Naoaki Okamura

A Century of Passion

In June 2024, at Kudan House in Chiyoda, Tokyo, we held THE ESSENCE OF TIME, an event celebrating the 100th anniversary of the CITIZEN brand. Marking a century since we created the first pocket watch to bear the CITIZEN name, the project was advanced by members gathered from across departments to connect the past 100 years to the next 100. In particular, designers played a central role in the creative fields of concept development, exhibition composition, and content production.

Live On

“Designing Emotion” is CITIZEN’s design philosophy, born from a project started in 2016 to explore what makes CITIZEN unique. ― A watch exists alongside emotion. The excitement at first glance The gentleness you notice when you touch it The sense of security when you put it on your wrist The joy you feel when you glance at it in a quiet moment The affection that grows as you spend time together The indescribable emotions deep within your heart Resonating with the wearer’s feelings, Awakening latent emotions— That is the design we strive for. ―

Origins to Future

On the occasion of CITIZEN’s 100th anniversary, CITIZEN designers themselves set out to explore what makes 'CITIZEN Design' unique. By studying past models and consolidating the insights gained, they articulated these as 'design sources.' This project, which spanned about five years and included objective analysis by external advisors, is introduced here.

The Richness

This watch boasts a wide array of functions, resulting in a high-density dial. The well-balanced arrangement of each element allows a wealth of information to be conveyed to the user in a clear and parallel manner. Additionally, the shapes and color schemes of the sub-dials are carefully considered for visibility, and together with the sense of compactness unique to multifunctional models, they visually delight the user. The case is composed mainly of taut curves with few flat surfaces, evoking the maternal fullness of earth goddesses found in many ancient civilizations, symbolizing abundance. The unexpected individuality of this model lies in its evocation of maternal qualities within the highly masculine genre of pilot watches. Rather than simply designing for functionality, the overall presence—from the dial layout to the case shape—aims to evoke a universal image of fundamental richness that resonates with everyone.

Geometry Tension

The layout, composed of overlapping sub-dials on the dial and combinations of border and record patterns, is geometrically organized, giving viewers an intellectual impression. The bezel’s corner shapes are a simple combination of geometric forms—circles, tangents, and conical surfaces. Yet, depending on the viewing angle, they can appear to have a reverse curve, creating an organic feel and adding a unique tension to this model. In a monochrome world, logically combined geometric shapes generate a sense of harmonious tension throughout, expressing the intellectual aspect inherent to watches.

Gentle Details

This model is the first in Japan to use Duratect Sakura Pink, aiming to express the mature and elegant atmosphere of this color. With a new design approach centered on Sakura Pink—a color that suits Japanese skin tones and exudes a subtle yet dignified expression—this model offers a fresh appeal distinct from previous best-sellers in the domestic market. Overall, the design is calm and understated, but the new, never-before-seen color and its elegance invite you to pick it up. The dial is easy to read, with black Roman numerals and hands. By limiting the visible colors, Sakura Pink stands out, giving the watch a simple impression and a dignified individuality. At first glance, the Roman numeral font appears linear, but subtle curves in the details create contrast and express a feminine strength. Additionally, the milgrain detail on the indicator ring softly connects the Sakura Pink case and the dial, creating an elegant sense of unity. The design gently asserts itself without being overbearing, and its careful attention to detail makes it a piece you will grow to love over time.

Make It Invisible

This watch was manufactured for use by railway workers, making it something of an unsung hero supporting social infrastructure. To support such public transportation infrastructure, practicality has been given full consideration. For example, it has a function that stops the second hand at the 12 o'clock position to make it easy to set the time, and particular attention has been paid to legibility (ease of reading the time). Therefore, elements other than the dial, which are deeply related to legibility, are kept understated. For example, the thin and narrow bezel and its surface composition, the surface composition of the lugs, and the undercutting of the lower part of the case. However, rather than simply erasing their presence, overall harmony—beauty—is firmly maintained. Only the parts that truly should be shown are highlighted, while the rest are beautifully made to disappear. This intention seems to be embodied in this watch.

Organic Details

Watches, primarily made of metal, are products of industrial manufacturing, and nowadays, computers are mainly used in their design process. As a result, many designs tend to become inorganic. In this model, by incorporating curves and rounded edges into details such as the indexes, side surfaces of the case, bezel and case back edges, and the crown, a balance is achieved by adding organic elements to what could otherwise be an inorganic watch design. By adopting details that could even be described as biological in a sense, the shape is made moderately flexible, allowing it to be worn comfortably without psychological resistance or a sense of harshness for the wearer.