Thinking About 'Time' for Children
In 1968, CITIZEN released a children's watch called KINDER TIME. Based on the idea that 'even small children can easily read the time,' it was a groundbreaking watch that used a fan-shaped graphic to indicate time zones and matched the colors at the tips of the hour and minute hands, making it friendly for children. Even today, that spirit and design remain vivid, continuing to captivate people of all ages. At the time, the watch used a mechanical movement that was almost too fine for a children's watch. Perhaps this reflected the desire for children to use something as good as what adults use.
During the design source project, we discovered another KINDER TIME. This KINDER TIME had a charm that even adults would want to wear. It was a unique watch with a nostalgic atmosphere that, though understated, gradually grows on you. I wanted to create such a long-loved watch for today's children.
A Design You’ll Want to Use Even as an Adult
The new KINDER TIME aims for a gentle presence, like plain yogurt. I wanted the watch to have a sense of openness, blending softly with any material without being overly distinctive. And rather than assuming a children's watch must be colorful or cute, I pursued a design from scratch that even adults would want to use. There are four key points I valued in the design.
① To ensure the watch can be used for a long time, it should be as unadorned as possible, with a minimal, timeless form.
② Within its simplicity, it should have points of charm and attachment.
③ Although it is a solid metal watch, it should feel as warm and pleasant as glass or ceramics, with a comfortable shape and texture that doesn’t feel cold.
④ From the perspective of being user-friendly, it must not lack the essential function of being easy to read the time.
Perfectly Round and Plump
Seen from the front, this watch has a perfectly round shape and a case size of 32mm, making it a comfortable fit for children and adult women alike. The case sides are softly rounded, and the glass is a plump box glass, giving it a taut yet gentle form.
Made to Be Used for Years
To ensure it can be used for years, we chose a pass-through leather strap that can be easily replaced when worn out. The pass-through design also prevents the coldness of the metal case back from reaching the wrist. Additionally, to minimize the metallic feel, we used a smooth sand-blast finish. This softly reflects light, giving the watch a pleasant, smooth texture.
Charming Numerals
The Arabic numerals are the same as those used in the original KINDER TIME. These thin, delicate, and somewhat endearing numerals gradually grow on you from the first glance, giving the watch a mysterious charm that promises to be loved for a long time. Also, to ensure the time is easy to read, we used longer hands and added luminescence to the indexes and hands so the time can be seen even at night.
A New Story with the Owner
For example, we imagined a new story between the watch and its wearer, such as remaking a used school backpack into a leather strap for the watch, giving it new life as a product that marks time with its owner. I hope that, as the watch is used over many years, a story will develop between it and its owner, and that it will become something unique to that person.