Hideki Inoue

Subtraction

As a form that further accentuates the watch equipped with the world’s thinnest analog quartz movement at the time, meticulous treatments and design processes that make the watch appear even thinner—many of which are too fine to be recognized by the naked eye—have been applied throughout. This is a subtractive design that does not compromise thinness. The height of the fitting between the glass and the bezel has been minimized, and the glass itself is as thin as possible. On both sides of the applied index, which has a protruding cross-section, there are extremely fine cuts that are indistinguishable to the naked eye. Additionally, the case is designed to make the side surface as thin as possible, and by aligning the outside diameter of the bezel and the case, the number of ridges forming the exterior is kept to a minimum. Each of these is a very fine design detail, but together, these small refinements create a sense of precision in the watch’s appearance. Through the accumulation of such minute details—so fine they cannot be distinguished without a magnifying glass—and calculated minimal design treatments, the form expresses the ultimate thinness.

Connecting Forms

A watch that links to your smartphone via Bluetooth®. While it retains the essence of a timepiece that tells time, its invisible Bluetooth® functionality is expressed through its form, making it feel as though it connects us to our smartphones. The case shape is both sharp and smooth. The sides of the case are boldly trimmed, leaving a thin hairline surface that expresses thinness and a sense of edge. This thin hairline surface connects to the gentle curve of the soft lugs, and the flow of this surface evokes the image of a smartphone. Amidst the sharpness, there is also a soft and gentle impression. The glass, used widely like a display, and the cut glass further enhance its advanced look. The dial concentrates its displays at the 2 o’clock sub-dial, but the information is well-organized, and the matte finish ensures excellent legibility. Despite its complexity, the dial is organized and uniquely balanced, giving the impression of a high-function, new kind of 'instrument.'

Structural Digestive Design

This diver's watch is a model that took on the challenge of how to give an attractive design to a core that is engineered to withstand depths of 1,000 meters and reliably function in such harsh environments. In other words, the major challenge was how to use design to bring together the 'stacked box structure and form'—resulting from the addition of a bezel misoperation prevention mechanism to a case that must already be thick to withstand high depths. When viewed from the side, the use of polished and matte finishes ensures that the eye does not focus on any one area, and the insertion of black components prevents the watch from appearing as a thick mass. Additionally, by making the outer circumference of the bezel a slope that spreads downward and the underside a reverse slope, the watch avoids looking like a rugged metal block and instead gives an organic, almost sea creature-like impression, reminiscent of a turban shell or sea anemone. This is a good example of design and function fusing together, giving a diver's watch a marine organism-inspired appearance.

The Fun of Design

First impression was a strong sense of individuality in the design. Overall, it gives off a wild image, with a shape composed almost entirely of curves, creating an organic impression. Looking at the details, you’ll find an altimeter, making it clear that this watch is intended for mountaineers and sports enthusiasts. With a single push, you can check the direction while measuring altitude, offering excellent operability. The dial features colors and symbols that, despite the multifunctionality, are easy to read and well-balanced in their arrangement. It’s not only playful but also thoughtfully designed. From its atmosphere, you can sense that the designer enjoyed creating this model, and it’s packed with elements that will make the wearer feel happy. This is all built upon a well-considered structure. The playful, organic form matches the use for mountain activities, and will surely boost the wearer’s motivation.

Showmanship

This model turns the constraints of using a large movement to its advantage, creating a dynamic, deep form that leverages the ample volume to substantiate its functions, resulting in an extraordinary presence. The design, composed of a contrast between black and green, combines beauty with the functionality of a watch. The case uses ceramic material to avoid affecting reception sensitivity, and features a highly glossy, smooth finish that cannot be achieved with plating. The vivid green coil encircling the outer edge of the dial is inspired by the antenna of the first radio-controlled watch. The bezel is placed on the sapphire glass surface, creating an expression as if it is floating, evoking the image of a satellite orbiting, and the motif of the green coil on the dial can be seen from the side, allowing enjoyment from every angle. The hour hand is three-dimensionally bent, and the letters engraved on the disc-type hand rotate, with precisely assembled parts operating in a small space. The way these parts function evokes the excitement of wearing a miniature city diorama on your wrist, offering a sense of fun that brings out the child in the user. Whether or not you are interested in watches, this model is designed to make you stop and stare. Such dramatic presentation is embodied in this watch.

Form Follows Function

To create a robust watch with water resistance up to 1300 meters, the design features a stable, solid square form. All unnecessary decorations have been eliminated, focusing solely on essential functions. The side surface is made as smooth as possible, and the bezel has large cutouts so it can be operated even while wearing gloves. The front features a rare shape for a non-standard model, with the quarter section from 12 to 3 o'clock (excluding the crown) rotated and copied at 90-degree intervals—this is a distinctive feature of this model. The four screws that secure the glass are also beautifully designed to prevent the glass from popping out when internal pressure rises as the watch surfaces from saturation diving. For visibility in the dark depths where light does not reach, each hand has a different shape, and the dial is designed to match the hands. This design embodies CITIZEN's idea of 'functional beauty,' born from the pursuit of functionality and the elimination of waste for use in harsh environments.

Constraints into Character

The distinctive design of multi-band radio-controlled watches features an antenna positioned at the center of the dial, encased by thick cut glass and a ceramic bezel. It was precisely the limitations of the reception antenna developed for the world’s first wristwatch with the Cal. 7400 that gave birth to this one-of-a-kind form. If there had been no antenna constraints and the world’s first multi-band radio-controlled watch could have been designed freely, would this form have come into existence? Behind this form lies CITIZEN’s passion to create a wristwatch that keeps even more accurate time, and their belief in imagining and inventing ways to overcome many constraints. The design of this model is a symbolic example of the "fusion of technology and beauty." The design approach of turning constraints into originality and creating unique forms has also been used in past models. The greater the constraints, the more original models CITIZEN is likely to create.