MUJI Solar – Wristwatch with Citizen Solar Movement and Zero-Digit Dial – Very Well Preserved

A watch from the Japanese design house MUJI (無印良品), powered by a solar movement from Citizen. It comes without a brand mark on the dial, without a model name, and without decorative elements. What remains is a display.

The case back bears the engravings SOLAR POWER, WATER RESISTANT, STAINLESS STEEL, the reference E031-004090-01, the indications MOVEMENT JAPAN and CASED IN CHINA, as well as the serial number 751050322.

"No-brand goods, of good quality"

MUJI was founded in 1980 under the name 無印良品 — literally: "no-brand goods, of good quality." What began as a trademark became a sustained design principle: no logos on the product, no signal colors, no superfluous functions.

The watches of the house are the most consistent application of this principle because a watch particularly suggests the temptation for self-expression. MUJI has omitted it. The solar models were not manufactured in-house but by Citizen — the company that has been developing light conversion in wristwatches since the seventies and markets it under the name Eco-Drive. The reference E031 on the case back is a Citizen caliber designation.

Design

The remarkable thing about this watch is the numeral arrangement. At the twelve o'clock position, there is a 0, and the series continues in increments of two: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10. The circle of hands is thus read as what it physically is — a scale that begins at zero, not at twelve.

The numeral plane is complemented by a fine inner minute track with emphasized five-minute markers and a second, outer ring of dashes on the raised case edge. The scale thus extends beyond the dial surface and gives the watch a spatial depth that would not arise from the flat dial alone.

Hands and numerals are in plain black on a matte white background. The brushed stainless steel case is perfectly round and designed without lugs; the leather strap attaches in recesses of the case wall.

Dating

This model belongs to MUJI's discontinued solar watch program. Precise dating is not possible without manufacturer's documents; we do not provide one.

Condition and Origin

The watch comes from a Japanese specialty store and was checked there before sale.

It is in very good condition. The white dial is clean, without stains, discoloration, or printing errors; all numerals and minute markers are complete. The hands are straight and undamaged. The glass is clear and without discernible scratches. The stainless steel case shows only slight handling marks on the edge surface. The crown is smooth. The case back has fine scuff marks; the engraving is complete and clearly legible. The original leather strap is lightly worn, supple, and shows only the usual surface creasing at the wrist curve.

Please note: With solar watches, the charging capacity of the accumulator decreases over the years. The watch is running; the remaining power reserve after full charge may deviate from the original factory specification.

The actual condition is shown unretouched in the product photos.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: MUJI (無印良品)
• Reference: E031-004090-01
• Serial number: 751050322
• Movement: Solar quartz, analog, Citizen caliber E031
• Functions: Hour, minute, second
• Case: Stainless steel, round
• Diameter without crown: 36.1 mm
• Height: 9.1 mm
• Lug width: 19 mm
• Weight including strap: 39 g
• Dial: Matte white with zero numeral at 12 o'clock and numerals in increments of two
• Strap: Original leather strap
• Origin: Movement manufactured in Japan, case assembled in China

For Whom?

For lovers of minimalist Japanese design. For wearers with slim to medium wrists, for whom 36 millimeters is just right. And for anyone looking for a watch that neither needs winding nor a new battery – it's enough to expose it to light.

Warranty (used)

This is a used item. The limitation period for claims for defects under the statutory warranty is 12 months from delivery.

Note on water resistance

Water resistance is not guaranteed. The case back engraving indicates the condition upon delivery. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.