Citizen introduced their first analog timepiece utilizing satellite timekeeping back in 2011, which was the first of it's kind.  In the last four years, the technology has continued to evolve.  Their next major breakthrough on the use of satellite controlled time keeping was expressed for the first time at Baselworld 2014 and labeled the Citizen Eco-Drive Satellite Wave F100.  The model featured is CC2006-61E. 

The Citizen Satellite Wave F100 has taken the concept of "speed", and incorporated it into the watches design, function, and user interface.  Aside from speed, the watch also now features their new, thinner, F100 caliber that utilizes 3 motors to drive the hands at speeds that had not yet been achieved previously.  This thinner caliber now allows the F100 to be the thinnest satellite connecting timepiece at only 12.4mm cased.  The diameter of this titanium case is 45mm.

The "speed" of the case design is implemented through a fast and sharp faceted case design.  The different flat surfaces are in a brushed finish which go in different directions compared to the next flat surface with subtle mirror polished accents on Citizen's titanium alloy.  The bezel is DLC with smooth finish at the top, but a brushed finish around the sides where it meets the case.  A sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating is also utilized for clarity of the dial. 

The Satellite Wave F100 caliber found in the CC2006-61E has some incredible features.  This piece is capable of connecting to a single satellite to determine accuracy.  Using the satellite, the piece will calibrate its accuracy based on the satellite's wave signal and timing information.  This will not determine timezone based on location, but provides an accuracy update for minutes, seconds, and date.  This information can be obtained in as little as 3 seconds, taking a maximum of 20 seconds to receive.  Timing information can be obtained from the satellites either manually by holding the lower right button for 3 seconds, or it will automatically update when exposed to sunlight.  If the piece does not obtain information from satellites, no worries...  This piece has an accuracy rating of only +/- 5 seconds per month without connection.  Powered by light, this piece has a power reserve of 2 years in the dark from a full charge while running, or up to an amazing 7 years while in sleep mode.  This is one of the longest solar power reserves Citizen has ever had.

For changing timezones, the Satellite Wave F100 uses an electronic crown for easy adjustments and contains all 40 timezones, with 27 city codes attached on the inside of the crystal.  When the crown is pulled out to the first click, the second hand will quickly spin around and point to the city code on the inside of the bezel that you are currently set for.  By turning the crown, you can select a new city code and the hands will adjust themselves at a speed unlike any other.  The hands fly quickly to the new destinations time, which apparently was a large hurdle for Citizen to overcome.  The motor used to adjust those the hands needs enough power to drive the hands at this faster speed, and Citizen was able to achieve this utilizing their own proprietary technology.

The Citizen Satellite Wave F100 is a perpetual calendar, that displays date and day of the week.  The sub dial at 8:00 will display day of the week, but if you push the upper right button, the hand for that sub dial will show your current power reserve.  At the same time, all three of your central hands will come together and fly somewhere between the 12:00 and 6:00 hour marker.  This is your light level indicator, a first from Citizen.  This will show how well your watch is charging, more so how sufficient the lighting is.  If the hands land closer to 12:00, the light is low.  If they fly closer to 6:00, the light level is high and charging is more efficient.  You can also use your upper left button to adjust daylight savings.  With the crown out one click, hold the upper right button for a couple of seconds and it will turn DST on or off.  

The Citizen Satellite Wave F100 CC2006-61E is hand finished and hand assembled in Citizen's facility in the city of Iida, part of the Nagano prefecture of central Japan.  The assembly of these pieces is quite difficult and takes skill and the aid of computers to check alignment as well as other attributes.  Even the attachment of the seconds hand is difficult, as the tail end is so large.  The slightest imperfection in assembling the second hand can cause this hand to catch on others.  Thanks to the skills of the craftsmen and women at this facility, there is no need to worry.

The CC2006-61E retails for $1,800 and be purchased directly on AZ Fine Time HERE. 

Don't forget to follow AZ Fine Time as we attend the Baselworld Fair in Basel, Switzerland starting March 19th to  see all new Citizen releases for 2015!  Get more details HERE.

See our video review below...

Thanks for reading!