Toshinori Okazaki

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.

Play, Learn, and Create

This project was launched to help families with children, who have been spending more time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, enjoy fun time together at home. It was born from a bottom-up approach, with employees raising children gathering voluntarily to share ideas. Even now, after COVID-19 has been downgraded to Category 5, we continue to share craft ideas on social media that allow children and adults to enjoy time together at home under the concept of 'Play, Learn, and Create Instantly.'

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.'

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.

Ephemeral Continuum

This model feels like a collection of ephemeral elements. The large, dome-shaped sapphire glass, the gently curved hands that follow its contour, the grayish printing, and the ceramic material that, while shining with a beautiful smooth surface, is actually fragile—all these features give the watch a sense of beauty as a product, yet also evoke a certain weakness and transience. The floating glasses-like parts seem to gaze at you, giving an organic impression. Not only visually, but also through touch, the design reinforces this concept. The silicone band (liquid rubber strap) is soft and feels very pleasant to the touch. This band, with its simple, undecorated surface, gives a clean impression that matches the dial. One of the keywords for this model is the 'light and shadow' created by the three-dimensional dial, but even that light and shadow is fleeting, constantly changing with the moment. The fleetingness of each moment, visible only at that time, and the continuity of those moments, can be said to define this model itself.