Linking DNA

PROMASTER Radio-Controlled

https://ms.citizen.jp/assets/top

2025.08.19

This model is a multifunction Eco-Drive light-powered radio-controlled watch developed in the early 2000s as CITIZEN advanced the Eco-Drive (light-powered) adoption across its watches. It was developed to lead the LAND category of PROMASTER, which deploys models across the LAND, SKY, and MARINE domains.

The exterior specification features a titanium exterior treated with a surface finishing called Duratect, a domed sapphire glass with Anti-reflective coating, 20-bar water resistance, a double-lock clasp on the band, and a Fit Adjuster that allows one-touch micro-adjustment of the band length—specs befitting a top-tier model in the LAND category. The movement also offers many functions, including a chronograph, local time, alarm, and perpetual calendar.

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Equipped with the “Fit Adjuster,” a CITIZEN-original mechanism that had begun to be adopted at the time. Because wrist thickness can change with day-to-day physical condition, it is a feature whose convenience can be felt in daily use.

Inheriting DNA

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Looking back at the process, you could say the design theme of this model was “inheritance of DNA.” For example, regarding the case and band, we considered as one option a fresh styling to reflect the newly developed movement. However, in the end, with the intent to inherit the DNA passed down through previous LAND models, we set the direction based on the styling of models already released within the same category.

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One of the variations considered: the idea of adding a tachymeter to the bezel

Commitment to legibility

We also examined various variations for the dial—for example, making all the indexes Arabic numerals, or combining some with other shapes such as bar types. The most important factor in creating those variations was “excellent legibility.”

PROMASTER LAND models place a premium on legibility, and that has become an identity that is the essence of their dial design. A key point in considering legibility is the viewer’s eye movement when looking at the watch: judging the time starting from the indexes at the cross positions on the dial—12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock.

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One example of the variations considered: a design that emphasizes the Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions

For example, the two sketches above further emphasize the cross layout by making the indexes at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock large Arabic numerals. The sketch on the left gives the non-numeric index shapes a distinctive form. Regarding this dial, while some said the Arabic numerals at the cross positions are more emphasized and “easier to read,” others felt that “in a sense it’s quite idiosyncratic and may not have broad appeal.” After such discussions with the development team, we ultimately adopted, for the dial as well as the case and band, a design based on the top-right sketch that more strongly reflects the DNA of the LAND category.

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The model on the far left is the final design version

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Adopted raised luminescent indexes as a new element not found in previous LAND models

Inheriting DNA and connecting it to the present day

The design of this model has proven long-lived—so much so that a specification variant that changes the material from titanium to stainless steel is still sold in overseas markets. By inheriting the DNA cultivated by PROMASTER to date, the design’s robustness was reinforced, making it possible to carry the brand’s DNA into the modern day.

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The case back engraving on this model is actually rare: it is an unusual type where the PROMASTER logo is placed within the arc along the outer circumference of the Globe Mark.

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