Citizen Unveils Limited-Edition Dear Collection Watches With Dawn-Blue Dials and Super Titanium Cases
Citizen is expanding its 2026 Dear Collection with two compact limited-edition watches designed around a serene winter dawn theme. The new Citizen xC ES9491-50L and Citizen Exceed ES9510-65L are scheduled to launch on November 5, bringing vivid blue and purple dial tones, premium titanium construction, radio-controlled timekeeping, and elegant diamond accents to the brand’s annual pair-watch lineup.
The theme for this year’s Dear Collection is described as “Morning in the Sacred Forest,” inspired by a quiet winter forest as it shifts from night into sunrise. Citizen captures that atmosphere through a blue gradation dial that blends cool, deep tones with a soft dawn-like glow. The result is a pair of watches that feel refined, seasonal, and highly collectible.
The Citizen xC ES9491-50L is the more accessible of the two models, priced at 121,000 yen including tax, or roughly $765. It will be limited to 1,300 pieces worldwide. The watch features a compact 27.0 mm case and a slim 8.2 mm profile, making it a lightweight and elegant option for those who prefer smaller wristwatches.
One of the standout details on the xC model is its lab-grown diamond positioned at 12 o’clock. Beneath it, the dial includes a pattern designed to evoke the rising sun. Citizen also uses a lamé-style finish that changes its appearance depending on the angle of the light, giving the watch a shimmering, dynamic look without making it feel overly flashy.
The Citizen Exceed ES9510-65L sits higher in the lineup, priced at 176,000 yen, or about $1,113. This model is more exclusive, with only 500 pieces planned. It is also slightly smaller, with a 25.0 mm oval case. Citizen gives this watch a more jewelry-like character through a flower-shaped bracelet and ten diamonds placed at the hour markers. A square pedestal at 6 o’clock adds another distinctive visual detail.
Despite their different designs and pricing, the two watches share many of the same core specifications. Both use Citizen’s Super Titanium, a material known for being lighter than stainless steel while offering strong scratch and corrosion resistance. Each case is finished with Duratect Platinum, giving the watches a bright, polished appearance while improving durability.
Both models are powered by Citizen’s Caliber H060 and support radio-controlled time adjustment in Japan, China, Europe, and the United States. When no signal is available, accuracy is rated at plus or minus 15 seconds per month. With power-save mode enabled, a full charge can last for around three years.
The xC ES9491-50L and Exceed ES9510-65L also include practical features such as a perpetual calendar, world time, Direct Flight functionality, and Citizen’s Perfex system for improved reliability. Water resistance is rated at 5 bar, making the watches suitable for everyday use. Both are also nickel-allergy resistant and made in Japan.
There are a few key differences beyond the design and number of diamonds. The Exceed model uses sapphire crystal with Citizen’s Clarity Coating, a higher-transmittance treatment designed to improve visibility and reduce reflections. The xC model uses sapphire crystal with a standard anti-reflective coating. Citizen also specifically describes the xC’s single diamond as lab-grown, while the Exceed’s ten stones are listed simply as diamonds.
The release numbers also differ from their companion models. The Exceed ES9510-65L matches its paired model with 500 units each, creating a balanced limited-edition set. The xC ES9491-50L, however, is limited to 1,300 units, while its matching partner has a larger production run of 2,400 pieces.
With their compact sizing, blue dawn-inspired dials, Super Titanium construction, and limited-edition status, the Citizen xC ES9491-50L and Citizen Exceed ES9510-65L are likely to appeal to collectors and buyers looking for elegant Japanese watches with practical everyday technology. The November 5 launch adds two refined options to Citizen’s 2026 Dear Collection, combining seasonal design with the brand’s long-running focus on precision, comfort, and durability.
