To put it simply, this watch is a "watch that demonstrates a new relationship between analog and digital." It can also be seen as a challenge to refresh the busy impression often associated with digital watches.
In 1978, CITIZEN released the "Digi-Ana," the first domestically produced combination watch in Japan. Early combination watches featured a layout where the digital and analog displays were independent. Later, integrated designs with digital displays beneath the hands became mainstream, and this model’s LCD layout follows that type.
The standout feature of this model is undoubtedly its digital display shutter function. Normally, it can be worn as a simple three-hand watch, and the digital display can be called up only when you want to use functions like the calendar or chronograph. As the name "shutter" suggests, the LCD opens and closes gradually from top to bottom, creating an attractive effect. This model pursues the best of both worlds: the simplicity and luxury of a watch, and the functionality of digital. If the always-on combination watches, which create a mechanical and busy design reminiscent of cockpit instruments, represent the first generation of "fusion of analog and digital," then this model, which blends the LCD into the background except when needed to achieve both simplicity and luxury, could be called the second generation.
The bezel with a circular hairline finish creates a striking design. When the shutter is closed, it looks like nothing more than a simple three-hand watch. The off-center logo placement, designed to avoid the LCD display when the shutter is open, enhances its modern feel.
The substantial mass and the beauty of the watch’s appearance stand out. The side view of the lugs is also beautifully designed, giving the exterior both product appeal and the charm of a watch.
The shape of the end piece is adjusted so that a crescent-shaped surface does not appear in the surface between the lugs.
The case intentionally avoids techniques like adding slopes to the underside of the bezel or case body to make it look thinner, resulting in a solid, so-called "bento box" shape. The push buttons, with their rounded cube corners, match the case and strongly convey the intention to achieve a solid design. The band length can be adjusted in eight steps at the spring bar position, and further adjusted in two steps at the buckle. The buckle is a double-lock type used in authentic sports watches.
The first four links are gently tapered, connecting smoothly in a straight line to give a high-quality impression. The link shape connects the large arc on the top surface and the flat on the bottom with a curve, and since there are no edges, it gives a glamorous impression.
The shutter opening effect. The LCD is usually hidden, so the watch never looks thin, and you can sense the high level of movement completion. The 7-segment characters (numbers) are not just simple hexagons, but are designed for maximum readability.
The lugs have a complex surface composition, but since the entire surface is polished, the chamfered parts are rounded, giving it a lustrous feel.
The band length can be adjusted in eight steps at the spring bar position, and further adjusted in two steps at the buckle. The buckle is a double-lock type used in authentic sports watches.
ENGINEER'S EYE
Multifunctionality but Fashionable
This distinctive combination watch takes the “fusion of analog and digital” a step further by adopting a shuttered LCD structure: in normal use it functions as an analog watch, and when a button is pressed, a panel opens to reveal a digital display. By placing a black LCD panel on the front that integrates visually with the analog dial, the digital readout remains hidden. As a result, even while offering numerous features such as World Time for major cities around the globe, a chronograph, and an alarm, it presents a simple and fashionable analog-watch style whenever the shutter is closed. It is a wristwatch designed to be used differently depending on the scene, with a particular strength in fashion elements.