Officially known as the Citizen Imperial Battle AW1857-57W, the latest Star Wars collaboration goes straight for the franchise’s most recognizable hardware. The red-and-black metal dial uses original embossed artwork to turn the Death Star into a richly textured backdrop, while a swarm of TIE Fighters appears to fly above it. An applied Galactic Empire crest occupies 12 o’clock, and the date window sits at 3 o’clock without trying to compete with the miniature space battle.
Death Star detail, wearable hardware
Citizen did not stop at decorating the dial. The angular, hexagonal 42 mm stainless-steel case is finished in dark gray ion plating and shaped to recall the six-sided solar panels of a TIE Fighter. A matching ion-plated steel bracelet mixes brushed surfaces with glossy central details and closes with a fold-over clasp and twin push buttons.
A ring of oversized five-minute numerals around the crystal reinforces the industrial styling, with selected markings picked out in red. The watch looks almost architectural from the front, but a relatively conventional crown and three-link bracelet keep the construction familiar.
The rear view continues the theme with an engraved Imperial crest, Star Wars branding and Lucasfilm licensing. It also confirms 10-bar water resistance, equivalent to 100 metres. A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the elaborate dial, giving the watch specifications suited to regular wear rather than display-case duty. Citizen also supplies special Star Wars presentation packaging, including a black cylindrical inner box and an illustrated outer carton.
Eco-Drive beneath the Empire
Power comes from Citizen’s J810 Eco-Drive movement. It converts available light into electrical energy, so routine disposable-battery changes are unnecessary. The straightforward display provides hours, minutes, seconds and a date indication—useful functions that keep the visual drama on the dial rather than adding more subdials. Citizen’s instructions for the J7/J8 movement family specify accuracy within ±15 seconds per month under normal operating conditions.
Despite the aggressive styling, the silver-tone hands, applied hour markers and red accents create enough contrast to read the time quickly. The 42 mm case will still have a substantial presence, however, and the integrated-looking bracelet and broad shoulders make this more of a statement piece than a discreet everyday watch.
Price, availability and verdict
Citizen lists the Imperial Battle AW1857-57W at $525 in the United States, while the announced Canadian price is CA$695. The US product page shows the watch available to order and covers it with Citizen’s five-year limited warranty. Citizen does not describe the model as a numbered or limited edition.
That makes the AW1857-57W an unusually practical slice of Imperial memorabilia. It has the unapologetically theatrical dial collectors expect from a Star Wars collaboration, but sapphire crystal, 100-metre water resistance, a steel bracelet and solar power keep it from becoming a mere costume prop. For anyone who thinks the Dark Side could use better punctuality, Citizen has produced a convincing recruitment tool.
Be the first to comment