My first impression of this watch was that it is designed for women with refined beauty. The design seems to emphasize a smooth flow from the case to the band to create a feminine sense of balance. The ridge on the case lug serves as an accent, combining elegant sparkle and glamour. The indexes are arranged closer to the outer edge of the dial, leaving a wide open space in the center, which gives the entire dial a clean look and improves legibility. The iconic three-star design is well balanced on the dial. I believe that a design with both elegance and quality always feels beautiful, no matter the era.
One of the luxury line models of the time. Attention to detail, such as the indexes, gives this watch a sense of luxury.
The logo is discreetly engraved on the back of the buckle.
The crown with the C mark provides a sense of reassurance.
The symbolic three stars.
A highly legible dial and the symbolic three stars, achieved through skillful use of space.
The beautiful ridge at the tip of the lug, which also serves as an accent.
ENGINEER'S EYE
Enhance the Technology
It is no exaggeration to say that the factors behind CITIZEN’s postwar growth in both quality and volume lay in improving the precision of the parts and achieving near-complete interchangeability of components. Once the precision of the parts is ensured, it becomes possible for skilled technicians to perform special adjustments on high‑grade calibers for the first time. And with component interchangeability secured, mass production also becomes feasible. Precisely machining the positions and diameters of the various holes—so‑called “assorted holes” in the main plate and bridges known as the ébauche, that is, the holes into which jewels and pins are sub‑assembled—is indispensable for ensuring a watch’s performance. In the 1950s, CITIZEN made large‑scale investments, strengthened its tooling department, and mastered pressing technology for “finish punching” these assorted holes. This technology was first deployed in the manufacture of women’s watch movements because, assuming the same machining precision, smaller movements are more susceptible to performance being affected by variations in parts. The Super Queen is a rare specially adjusted model among CITIZEN’s women’s mechanical watches and can be called a gem that demonstrates the advancement of its parts‑manufacturing technology.
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Retro Future
In the 1970s, a new method of time display—digital display—was developed. At the time, this display function evoked expectations for watches of the near future. This watch was designed based on the idea of utilizing the effectiveness of digital display and, for the first time, adding a calculator function to a wristwatch. The first domestically produced wristwatch to combine watch and calculator functions is expressed with a unique design style: a central display monitor and 23 push buttons arranged radially around the perimeter. Achieving this in the classic round shape of a wristwatch is a testament to the creativity of watch designers. The artificial brilliance of the push buttons, arranged every 15 degrees. The simple lines of the case and band, free from any recesses or protrusions. These are the result of traditional machining, and the combination of a thick case and cool digital display creates a retro-futuristic feel through the imbalance of old and new technologies. Additionally, this early model is unified in gold, skillfully using gold with different textures for each exterior part, creating an elegant atmosphere despite the flashy color scheme. Although the distinctive button layout did not become standard, it exudes the coolness and pride of being a pioneer.
Feeling Light
Urushi beads, diamonds, and smoked glass—each reflects light differently, revealing a model with depth and ever-changing expressions depending on the light source and time of day. The simplicity of the case shape and dial design highlights the beauty of the details, allowing you to sense not mechanical time, but the gentle passage of time illuminated by light. Although there are no indexes on the dial, the hour and minute hands are easy to read, giving the impression of a bracelet that also functions as a watch. Furthermore, urushi lacquer is not presented in the traditional way, but is fused with the watch in a modern design, letting you enjoy a contemporary expression of traditional craftsmanship. Despite its asymmetrical shape, it is comfortable to wear and offers a special feeling, as if wearing modern jewelry.
Vitality of Nature
Many CITIZEN L models are inspired by shapes and light found in nature, and this model is themed around 'morning dew.' The three diamonds on the case move smoothly along the curve of the case, and the indexes are scattered across the dial, creating a story that evokes scenes from nature even for those who know nothing about the watch. Looking at the parts, despite the many asymmetrical elements—such as the dial pattern, index arrangement, crown position, and case shape—each is balanced in its placement, so there is no sense of discomfort or difficulty in wearing it. The asymmetrical design brings a rhythm and movement reminiscent of the vitality of nature, making you feel a relaxed, natural flow of time rather than a uniform one. Although the watch uses many diamonds and has a jewelry-like feel, the arrangement of the indexes and the spacing between the case and band give it an airy look, making it suitable for everyday wear as well.
From Small Cues to Decoration
"Band, hands, circle"—these are the minimal components by which people recognize a watch. ◆ A watch is a "wrist" watch because it has a band. ◆ A watch is a watch because it has hands. ◆ Time was created from the recurring cycles (circles) of celestial bodies. This model seems to be a textbook example of a "watch" that focuses on these three elements. By lavishly decorating these three elements, it clearly establishes the hierarchy among the other components. Isn’t this the ideal model for all watches, combining the "watch-like" qualities users seek with the beauty of an ornament that satisfies them?