Citizen is blending modern watchmaking with centuries-old Japanese tradition in a striking new limited edition dress watch designed around a powerful symbol of protection and renewal. The brand has introduced the CB1110-70W “Oath of Arrow,” a sleek, radio-controlled Eco-Drive model from its premium Exceed lineup, produced in a strict run of just 500 pieces.
This release continues the same cultural theme as last year’s related model, leaning into traditional Japanese symbolism for its design language. The inspiration this time comes from the Hikime Kaburaya, often described as a “frog-eye arrow.” This ceremonial whistling kabura arrow has long been associated with Shinto rituals, archery, and Japanese martial arts, where it’s said to announce new beginnings and help ward off misfortune. Citizen translates that meaning into a refined, wearable motif rather than something overtly decorative, making it easy to dress up while still carrying a story.
The dial is where the concept comes alive. Set against a black base, Citizen uses a partially white mother-of-pearl design created through a clad-shell construction technique. Shimmering shell segments are inlaid at the center, giving the watch a bright, shifting focal point that contrasts with the darker surrounding dial. The result feels elegant and understated, but still distinctive enough to stand out as a collector-focused release.
Under the traditional styling is Citizen’s Eco-Drive H149 caliber, a light-powered movement that charges from daylight or artificial light, removing the need for regular battery changes. Along with solar charging, the watch offers radio-controlled timekeeping with signal reception across Japan, China, the United States, and Europe. For frequent travelers or anyone who values set-and-forget convenience, it also includes a perpetual calendar and a world time function spanning 26 cities.
Citizen keeps the profile suitably dressy, too. The CB1110-70W measures 38mm wide and just 8.5mm thick, giving it a slim silhouette that slips comfortably under a cuff. The case and bracelet are made from Super Titanium and finished with a Duratect Platinum coating in a light silvery tone. A sapphire crystal with a clarity coating helps improve visibility, and practical durability features include 50-meter water resistance and Type 1 magnetic resistance. The bracelet secures with a three-fold push-style clasp.
Citizen CB1110-70W “Oath of Arrow” key specifications include:
Case: Super Titanium with Duratect Platinum coating
Case size: 38mm diameter, 8.5mm thickness
Dial: Black with partially white mother-of-pearl inlay (clad-shell construction)
Crystal: Sapphire with clarity coating
Bracelet: Super Titanium with Duratect Platinum coating, 19mm width
Clasp: Three-fold push type
Water resistance: 5 ATM / 50 meters
Magnetic resistance: Type 1, nickel resistant
Movement: Eco-Drive H149 (light-powered), ±15 seconds/month without radio sync
Atomic time reception: Japan, China, US, Europe (automatic selection and manual options)
Functions: Perpetual calendar, world time (26 time zones), power reserve display, power saving, charge warning, overcharge prevention, shock detection, automatic hand correction, daylight saving time support
Run: Limited to 500 pieces
Warranty: 3-year international warranty (with an option for extended domestic coverage via registration in Japan)
As for availability and pricing, Citizen will release the CB1110-70W “Oath of Arrow” in Japan on February 5, priced at ¥132,000. With its limited production, symbolic inspiration, titanium build, and atomic timekeeping convenience, it’s positioned as the kind of modern Japanese dress watch that appeals to both collectors and everyday wearers who want something meaningful, precise, and easy to live with.
