The Fun of Design

PROMASTER ALTICHRON

https://ms.citizen.jp/assets/055_06-13_アルティクロン_01

First impression was a strong sense of individuality in the design. Overall, it gives off a wild image, with a shape composed almost entirely of curves, creating an organic impression. Looking at the details, you’ll find an altimeter, making it clear that this watch is intended for mountaineers and sports enthusiasts. With a single push, you can check the direction while measuring altitude, offering excellent operability. The dial features colors and symbols that, despite the multifunctionality, are easy to read and well-balanced in their arrangement. It’s not only playful but also thoughtfully designed.
From its atmosphere, you can sense that the designer enjoyed creating this model, and it’s packed with elements that will make the wearer feel happy. This is all built upon a well-considered structure.
The playful, organic form matches the use for mountain activities, and will surely boost the wearer’s motivation.

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Both the form and color evoke a mountain-like image. The colors seem to pair well with mountaineering fashion and khaki tones.

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Based on a rounded shape, edges and steps are accentuated.

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The matte black dial features contrasting white, yellow, and orange indexes. The numerals use a unified Gothic font, making them easy to read.

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A clasp with an angular silhouette. When worn, it serves as an accent for the band, giving a sharp impression. The three front surfaces are gently curved, combining a tough look with a comfortable fit.

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The crown’s naturally rounded shape—not completely flat—matches the case. The push button features a colored line for easy identification.

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A case with a rounded impression that doesn’t feel very straight-lined. While composed of geometric elements, it has an organic form, fitting for mountain use.

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By adding grooves near the case, attention is drawn to the center. Also, by adding grooves to areas likely to wrinkle with use, this is avoided.

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The sand-blast texture gives a natural shine. The shape and texture evoke the image of an insect.

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https://ms.citizen.jp/assets/070_10-02_カリキュレーター_01

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?