Takashi Iduka

Visualizing Precision

The newly developed mechanical movement Cal.0200 is a next-generation movement that achieves a high level of aesthetic quality by leveraging the technology and expertise of Manufacture La Joux-Perret S.A. (La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland), a subsidiary. It was born from the fusion of Japanese and Swiss watchmaking cultures. The classical mechanism of center two hands with a small second reflects the developer’s strong desire to express a beautiful gear train that adheres to the origins of the watch. The design and assembly are carried out by CITIZEN, while the exterior decoration utilizes the advanced and diverse decorative techniques possessed by La Joux-Perret to the fullest. This is how the development of this movement began.

Visual Presentation

While thinning a watch can have a significant technological impact when it "fulfills its functions," it also imposes design limitations due to the need to "eliminate elements." This model overcomes the strict dimensional constraints of being the thinnest light-powered watch, achieving a form that fully embodies both functionality and decorative appeal. The case uses a composite material called cermet, and both the bezel and case back are sandwiched with binderless cemented carbide, which is hard and highly corrosion-resistant. The joining surfaces of the parts are designed with recesses and protrusions. This structure suppresses the overall thickness while increasing strength, and by adding slopes to the upper and lower side surfaces of the case and the tips of the lugs, it creates a visual effect that makes the watch appear even thinner. The indexes and radial pattern printing on the dial are thin and long, with the top and bottom of the print tapering, creating an effect that blurs the outline of the outer and inner diameters. This design symbolizes that the watch is powered by "light" and also helps prevent a decrease in light transmittance due to increased printed area. The hour and minute hands feature both polished and matte finishes, utilizing the blackout effect of the polished surface to make them appear thinner than their actual width, creating a smart look that matches both visibility and the case design. This is a thin model where you can sense the effort to "captivate" in every detail.

Other-Oriented Lens

This model features a multi-faceted, sharply edged case characteristic of ATTESA, while also considering the 'essential elements' required of a business watch. The first of these essential elements is legibility. For example, in hectic situations, being able to clearly read the time is indispensable for a practical (business) watch. In this regard, this model is designed with a highly organized dial, unlike the cluttered dials often found on multifunction watches, making it easy to read the time. Another important element for a business watch is the impression it gives to others. A watch used in business settings must suit the TPO (time, place, occasion). In this respect, this model, with its overall rounded shape, combines the signature ATTESA edges with a soft impression. It is a truly well-balanced masterpiece that fits perfectly into business scenes.

To Be Kind

An all-analog diver's watch equipped with a depth gauge. By making the approachable feel and excellent legibility of analog the key point and trimming away unnecessary functions as much as possible, it thoroughly pursues ease of use to enhance benefits. Cal. B740 simultaneously displays the time and depth—both essential for diving—by means of hands. A depth hand is arranged coaxially with the hour and minute hands, so you can easily read the current depth by the angle of the hands with the same familiar watch sense. Specifically, since each minute track corresponds to 1 meter, you can know the depth by which “minute” the depth hand indicates, allowing you to see at a glance how many meters you can descend. This is effective even in the dark thanks to luminescent hands. There are broadly two types of register rings. One places a knurled cut around the entire circumference so you turn it by catching your finger with friction. The other places about six large blocks that you grasp to turn. This model is the former, and because it has a volcano-like shape, even the pad of your finger catches, making it very easy to turn. Regarding the back shape of the case, the protrusion beneath the sensor is covered with a gentle curved surface for a unified finish. The composition of complex three-dimensional curves also sits very comfortably on the wrist, conveying a sense of kindness.

Secret Touch

If you take a careful look at the parts that make up the entire watch, you'll find a variety of hidden touches throughout. [Dial - Index] Surprisingly, the index color is black. Since the base is also a black dial, the outline blends in. However, when you move the watch, the indexes sparkle, clearly conveying their texture. The contrast with the white luminescence applied to the top surface is striking, contributing to a sharp, linear look. [Dial - Printing] White and silver printing are used selectively. Information that needs to be instantly recognized is emphasized in white, while supplementary details are shown in silver. [Dial - Grid Pattern] You can't see it unless you look closely, but once you notice it, you realize it adds richness to the watch face. Its delicacy gives the impression of a high-tech, reliable watch. [Band] The center and outer links are finished with vertical and horizontal hairlines, respectively. Even though they share the same curved shape, the different finishes create a distinct appearance. The polished end piece further enhances the sense of originality. While the watch incorporates various hidden flavors and elements, they are skillfully blended and harmonized through expert techniques. Each element does not overpower the others, but instead, they complement each other’s strengths. The meticulous attention to detail mutually enhances the overall beauty.

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.

Retro Future

In the 1970s, a new method of time display—digital display—was developed. At the time, this display function evoked expectations for watches of the near future. This watch was designed based on the idea of utilizing the effectiveness of digital display and, for the first time, adding a calculator function to a wristwatch. The first domestically produced wristwatch to combine watch and calculator functions is expressed with a unique design style: a central display monitor and 23 push buttons arranged radially around the perimeter. Achieving this in the classic round shape of a wristwatch is a testament to the creativity of watch designers. The artificial brilliance of the push buttons, arranged every 15 degrees. The simple lines of the case and band, free from any recesses or protrusions. These are the result of traditional machining, and the combination of a thick case and cool digital display creates a retro-futuristic feel through the imbalance of old and new technologies. Additionally, this early model is unified in gold, skillfully using gold with different textures for each exterior part, creating an elegant atmosphere despite the flashy color scheme. Although the distinctive button layout did not become standard, it exudes the coolness and pride of being a pioneer.