Intuitive Understanding

CITIZEN CALENDAR

https://ms.citizen.jp/assets/081_11-04_CITIZEN カレンダー_01

At a time when most watches only had three hands, this model was the first domestically produced watch to incorporate day, date, and month calendar functions. The combination of a gold-plated case and a black crocodile leather strap instantly gives an impression of luxury, and the delicate craftsmanship on the gold dial and buckle confirms its high-end nature. The first thing that catches your eye are the windows for 'month' and 'day of the week.' Next, you notice the deep blue numbers from 1 to 31 arranged in an arc and the round-tipped hand pointing to them. It intuitively feels like a sun symbol, making it clear at a glance that this is the 'date display.' The sharp, bold sword-shaped hands have a strong presence, yet they harmonize with the base color of the dial, making it clear that the true stars are the 'day, date, and month.' Looking at the side, the push buttons have small indentations about the size of a ballpoint pen tip, making you want to press them with a pen. Pressing the push button at 2 o'clock rotates the 'day wheel' near 2 o'clock, pressing the one at 10 o'clock rotates the 'month wheel' near 10 o'clock, and pressing the remaining button at 4 o'clock rotates the 'date hand.' Everything is extremely easy to understand. Despite its new functions, this watch excels in allowing you to intuitively grasp its sense of luxury, display features, and even how to operate it.

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A classic balance between the case and leather strap. The dial is well-balanced and gives a sense of reassurance. The luxurious gold case and black crocodile leather strap.

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The case diameter and lug balance create a reassuring, classic proportion. The lugs drop below the case back, and the curvature of the top surface and bezel are beautifully finished. Coated with 18K gold plating, it must have sparkled brilliantly when first released.

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The upper surface of the dial features a delicate pattern, and the minute track is recessed as if each mark was drilled, with a sunray finish. The indexes follow the curvature of the dial, showing meticulous attention to detail.

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The embossed 'CITIZEN' logo and even the surrounding granules are embossed.

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The push buttons have indentations that make you want to press them with a ballpoint pen. Pressing the push button at 2 o'clock rotates the 'day disc' near 2 o'clock, pressing the one at 10 o'clock rotates the 'month disc' near 10 o'clock, and pressing the remaining button at 4 o'clock rotates the 'date hand.' The operation is intuitively understandable.

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The first thing that catches your eye are the windows for 'month' and 'day of the week.' Next, you notice the deep blue numbers from 1 to 31 arranged in an arc and the round-tipped hand pointing to them. It intuitively feels like a sun symbol, making it clear at a glance that this is the 'date display.'

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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?