6 Sustainable Eco-Drive Watches for Grads and Dads

For some occasions, there’s no gift like a really good watch. That’s because a high-quality timepiece is both elegant and practical, and that’s a rare combination. So whether you’re celebrating a new graduate embarking on the next stage of life or a dad crushing the parent stage of life, a great watch is the way to go.

Just make it something special, like a Citizen watch powered by any light with Eco-Drive. Citizen pioneered this environmentally-friendly technology in 1976, and has been perfecting it ever since. Eco-Drive uses light to power your watch, and that doesn’t just mean solar. Eco-Drive works by passively charging your watch from both natural and artificial light. In the 50 years since it debuted, Citizen estimates that the technology has saved over 100 million batteries from the landfill.

Eco-Drive can be found in Citizen watches across the spectrum, from everyday models with just-right style to performance pieces designed for the outdoors. Add Citizen’s well-earned reputation for precision, durability, and innovation, and there’s no doubt this is one gift that will be appreciated for years to come. Just match one of these Eco-Drive models to whoever is on your list.

For Ocean Lovers

Promaster Dive E365

This limited-edition watch is as functional as it is fashionable, with 300m water resistance and practical features—like the uni-directional dive-time bezel—that avid divers will love. They’ll also dig the unique dial, made from 100% recycled polycarbonate and designed to reflect different aquatic colors as it catches the light with Fujifilm technology, a first-for-the-industry collaboration. With an impact- and shatter-resistant sapphire crystal, it’s durable enough to handle life at sea. Plus, it comes equipped with the Eco-Drive 365 movement, which keeps the watch running for a full year on a single power reserve. (For divers and ocean-lovers who don’t need as many features, check out the nautically inspired Endeavor Chrono or the non-E365 version of the Promaster Dive, complete with a more-than-capable 200m water resistance.)

For the Business-Minded

Corso

Whether it’s your first post-college job or you’re high on the corporate ladder, you want a watch that commands respect. The Corso’s classic style stands out everywhere, from office meetings to video calls. It has an eye-catching black three-hand dial, gold-tone stainless steel case, and a classy steel band with foldover clasp.

For the Sky Lover

Promaster Navihawk

Pilot? Fan of aeronautic style? Very frequent flyer? All good reasons to go with the Navihawk 40mm, which has a bold, timeless look paired with in-flight utility. Slide-rule scales on the bezel provide info on speed and fuel usage, with luminescence on the main hands for visibility in dark cabins. Of course, you don’t need to be a pilot to appreciate the impressive look of this watch, and the chronograph, date, and 24-hour time displays deliver everyday functionality for anyone. It’s a great way to say the sky’s the limit.

For the Literary Type

Rolan and Citizen L Bianca

There’s something about the charm and enduring sophistication of these watches that pairs well with old paperbacks and vintage typewriters. The Rolan’s silver-tone stainless steel case, textured dial, and leather strap complement each other, and the watch has 24-hour, weekday, and running time dials. The Citizen L Bianca allows its simplicity to do the talking, with a jewelry-like, art deco-inspired look. They’ll be the envy of everyone at the hometown bookstore.

For the Stargazer

Calendrier

The astrally-inclined will appreciate the Calendrier, which tracks moon phase and more. The date-driven watch also has month, day, and date dials, so they’ll not only be able to keep track of the full moon, but know which full moon it is. And with the Calendrier’s luminous hands, they’ll be able to easily keep track of time during late-night stargazing sessions.

For Art Lovers

Suratto and Fio Collection

All of Citizen’s watches are visually striking in one way or the other, but for those with a sharp eye for color and simplicity, the unisex Suratto watch and the women’s Fio Collection are hard to beat. The Suratto has a classic look with clean lines and subtle yet eye-catching shades, while the Fio Collection offers multiple styles of vintage-inspired watches, bursting with color or simmering with understated elegance, perfect for mixing, matching, and stacking. They pair well with studio sessions and gallery openings alike.

CITIZEN WATCH is a true manufacture d’horlogerie with the ability to carry out the entire watchmaking process in-house. Founded in 1918, Citizen is guided by the belief of “Better Starts Now.” CITIZEN has advanced watchmaking through craftsmanship, continuous innovation, and technologies such as its proprietary light-powered Eco-Drive technology.