Make It Invisible

CITIZEN ACE

https://ms.citizen.jp/assets/084_11-07_シチズンエース_01

This watch was manufactured for use by railway workers, making it something of an unsung hero supporting social infrastructure. To support such public transportation infrastructure, practicality has been given full consideration. For example, it has a function that stops the second hand at the 12 o'clock position to make it easy to set the time, and particular attention has been paid to legibility (ease of reading the time).
Therefore, elements other than the dial, which are deeply related to legibility, are kept understated. For example, the thin and narrow bezel and its surface composition, the surface composition of the lugs, and the undercutting of the lower part of the case.
However, rather than simply erasing their presence, overall harmony—beauty—is firmly maintained. Only the parts that truly should be shown are highlighted, while the rest are beautifully made to disappear. This intention seems to be embodied in this watch.

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Although it is surprisingly small at 36.6 mm, the thin bezel and wide dial opening make it appear larger. It maintains high legibility with a well-balanced size and a spacious dial.

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The box glass, domed dial, and curved hands help keep the bezel height low. Combined with the thin bezel from the front, this further reduces its presence and enhances the legibility of the dial.

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The top surface of the lug slightly overlaps the bezel. This allows the polished finish on the top surface of the bezel to be beautifully polished.

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The bezel has a three-surface structure, with a slight incline on the top surface. The polished surface emphasizes the thin and narrow bezel both from above and from the side (creating an effect where the middle slope seems to disappear).

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The end piece tapers from the base of the lug toward the tip. This seems to balance delicacy with stability.

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The lug has a two-flat-surface structure. While the chamfer makes it look slender, it also provides a solid sense of stability, achieving a clean impression.

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By using box glass, the bezel is made thinner and the dial is raised, improving legibility. The plump side profile also gives it a sense of charm.

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The lower slope of the case is deeply undercut. This makes the case appear thinner and less visible.

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The hour and minute hands taper with a reverse arc toward the tip, giving a sense of precision that is almost on the verge of disappearing. The minute and second hands are bent at the tip to match the curve of the dial, following the indexes and minute markers. This also serves a structural role in keeping the rehaut low, overall enhancing legibility.

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A well-balanced layout. The pleasing black-and-white contrast provides a highly legible dial. The domed shape, which brings the dial closer to the glass, highlights the dial as the key functional element in a watch where precision is essential.

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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.

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?