The Base Design

PROMASTER Radio-Controlled

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This model breaks away from the conventional design of placing an aviation slide rule on a rotating bezel, instead incorporating a rotating ring inside the case and keeping the exterior as simple as possible. This design became the foundation for subsequent PROMASTER pilot radio-controlled watches and has been carried on for many years.
It was also the first time that the reception function display for the radio-controlled watch was shown at the "tail" of the second hand, and that a double-layered dial was used for the Eco-Drive, attempting a dial design with a large visible area. These design techniques, now standard, originated with this model.
Even though the dial could easily become cluttered with elements like the slide rule and minute track, the use of Arabic numeral indexes at 12 and 6 o'clock makes the time easy to read.
The case design expresses a stripped-down, functional beauty without waste. The dial design skillfully conveys both legibility and a sense of precision. By combining a titanium exterior treated with MRK processing, Eco-Drive functionality, and radio-controlled features, the watch is light, scratch-resistant, never stops, and never loses accuracy, providing true practicality for users.
This is a model where technology is brilliantly elevated through design, and its influence on CITIZEN's design philosophy is truly significant.

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Each part is given a sharp edge, creating a clean overall impression, while details such as aligning the ridge lines of the lugs and end pieces show a high level of attention to detail and a refined design.

The dial design is also full of precision, reminiscent of an instrument panel.

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The case and band use titanium treated with Duratect MRK, resulting in a scratch-resistant and robust design characteristic of PROMASTER.

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The side surface of the case features a reverse taper shape, which is a distinctive feature of this model. The surfaces are composed in a crisp and clean manner.

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The side of the lug features a separate "lid"-shaped part. While it does not serve a particular functional purpose, it gives an impression of strength and durability.

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The case back has a sharp, clean shape with edges. The earth mark is placed at the center, surrounded by the brand logo and other markings. The design conveys a sense of reliability without unnecessary decoration.

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The band design is clean and simple, with two polished lines on the center links. The cross-section of the links is shaped to evoke the cross-section of an airplane wing.

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The dial design, characteristic of a pilot watch with an aviation slide rule, exudes precision. All twelve indexes have luminescence, ensuring visibility in the dark. To laminate two dials, an opaque printed section is required on the upper dial. By setting the inside diameter of this opaque section near the outside diameter of the minute track, the color difference is minimized—a key point of this model's dial design.

The luminous paint is applied thickly, resulting in high brightness when glowing. The use of Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 o'clock makes it easy to read the time.

A highly approachable design.

A layout devised to display the radio-controlled reception function at the "tail" of the second hand. It is neatly integrated into the dial layout.

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A large, knurled crown with a diameter that makes it easy to operate.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?