Model: The Citizen Chronomaster AQ4030-51L Discontinued Blue Tosa Washi Dial
Overview:
The Citizen Chronomaster AQ4030-51L is a distinctive example of Japanese watchmaking, combining traditional Tosa washi papermaking with Citizen's advanced high-accuracy quartz technology.
Its deep blue dial is crafted using traditional Japanese washi paper, a material made from natural plant fibers and historically associated with Japanese art, calligraphy and craftsmanship. The delicate texture of the paper creates a unique visual depth, giving the dial a character quite different from conventional metallic or lacquered finishes.
Depending on the lighting, the dial shifts from a deep, almost inky blue to a brighter, more vibrant blue in direct sunlight. The subtle fibers and variations in the washi paper are difficult to fully capture in photographs, making the dial particularly appealing in person.
History:
The Citizen is the brand's flagship collection, representing decades of development in precision timekeeping, advanced materials and traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
The Chronomaster name has long been associated with Citizen's pursuit of exceptional accuracy, particularly through its high-accuracy quartz movements that substantially exceed the precision of conventional quartz watches.
The AQ4030-51L belongs to a generation of The Citizen watches that brought together this technical expertise with traditional Japanese dial-making techniques.
Its Tosa washi dial draws on a centuries-old papermaking tradition from Japan's Kochi Prefecture, where the material has historically been used in calligraphy, artwork and other traditional crafts.
By incorporating this material into a modern solar-powered watch, Citizen created a particularly interesting balance between Japanese heritage and contemporary engineering.
Specifications and Condition:
Overall: Great condition with minor signs of wear
Reference: AQ4030-51L
Case: Titanium case in great condition, with minor hairline scratches on the bezel and a visible mark on one lug
Dial: Original blue Tosa washi dial in excellent, untouched condition
Crystal: Sapphire crystal free from noticeable scratches, with two very small marks on the anti-reflective coating
Finishing: Original, unpolished case and bracelet
Movement: Citizen Caliber A060 Eco-Drive high-accuracy quartz
Includes: Generic watch box, no original papers
Movement:
Citizen Caliber A060 Eco-Drive
Solar-powered high-accuracy quartz movement
Annual accuracy of ±5 seconds under specified operating conditions
Perpetual calendar
The Caliber A060 represents one of Citizen's most sophisticated high-accuracy quartz movements, combining exceptional precision with the convenience of light-powered operation.
Unlike conventional quartz watches that typically measure accuracy in seconds per month, the A060 is rated to within five seconds per year under specified conditions.
Its perpetual calendar automatically accounts for different month lengths and leap years, while the Eco-Drive system eliminates the need for routine battery replacement by converting light into electrical energy.
Dimensions:
40mm case diameter
