Fusion of Technology and Design

SOUNDWITCH

https://ms.citizen.jp/assets/072_10-04_サウンドウィッチ_01

2024.03.25

SOUNDWITCH is a digital clock that can also play the radio. By making the main unit and the battery box for the radio detachable, you can use it as a clock while also enjoying the radio when you wish. This versatility is one of its main attractions.
The clock body is made of plastic and, while the overall structure is linear, the careful rounding of the corners in the details prevents it from feeling cheap.
Additionally, there are thoughtful touches for operability, and even as it incorporates new technology, the know-how from wristwatch design is evident in its user-friendly features.

undefined

The overall design has a linear impression. The subtle rounding of the details expresses a sense of quality throughout. Seen from the side, the 20-degree tilt makes the digital time display easy to read, showing consideration for the user when worn.

undefined

Exploded view. The detachable battery box (left in the diagram) can hold three button batteries, allowing for long hours of radio enjoyment. You can also remove it and use only the clock unit (right in the diagram) as a clock.

undefined

Back of the clock. Along with the engraving, the back also features a linear case design, showing attention to detail.

undefined

Back of the band. Although there are recesses and protrusions for sweat release, the design emphasizes aesthetics over function, and the sweat-release shapes are also expressed in a linear style.

undefined

By adding subtle curves within the linear shape, the design makes good use of the characteristics of resin as a material. Since resin is less suited to sharp edges compared to metal, the corner design is carefully controlled with this in mind.

undefined

Fine recesses and protrusions are added to the switch details to make ON/OFF switching easier.

undefined

User interface design for frequency adjustment. The shapes for AM/FM switching, frequency selection, and volume adjustment are all designed with the attention to usability and consideration typical of a wristwatch designer.

WATCH

RELATED

https://ms.citizen.jp/assets/image03

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.

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.