Organic Details

PROMASTER DIVER 200m

https://ms.citizen.jp/assets/088_11-11_ダイバー全夜光_01

2024.03.25

Watches, primarily made of metal, are products of industrial manufacturing, and nowadays, computers are mainly used in their design process. As a result, many designs tend to become inorganic. In this model, by incorporating curves and rounded edges into details such as the indexes, side surfaces of the case, bezel and case back edges, and the crown, a balance is achieved by adding organic elements to what could otherwise be an inorganic watch design. By adopting details that could even be described as biological in a sense, the shape is made moderately flexible, allowing it to be worn comfortably without psychological resistance or a sense of harshness for the wearer.

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A model that stays true to the basics of a diver's watch. Its individuality is expressed through attention to details such as the indexes.

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The corners of the bezel feature large rounded curves, making the shape comfortable to the touch and to the eye. The five notched sections improve operability and also add to the unique character of the design.

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The side surface of the case is a smooth curve. Combined with the polished finish, it gives a lustrous impression.

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The transition from the side surface of the case to the crown guard is smoothly connected from curve to curve.

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The top surface of the crown is indented like a crater, giving it an organic impression that adds to its friendliness.

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Many circles and curves are incorporated throughout the elements of the dial. This creates a gentle impression and a shape that feels welcoming and easy to accept.

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A case back with no edges. The parts that touch the hand have no corners, giving a comfortable and familiar impression.

WATCH

PROMASTER

DIVER 200m

1997

CREDIT

Product Designer

Akihiko Kuroda

Researcher

Naoaki Okamura

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.

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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?