When you think of 'quantity fishing,' smelt fishing probably comes to mind. It's not just about recording numbers; there's also the enjoyment of setting goals, like 'I'm going to catch 100 fish today!' and striving to achieve them. Incidentally, it is said that true masters can record catches of over 1,000 fish in a single day. I thought that by operating the watch and marking each catch on the counter, the sense of achievement from each fish could bring even more joy and serve as motivation to catch the next one.
While using digital devices like smartwatches to record catches is certainly rational and convenient for keeping detailed records in today's world, the tactile sensation of clicking an analog counter by hand, with its satisfying 'click,' evokes a primal sense of comfort. This is similar to the feeling of winding a mechanical watch and having it tell time. I envisioned a fishing tool that combines the pleasure of counting catches with the act of operating a watch by hand. I am drawn to this kind of 'relationship between people and objects,' where not only functionality but also the act of touching the object brings joy. When you can find happiness in such small experiences, you realize you have room in your heart. You can feel this very sensation when fishing.
As a Tool for Fishing
As a tool that accompanies the sense of achievement when catching a fish, I explored a structure that considers both water resistance and operability. The satisfying feel of the counter's click is especially important for operability. After disassembling various commercially available counters to understand their mechanisms, I created a 3D model that combines the structure of a rotating bezel with a counter. The sound and weight of the 'click' when operating it are pleasant, and I hope people will experience it for themselves. Additionally, as an environmental consideration, I adopted a rubber strap made from recycled materials. I believe that protecting an environment where anglers and fish can coexist is crucial for maintaining a long-term cycle. Future challenges include further improving water resistance, reducing weight, and creating a shape that can be used regardless of dominant hand.
Charm
When considering how to integrate the counter mechanism, I decided to incorporate the inherent charm of an analog counter while giving it a CITIZEN-like form. Therefore, rather than imposing an outdoor or sporty impression associated with fishing, I aimed for the simple, utilitarian feel of a measuring instrument. I believe this led to the CITIZEN design philosophy of 'harmonizing contradictory elements.'
In searching for a form that embodies the essential functions of a tool, I arrived at a design that fits the operation of placing your thumb at the 6 o'clock position of the case, holding the counter with your index finger, and clicking the counter as if pinching it. Furthermore, I focused on water resistance and robustness, finishing it as a tool that encloses the mechanism. Although the result is a shape packed with interesting internal structures, I chose not to make it skeletonized because imagining the inner workings is one of the joys of a mechanical watch. Watch enthusiasts know that they will eventually disassemble it to enjoy the inside, so I believe this was the right choice. To me, it resembles the shape of a bear—relaxing by the riverside, basking in the sun, and then suddenly catching and eating fish. The form, swollen from eating many fish, and the claw-like sliding click parts of the counter evoke a bear-like feel. I digress, but in the end, I think it became a CITIZEN-like watch that is both charming and highly functional.
Creating an Epoch-Making Watch
The theme of this competition was to propose an epoch-making model that incorporates the design of emotion into the process and captures the essence of CITIZEN design. Inspired by the emotions that emerge from 'design that is close to specific users,' one of the CITIZEN design principles, I aimed to propose an innovative model by integrating highly compatible functions into the exterior. Finally, I would like to pay tribute to the predecessors at CITIZEN who have created many epoch-making watches by fusing highly compatible functions with watches.