The Beauty of Utility

CITIZEN ALARM

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Developed in 1958 as Japan’s first "bell-ringing watch," this model continued to sell well for many years, spawning various variations, despite its price of 9,200 yen—almost equivalent to a new university graduate’s starting salary at the time.
The reason for its success, I believe, lies in how the additional alarm function is expressed as an indicator hand at the center of the dial, and in the distinctive crowns placed at the 2 and 4 o’clock positions for ease of use, beautifully integrating function and design.
Excellent design, in my view, is when functionality is so beautifully integrated that one can intuitively understand how to use it and its purpose just by looking at its form, without needing to consult the manual.

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The case design features the thin bezel and simple shape typical of the era, but to visually express the alarm function—Japan’s first at the time—it achieves a unique look with its distinctive crown placement and the indicator disc hand at the center of the dial. The upper surface of the lugs is edged with two differently angled planes, making them appear slimmer than they actually are. The back edge of the lugs is chamfered for comfort against the skin.

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The case design is a simple shape with a thin bezel, which was the mainstream at the time.

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The back edge of the lugs is chamfered for comfort against the skin. The upper surface of the lugs is edged with two differently angled planes, making them appear slimmer than they actually are.

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The early models used a "double case back" structure to resonate the alarm sound, with sound holes in the outer case back to let the sound from the inner resonating case back ring out clearly.

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The case features two slightly oversized 5.5mm crowns—one at 2 o’clock for the alarm and one at 4 o’clock for time adjustment—improving operability and serving as the model’s most distinctive design feature.

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A circular alarm time indicator disc is placed at the center of the dial, and by rotating the entire disc, it greatly enhances usability and makes the alarm setting easy to understand at a glance.

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The second hand is straight, and the hour and minute hands are diamond-shaped—a very basic combination—but the long second and minute hands are curved at the tips to avoid interference with the box glass.

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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?