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| Citizen Attesa BY1005-73Z and CC4077-71Z, from the "Shades of Red" collection. |
TOKYO — In a celestial-inspired release, Citizen has announced two new limited-edition timepieces that blend cutting-edge horology with astronomical wonder. The new Attesa “ACT Line” models, dubbed the “Shades of Red” collection, are designed to commemorate a rare total lunar eclipse visible across Japan next spring.
Scheduled for release on February 26, 2026, the two references—the BY1005-73Z and the flagship CC4077-71Z—draw direct inspiration from the cosmic event, which will reach its peak at 8:04 PM on March 3. More than just a tribute, these watches integrate technology that actively connects to the heavens they celebrate.
Engineering for the Night Sky
Both models are crafted from Citizen’s proprietary Super Titanium, celebrated for being about 40% lighter and significantly more scratch-resistant than stainless steel. Each case receives a Duratect DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating, enhancing durability while providing a sleek, dark finish that complements the thematic red accents.
The core of their appeal lies in their synchronized accuracy. Each watch is a radio-controlled or GPS-synced Eco-Drive, meaning they draw power from any light source and automatically adjust to the correct time using global signals. This ensures they are perpetually accurate, a fitting feature for watches honoring a precisely timed astronomical event.
The Radio-Controlled Lunar Companion: BY1005-73Z
The Citizen Attesa BY1005-73Z is powered by the H874 radio-sync Eco-Drive caliber. It boasts an impressive accuracy of ±15 seconds per month even without signal reception. Its standout mechanical feature is the "Luna Program," which uses received radio signals to automatically calculate and display the precise moon phase—a perfect nod to the lunar eclipse theme.
The dial is a work of art, designed to evoke the moon's surface. It begins with a pearlescent-printed base layer depicting a starry night sky. Over this, a 3D inkjet-printed layer creates a tangible, textured replica of lunar craters and terrain. Despite its tech, the case remains a svelte 10.8mm thick and retains practical features like 10-bar water resistance and a "Metal Allergy Resistant" construction. Discover more about this model directly on the Citizen Japan product page for the BY1005-73Z.
The Flagship GPS Chronograph: CC4077-71Z
Positioned as the collection’s centerpiece, the Citizen Attesa CC4077-71Z houses the advanced F950 GPS-sync Eco-Drive movement. This caliber offers a high-speed 1/20-second chronograph and faster satellite signal acquisition. The added functionality results in a more substantial 15.4mm thick case, but the lightweight Super Titanium keeps the total mass to a remarkably comfortable 111 grams.
The dial here is even more intricate. A white mother-of-pearl base provides a luminous backdrop, over which a rich wine-red moon pattern is layered. A stunning design achievement is the sapphire bezel ring. Using a dual-layer vapor deposition technique, Citizen has rendered dark red tones and etched silver city names onto it, creating a dazzling and deep visual effect. Explore the details of this flagship on the Citizen Japan product page for the CC4077-71Z.
The visual appeal of these textured, crimson dials is best appreciated in motion. A recent post from @plus9time on Instagram offers a stunning close-up look at the intricate "Shades of Red" designs.
Pricing and Availability
The "Shades of Red" collection is positioned as a premium, limited offering from the Attesa line. The GPS-powered Citizen CC4077-71Z is priced at ¥385,000 (approximately $2,461), while the radio-controlled BY1005-73Z is listed at ¥198,000 (approximately $1,266). Both will be available through Citizen Japan's official channels and select retailers starting February 26, 2026.
For enthusiasts seeking the signature Citizen quality in a more accessible mechanical format, the Citizen Promaster NJ0150-56E automatic watch remains a popular and highly-rated choice available on platforms like Amazon.
