Watches with distinctive details tend to be chosen only by certain buyers and wearers, but this model eliminates excessive decoration, offering a simple and elegant design that appeals to everyone.
Even within its simple details, there are several sparkling highlights.
The slim bezel gives the case an elegant finish and further emphasizes its thinness. Special attention has been paid to the indexes as well; by combining a matte-finished dial and ring with polished hands and indexes, the watch achieves a brilliant visual effect.
Because of its simplicity, this watch is likely to be loved by a wide range of people for a long time, regardless of who wears it.
A watch that is truly faithful to the fundamentals of watch design. The ring and the indexes on the dial feature unique expressions.
V-cut indexes that sparkle are arranged on the indicator ring.
A dial with a matte texture.
Easy-to-read hands.
A dial with a refined design and excellent legibility.
Lugs designed with smooth curves.
ENGINEER'S EYE
Slim Eco-Drive Hit
A model equipped with an Eco-Drive movement that achieves a slim profile by incorporating a donut-shaped solar cell. It was developed to expand Eco-Drive sales in overseas markets such as the United States, where there is strong demand for ultra-thin dress watches. By positioning an ultra-thin movement at the center and arranging the solar cells around it, we devised a new architecture that achieves a bold level of thinness previously unthinkable for Eco-Drive. The movement thickness is under 2 mm, giving rise to an Eco-Drive movement befitting an ultra-thin dress watch. Meanwhile, because the center of the solar cell is cut out, the generated power is reduced; however, thanks to technological advances that have lowered Eco-Drive’s power consumption, this movement has significantly reduced the overall power draw of the watch—including the IC and motor—making it possible to deliver a long duration of seven months on a full charge despite its slim form.
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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?