Designed Impact

X-8

https://ms.citizen.jp/assets/069_10-01_X8_01

2024.03.25

As Japan’s first electronic watch, there was a strong conviction that it would become a historic timepiece, and you can sense the designers’ determination to create a design with significant impact. As intended, it became a model that is unforgettable after just one look.
At the time, the starting salary for a new university graduate was about 30,000 yen, which was roughly the same as the price of this model. Nevertheless, it gained popularity and left a lasting impact on CITIZEN’s history.
Not only was it impactful, but it also featured thoughtful touches such as making the watch appear smaller and thinner, and hiding the crown within the case silhouette—demonstrating that the essential qualities required of a watch were not forgotten, which is also commendable.

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The case is ingeniously designed so that the band attachment points are not visible from the outside. By applying a sunray hairline finish only to the top surface of the case, the distinctive top shape stands out even more. While the desire was to make it look thin, the band attachment needed thickness, and the resulting balance is reflected in the shape of the lugs.

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The thin crown is unobtrusive and fits perfectly into the case silhouette.

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By using a sunray hairline finish only on the top surface and a polished finish on the other areas, the distinctive silhouette is further accentuated.

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While the dial is simple compared to the distinctive case, the three-dimensional dial ring provides just the right accent.

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The effort to make the watch appear thinner is reflected in the case shape. The domed box glass matches the organic case perfectly.

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Only the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions on the dial ring are marked, adding a subtle element to the simplicity and harmonizing well with the distinctive case.

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The case back features the meticulously crafted, symbolic X-8 engraving.

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Challenging Design

Throughout its history of over 100 years, CITIZEN has produced numerous world firsts and world records. This article introduces epoch-making products that have pioneered new possibilities for watches by incorporating the technology of each era.

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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.

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.