Citizen explains that the “black washi paper dial features a kasure brushstroke effect created with gold leaf together with a brown gradient that is reminiscent of autumn colors.” It creates the impression of a broad landscape view.
The reference AQ4103-16W case is also made from Citizen’s Super titanium, but the golden color comes from a new version of the brand’s Duratect coating called Amber Yellow, which is appearing for the first time.
As with the rest of the washi dial The Citizen 30th Anniversary Collection references, both watches are powered by the in-house caliber A060 solar-quartz movement, which has an astounding accuracy of +/-5 seconds per year.
The icy reference AQ4100-22A has two advantages over the Grand Seiko Snowflake. The Snowflake uses Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive, the second most accurate mechanical movement ever created, but it still can’t compete with the quartz A060.
Citizen’s other edge is price, with The Citizen selling for just under half the price of a Grand Seiko reference SBGA211.
Plus, if you prefer smaller watches, the Citizen measures 38mm, compared to the Grand Seiko’s 41mm case.