery on Citizen’s site: Citizen Exceed Japan launch.
The Citizen CB1080‑52W (left) and EC1120‑59W (right) watches
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