CRYSTRON SOLAR CELL

Refined Materials

Although this is an epoch-making model that uses a light-powered cell as the energy source for the watch, the design is carefully packaged without excessive emphasis or decoration. Presumably, due to the technological limitations of the time, it was impossible to hide the solar cell, so the designers took a reverse approach and incorporated it boldly into the dial design. The exposed solar cell itself becomes an attractive feature. While the bezel adds an accent at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions, the case is kept to subtle adjustments—such as the connection with the band and the angle of the lugs—so that the dial stands out even more. Designers are sometimes compared to chefs, and this is a fine example of making the most of a challenging ingredient. In that sense, the approach is somewhat reminiscent of Japanese cuisine, which values the natural qualities of the ingredients.