Windup in a Lake 2026: Celebrating Citizen Eco-Drive's 50th Anniversary with a Daring Recovery

Celebrating Five Decades of Citizen Eco-Drive

Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology has revolutionized watchmaking by harnessing any light source to power timepieces. This year marks its 50th anniversary, and USASHOP Watches marked the occasion with a unique diving expedition on Lake Michigan. The event, affectionately dubbed "Windup in a Lake," coincided with the Windup Watch Fair Chicago and brought together enthusiasts to test Eco-Drive’s capabilities in the dark depths.

The Mission: Light in the Dark

The concept was simple: take Citizen light-powered watches into the murky waters of Lake Michigan and prove they can thrive even without direct sunlight. Armed with OrcaTorch dive lights and Ombraz armless sunglasses, the team set out to explore the wreck of the Wells Burt, an 1873 bulk carrier resting at a depth of about 40 feet.

The journey was anything but smooth. Rough waters and a last-minute captain change added to the tension, but the team pressed on, embodying a mission-focused spirit. Once anchored, divers quickly distributed a range of Citizen Promaster watches, including the new 42mm WaveTracker, the 39mm Promaster Land GMT, and various dive models. Each watch shared the same core: the ability to run on any ambient light, even the focused beam of a dive torch.

A Watch Lost and Found

Among the divers was James, who chose to wear a vintage mid-1990s Aqualand Duplex. As the team gathered for a group photo before descending, the watch’s aged dive extension gave way, and the Aqualand slipped off his wrist and plummeted into the depths. The mood briefly dampened, but the divers continued, knowing the recovery was unlikely.

Meanwhile, photographer Geoff Gerrits, after completing his assigned tasks, decided to take a final lap around the wreck for pure enjoyment. Cruising along the port side, he spotted a glint of metal half-buried in silt. Initially thinking it was a historical artifact, he was about to leave it when logic struck: 19th-century sailors didn’t wear Aqualands. He retrieved the watch and surfaced.

An Impossible Recovery

Back on the boat, the team was planning a search-and-recovery dive for James’s watch when Geoff boarded and asked, "Was it this one?" The boat erupted in cheers. The Aqualand had not only survived its unintended plunge but also logged the entire dive profile, ticking normally. The odds of it landing perfectly inside the wreck and being spotted by a diver on a casual lap were minuscule, yet it happened.

Eco-Drive’s Resilience in the Deep

This remarkable recovery served as a perfect metaphor for Eco-Drive’s fifty-year legacy. Even in the darkest, most challenging conditions, Citizen’s light-powered technology endures. The event highlighted the durability and reliability of these watches, proving that they can find light even in the depths of a lake.

Buying Tips for Citizen Eco-Drive Watches

When considering a Citizen Eco-Drive watch, look for models that match your lifestyle. For divers, the Promaster Dive series offers ISO-rated water resistance and robust construction. The WaveTracker is ideal for those who need tide data, while the Land GMT suits frequent travelers. Always ensure the watch is fully charged before use, and remember that Eco-Drive movements can run for months on a full charge, even in low light.

Authenticity Notes

When purchasing a Citizen Eco-Drive watch, especially vintage models like the Aqualand, verify authenticity through official serial numbers and documentation. Be cautious of replicas that may not have the same light-powered movement. For peace of mind, buy from authorized dealers or trusted sources like USASHOP Watches.

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