Expression of New Materials

CUSTOM V2

https://ms.citizen.jp/assets/056_07-01_カスタムV2 (ブラッキー)_01

In the 1970s, stainless steel was the mainstream material for watches. The 'black' exterior made from this 'special light alloy' made a sensational debut in the market. CITIZEN’s proactive approach to adopting such new materials ahead of other companies exemplifies the brand’s manufacturing philosophy that continues to this day.
Looking at this model from the perspective of 'how to beautifully express this new material,' it is extremely well executed. The modern form, created without a bezel and shaped by a conical design, stands out. The side surfaces of the case are not vertical but are slanted inward, and this sloped design creates ridges with the conical surface, giving the case expressive character lines that are never inorganic, whether viewed from the front or the side. The ridgeline on the back slope of the case is set higher, which helps the case appear thinner and ensures that the various ridges are well balanced.
With the main components—case, band, and dial—all rendered in 'black,' the silver color of the polished ring part on the inner bezel serves as an excellent accent, tightening the overall look. The vivid 'orange' applied to the indexes and hands adds a fresh color expression, and together with the modern expression of the new case material, it gives this model a strong impression.

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The design of the upper surface is composed of simple lines. The bezel-less design, with the case top formed by a conical surface and the black exterior, creates a powerful and modern impression.

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The positions of the various ridges are carefully considered to make the case appear thinner. The watch has a strong sense of solidity.

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By placing a metal ring with a different texture between the dial and the glass, the visual distance from the dial to the glass appears thinner. The 'ridge lines' formed by the conical top surface of the case and the sloped sides create expressive and subtle lines.

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The upper surface of the glass protrudes significantly above the case. The side of the case is not a 'vertical surface' but a 'sloped surface,' forming a good design line. The positions of the various ridges are also carefully considered to make the case appear thinner.

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The back of the case is designed in a shape that allows for machining, with design treatments applied. The lower slope of the case is also made wider to make the case appear thinner.

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The case back is entirely polished. The text and other markings are engraved by pressing.

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The letters 'CTZ,' representing 'CITIZEN,' are expressed as protruding, polished characters.

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The main part of the band appears to be punched out of material and then bent and processed.

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If you look closely at the 'CITIZEN' logo engraved on the clasp cover, you can see that the inside of the letters is sloped.

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The polished metal ring placed on the outer edge of the dial creates a striking impression. The Arabic numerals are printed in highly saturated orange, resulting in a bold and contrasting expression.

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The inner sloped surface of the window at the 3 o'clock position is designed to be slightly wider in the 3 to 9 o'clock direction compared to the 12 to 6 o'clock direction. This is likely to improve the visibility of the day and date discs.

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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?