Visual Presentation

Eco-Drive One

https://ms.citizen.jp/assets/009_01-09_Eco-Drive One_01

While thinning a watch can have a significant technological impact when it "fulfills its functions," it also imposes design limitations due to the need to "eliminate elements." This model overcomes the strict dimensional constraints of being the thinnest light-powered watch, achieving a form that fully embodies both functionality and decorative appeal.
The case uses a composite material called cermet, and both the bezel and case back are sandwiched with binderless cemented carbide, which is hard and highly corrosion-resistant. The joining surfaces of the parts are designed with recesses and protrusions. This structure suppresses the overall thickness while increasing strength, and by adding slopes to the upper and lower side surfaces of the case and the tips of the lugs, it creates a visual effect that makes the watch appear even thinner.
The indexes and radial pattern printing on the dial are thin and long, with the top and bottom of the print tapering, creating an effect that blurs the outline of the outer and inner diameters. This design symbolizes that the watch is powered by "light" and also helps prevent a decrease in light transmittance due to increased printed area.
The hour and minute hands feature both polished and matte finishes, utilizing the blackout effect of the polished surface to make them appear thinner than their actual width, creating a smart look that matches both visibility and the case design.
This is a thin model where you can sense the effort to "captivate" in every detail.

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The gold of the case and the silver of the bezel are not plating, but the natural colors of the materials. By using cermet for the case material and binderless cemented carbide for the bezel, the watch achieves a two-piece structure that is both strong and ultra-thin.

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The width of the case's side surface is set narrow, incorporating a visual effect that makes the 2.98 mm case thickness appear even thinner.

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By expressing the ring-shaped band with radial lines, the edge of the band appears blurred, creating a visual effect as if it is glowing, while also highlighting that it is light-powered.

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The center of the hands is finished with both polished and matte surfaces, so the tips of the hands appear sharp from any angle due to the contrast of light.

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This model does not have a case back. The case and the round part are separate components made of different materials. By changing the materials, strength is enhanced.

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The dividing line between the gold of the case and the silver of the bezel not only meets strength requirements but also features elegant curves, making it hard to believe the design was created under such constraints.

The four screws are set lower than the bezel surface while securing the bezel and case together.

A sense of unity with the wrist when worn. The thin and lightweight appearance is a testament to CITIZEN's craftsmanship, enhancing its presence.

Case cross-section at 9 o'clock: The glass, bezel (black cross-section), and upper surface of the case combine recessed and protruding shapes in the parts to maintain strength while fitting within 2.98 mm.

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The 2.75 mm crown, designed to match the 2.98 mm case thickness, is hexagonal, increasing the contact area for the fingertips compared to a cylindrical shape, thus improving operability despite its small size.

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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?