Bold and Meticulous

CHRONOGRAPH CHALLENGE TIMER

https://ms.citizen.jp/assets/044_06-02_チャレンジタイマー_01

2024.03.25

What makes this model so compelling is the way boldness and meticulousness coexist in just the right balance.
A case distinguished by generously voluminous planes and a dynamic slope that smoothly connects to the case side has an unadorned, decisive form, and its stylish, streamlined silhouette evokes a futuristic mood. The prominently protruding push button iconically expresses the model’s headline function—its built‑in stopwatch.
In contrast to the case’s dynamism, the dial is crafted with a deliberate interplay of density and openness. The comfortable tension between the thick, commanding indexes and the finely detailed minute track stands out, while the distinctive window frame—composed of three facets—feels bold yet meticulously executed, with chamfered corners and an inner slope finished in black. Carefully considered details abound. The green and yellow accent colors within the sub‑dials are restrained in saturation, becoming vivid highlights against the dial’s nearly‑black dark gray.
With generous negative space and obsessively refined micro‑details, this thoughtfully balanced watch harmonizes curves and straight lines to exude a sense of futurism—a design that excites the sophisticated wearer.

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The boldly protruding push buttons are iconic, and the streamlined form exudes a futuristic vibe. Simple yet powerful, with no unnecessary elements.

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A voluminous side view. The bezel is thin, and the boldly sloped surface smoothly connecting the case side softens the overall volume.

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The dial’s linear design features a striking contrast between dynamic indexes and a meticulous minute track.

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The boldly constructed window frame is finished with three different surfaces, making the facets stand out for a sharper impression. Details like chamfered edges and meticulous craftsmanship are evident throughout.

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Green and yellow accent colors, not overly saturated, add a sophisticated and mature touch to the nearly black dark gray dial.

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The case is characterized by bold, open surfaces and dynamic slopes that smoothly connect to the case sides. The dynamic surface composition creates a refreshing, futuristic atmosphere. The boldly protruding, iconic push buttons make the function a distinctive design feature.

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The boldly protruding, iconic push buttons make the function a distinctive design feature.

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The linear hands feature luminescence for visibility in the dark. The base of the hour and minute hands is black, creating a floating, light impression with just the tips standing out.

WATCH

CREDIT

Researcher

/

Ayaka Otake

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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.

https://ms.citizen.jp/assets/100_12-08_L 漆玉_01

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.

https://ms.citizen.jp/assets/099_12-07_L ムービングダイヤ_01

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.

https://ms.citizen.jp/assets/098_12-06_エクシード ユーロス_01

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?