Deskripsi
Up for sale is the highly collectible Citizen Record Label Eco-Drive “PROTO” (Ref. BM8541-82L), an exclusive Japan Domestic Market (JDM) release.
This timepiece is a modern faithful recreation of a “phantom prototype”—a solar-powered analog watch created by Citizen in 1974 that was never commercialized at the time. Re-engineered directly from Citizen’s original 1974 hand-drawn archives, it features a signature 6-section split blue dial with white crosshair graphics, a faceted cushion case, and an integrated stainless steel mesh bracelet.
Powered by Citizen’s Eco-Drive movement (Cal. E101), this piece perfectly merges 1970s futuristic design with modern light-charging reliability.
Specifications
Brand: Citizen
Model: Record Label Eco-Drive “PROTO” (JDM Model)
Reference Number: BM8541-82L (Case Ref. E101-S117437)
Movement: Citizen Caliber E101 Eco-Drive Solar (Japan Movement)
Case Diameter: 38 mm (excluding crown)
Lug-to-Lug Distance: 42 mm
Case Thickness: 10.4 mm
Case Material: Stainless Steel (Brushed finish with polished side facets)
Dial: Retro Electric Blue 6-Segment Crosshair Dial with Gold/Yellow Chapter Ring & Day-Date Display at 3 o’clock
Glass: High-profile Cut Mineral Crystal
Water Resistance: 5 BAR (50m)
Bracelet: Original Citizen stainless steel mesh (Milanese style) bracelet with signed clasp
Condition
Overall Condition: Pre-owned, 100% all original (case, dial, movement, hands, and factory mesh bracelet).
Cosmetic Details: Features light hairline scratches on the case and crystal from gentle wear, maintaining its honest, unpolished finish.
Functionality: 100% fully operational. The Eco-Drive solar capacitor charges smoothly under ambient light, and timekeeping/day-date functions work perfectly.
Collector’s Note: Why This Watch Is in High Demand
1974 “Phantom Prototype” Heritage: Unlike standard retro reissues, the PROTO is based on a real 1974 Citizen solar prototype that was locked in the company archives for 44 years before being revived in the Record Label collection.
Japan Domestic Market (JDM) Exclusive: The BM8541-82L reference was released primarily for the Japanese market, making it significantly harder to find and highly desirable among international Collectors.
Striking 6-Segment Crosshair Graphic: The bold white “X” geometry paired against the electric blue center and gold chapter ring represents one of the most distinctive Japanese watch dial layouts of the 1970s aesthetic era.
Ideal Proportions: At 38 mm diameter and 42 mm lug-to-lug, it delivers authentic retro sizing and wears comfortably on all wrist sizes.
All-Original Condition: Retaining its original Citizen-signed Milanese mesh bracelet completes the vintage-futuristic look.
