Aiming to create a watch suitable for the new ideas and lifestyles of the 21st century, the first model of The CITIZEN was launched in 1995 with the concept of "living together." Equipped with a highly accurate movement with an annual deviation of ±5 seconds, it also features comprehensive after-sales service, including a 10-year free warranty, long-term repair support, and a dedicated consultation desk. This model is a symbol of CITIZEN's watchmaking philosophy.
The simple form, unaffected by trends, and the refined design that fits any scene or style—both hallmarks of The CITIZEN—are expressed in the distortion-free polished surfaces and fine hairline finishes of the case. The shape and size of the lugs, designed based on data analysis, are optimized for Japanese wrists.
For superior legibility, features such as anti-reflective glass coating and thoughtful design of the hands, indexes, and dial ensure the watch is easy to read from any angle. Additionally, with a low-metal allergy specification, this is a CITIZEN watch that is gentle on the wearer.
This is a model worthy of bearing the name The CITIZEN, created in pursuit of the true essence of a watch.
Lugs optimized for Japanese wrists.
Bold, luxurious indexes and a date window with a three-dimensional, easy-to-read design.
A design composed of sharp ridges.
A surface composition designed with "edges" as a focal point. Lugs optimized for Japanese wrists.
A very simple and functional dial design. Easy-to-read index design. Exceptionally raised minute track printing. Clear white dial color.
ENGINEER'S EYE
What CITIZEN Pursues
As a product that embodies CITIZEN’s corporate philosophy—“through manufacturing loved and familiar to citizens, broadly contributing to people’s lives around the world”—The CITIZEN was developed with the utmost emphasis on the “basic performance of a watch,” so that “customers can cherish and use the product throughout their lifetime.” For its first-generation movement, The CITIZEN adopted the Cal.0350, which was developed as a dedicated movement worthy of The CITIZEN, based on the Cal.03 series—the highest-grade, ultra-thin, high-precision analog quartz used in models such as EXCEED and the top-of-the-line Ascenda of the time. Accuracy was enhanced from ±10 seconds per year to ±5 seconds per year. A larger battery was installed, extending battery life from three to five years, allowing users to wear the watch with confidence until the first regular inspection conducted four years after purchase at the time. In addition, to make it easy for people of any age group to use, the calendar numerals were enlarged to improve legibility. From parts manufacturing to the assembly of movements and watches, this is one of the models that encapsulates CITIZEN’s unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and symbolizes the company’s manufacturing philosophy.
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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.
Feeling Light
Urushi beads, diamonds, and smoked glass—each reflects light differently, revealing a model with depth and ever-changing expressions depending on the light source and time of day. The simplicity of the case shape and dial design highlights the beauty of the details, allowing you to sense not mechanical time, but the gentle passage of time illuminated by light. Although there are no indexes on the dial, the hour and minute hands are easy to read, giving the impression of a bracelet that also functions as a watch. Furthermore, urushi lacquer is not presented in the traditional way, but is fused with the watch in a modern design, letting you enjoy a contemporary expression of traditional craftsmanship. Despite its asymmetrical shape, it is comfortable to wear and offers a special feeling, as if wearing modern jewelry.
Vitality of Nature
Many CITIZEN L models are inspired by shapes and light found in nature, and this model is themed around 'morning dew.' The three diamonds on the case move smoothly along the curve of the case, and the indexes are scattered across the dial, creating a story that evokes scenes from nature even for those who know nothing about the watch. Looking at the parts, despite the many asymmetrical elements—such as the dial pattern, index arrangement, crown position, and case shape—each is balanced in its placement, so there is no sense of discomfort or difficulty in wearing it. The asymmetrical design brings a rhythm and movement reminiscent of the vitality of nature, making you feel a relaxed, natural flow of time rather than a uniform one. Although the watch uses many diamonds and has a jewelry-like feel, the arrangement of the indexes and the spacing between the case and band give it an airy look, making it suitable for everyday wear as well.
From Small Cues to Decoration
"Band, hands, circle"—these are the minimal components by which people recognize a watch. ◆ A watch is a "wrist" watch because it has a band. ◆ A watch is a watch because it has hands. ◆ Time was created from the recurring cycles (circles) of celestial bodies. This model seems to be a textbook example of a "watch" that focuses on these three elements. By lavishly decorating these three elements, it clearly establishes the hierarchy among the other components. Isn’t this the ideal model for all watches, combining the "watch-like" qualities users seek with the beauty of an ornament that satisfies them?