The Essential Role of a Watch

The CITIZEN Caliber.A010

https://ms.citizen.jp/assets/007_01-07_THE CITIZEN 年差±5秒_01

A watch, as its name suggests, is an instrument that marks the passage of time. This model focuses on how to make that time as easy to read and as beautiful as possible. Not only are the shapes and finishes of the hands and indexes, and the large, highly legible date display carefully considered, but the case and bezel are also composed of multiple surfaces that are skillfully combined. This results in a beautiful finish from any angle, thanks to the way they reflect light.
In the case of a three-hand layout, which can often appear monotonous, the power reserve indicator positioned at 10 o'clock adds a distinctive touch and expresses individuality.
The symbolic emblem on the case back provides a sense of satisfaction to the wearer, while the case size and the way the lugs are shaped ensure a comfortable fit on the wrist. The design fulfills the essential role of a watch worthy of the name The CITIZEN.
Elegant and refined, this is a timepiece exuding luxury.

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The essential roles of a watch—legibility of the time and the power reserve indicator—are presented with refined clarity. The base finish is hairline, but the addition of polished surfaces in key areas creates an elegant impression.

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The thickness of the case and the way the lugs are shaped fit the average Japanese wrist, giving a clean and streamlined impression.

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Although the silhouette of the case is not particularly slim, the wide, polished sloping shoulders create a flowing, sleek impression.

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The top and tip of the lugs feature a hairline finish. The bezel is embedded into the lugs at four points. The sharply defined polished surface on the case shoulder and the rounded polished surface on the case side create a beautiful expression through the reflection of light.

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Even when the same combination of polished finishes is used, the different angles and shapes of each surface make them stand out through the way they reflect light.

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Beautiful surface composition and finishing from every angle.

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The side lines are also elegant, and you can see how the bezel is embedded into the foot of the case.

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The well-balanced shapes and lengths of the indexes and hands enhance the legibility of the time.

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The symbolic emblem of The CITIZEN provides a subtle sense of satisfaction to the wearer. The exquisite combination of three types of finishes—circular hairline, polished, and sand-blast—adds to its appeal.

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The shape of the indexes combines recesses, protrusions, and slopes to express a sense of depth and luxury. By applying white printing to the top surface, it prevents glare from light reflection. The date display is larger than that of a typical CITIZEN movement and uses a thick, applied window frame. The finish and color have been carefully considered to ensure legibility.

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The power reserve indicator at the 10 o'clock position has four levels. Its color, finish, pattern, and design all serve as an accent to the face of this three-hand watch. Of course, the overall completeness of the watch is high, but this part may be the element that most subtly expresses its individuality.

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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.

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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?