About the World
With the emergence of interactive and generative AI, the wave of informatization is expected to accelerate even further. While this will bring greater convenience, I feel it will also become increasingly difficult to discern what is true amid the ever-growing flood of information. In such times, what we choose to believe in and what we rely on may become major issues for people living in the modern era.
Personally, I feel that only the physical sensations we can actually touch, rather than intangible data or information, will remain as something certain. For example, the revival of records, which embody sound waves in physical form, or the growing trend toward outdoor activities that allow direct contact with nature, are already appearing as reactions to this. I believe these actions are ways to reconnect our bodily senses with the tangible reality of the world, helping us regain a neutral sense of self. As makers of watches—objects with physical presence that can be touched—we may need to once again consider this as one of our strengths.
About Time
It is said that the universe began about 13.8 billion years ago, and that modern humans appeared about 200,000 years ago. In the early days, the universe was filled with something like gas, which over a long period condensed to form stars, and from those, we were eventually born. Professor Kenta Fujisawa of the Yamaguchi University Institute of Chrono-Science, who spoke at a CITIZEN event in 2018, said in his lecture, "We are made of stardust." In the Christian ritual of Ash Wednesday, there is a prayer, "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust," and a cross is marked on the forehead with ashes from burned palms. I felt that this prayer also connects to the idea that "we are made of stardust." All of us will one day return to ashes and stardust. Just remembering this can enrich our imagination a little.
About CITIZEN
In recent years, the design department has been conducting a design source project to explore what makes a CITIZEN-like design. Through these activities, what I personally feel lies at the core of CITIZEN is "charm." This seems especially condensed in the unique watches of the 1970s and 1980s. For example, watches like the Tsuno Chrono, Ana-Digi, Voice Memo, and Sound Witch. From these models, you can sense a playful spirit that enjoys empty space and the dedication of the creators.
In the design source research for ALTERNA, a radio-controlled watch inspired by LCD TVs, there was a phrase: "Is there a marriage between authorship and branding?" I believe this can especially be found in watches like the Tsuno Chrono and Ana-Digi Temp. The designers of that era skillfully balanced their own authorship with industrial design practices, and their efforts to create alternative watches are evident there.
About My Own Interests
Open-source CG applications have rapidly advanced, and many high-quality digital art pieces by individual creators are now being produced. These works feature the kind of free thinking unique to the digital world, which lacks physical mass, and have a sculptural appeal that excites just by looking at them. Among these creators is JANIS SNE, a CG artist who mainly focuses on technical sportswear. JANIS SNE presents visions of near-future techwear with refined sensibility. When I see these works, I feel they are wearables for future survivalists. I thought these are garments that give the wearer the strength to survive the present and the courage to face the future. For the watch I am designing this time, I also hoped it would inspire such a mindset in those who wear it.
Design Direction
As a direction for the sculptural design, I kept in mind "a simple framework with playful details." While the outline is primitive in form, the design is packed with playful details in the finer points.
By intentionally using a small movement within the external dimensions of 42mm x 37mm, I wanted to create open space and use it as a canvas to try various expressions.
The structure, as shown in the diagram, is divided into a case body and a case back with lugs that provide ample open space, and these are combined with armor parts that serve to protect them. The armor parts also function as custom parts.
As ideas for customizing the armor parts, I envisioned muted blue, sand color, or bold red. By combining these with the band, you can express your individuality. I think it would be interesting if such playful customization could be realized.
As I mentioned at the beginning, I wanted to create a design that condenses thoughts directed in all directions. At the same time, I wanted it to be an alternative watch unlike any seen before, and a watch with the unique charm of CITIZEN. If I were to sum up the concept in a single phrase, it would be something like "a future that feels nostalgic, though never seen before."
Rather than fearing an uncertain future, we should have the strength to live through the present and the courage to face the future. To do that, we need to make the future something familiar. I believe this is something only CITIZEN, a company that has continued to take on challenges and create numerous futuristic watches while bearing the name "Citizen," can achieve.
Design Proposal Materials