SATELLITE WAVE H990
- Designer
- Hideki Inoue
- Year launched
- 2011
- 12 categories
- 08 / Exceptional Design
- Commentary
The romance of connecting with space
The round ceramic case that appears to float from the lugs evokes Earth, while the orbit of satellites circling the planet is expressed by a metallic ring overlaid on a sapphire-glass bezel. A spiral part, also visible from the side surface of the transparent bezel, evokes the wavelength of time signals showering from space and serves as an homage to the world’s first radio-controlled watch that enabled multi-station reception. By giving the hour hand—combined with a Z-shaped bending disc—and the three hands for minutes and seconds completely different shapes, legibility is enhanced. The green coloring is inspired by the beautiful light of auroras generated by the solar wind streaming from the Sun—the power source—down to Earth. Winner of the Good Design Award in 2011.
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Pursuit of New Value
To highlight the value of CITIZEN’s core technology, the light-powered Eco-Drive, a total of eight concept models were unveiled between 2009 and 2012. The models were selected through an in-house competition. The only rule was that they had to be 'powered by light.' With no other restrictions, designers were free to propose new products from a completely blank slate. The models were announced on a grand scale at BASELWORLD, the world’s largest watch fair held in Switzerland, drawing significant attention. Furthermore, the initiative did not end with the unveiling of the concept models; efforts were made to mass-produce them with their original designs as much as possible. Four of the announced models were produced in limited quantities, and their technology and design codes had a major influence on subsequent models.
Challenging Design
Throughout its history of over 100 years, CITIZEN has produced numerous world firsts and world records. This article introduces epoch-making products that have pioneered new possibilities for watches by incorporating the technology of each era.
Showmanship
This model turns the constraints of using a large movement to its advantage, creating a dynamic, deep form that leverages the ample volume to substantiate its functions, resulting in an extraordinary presence. The design, composed of a contrast between black and green, combines beauty with the functionality of a watch. The case uses ceramic material to avoid affecting reception sensitivity, and features a highly glossy, smooth finish that cannot be achieved with plating. The vivid green coil encircling the outer edge of the dial is inspired by the antenna of the first radio-controlled watch. The bezel is placed on the sapphire glass surface, creating an expression as if it is floating, evoking the image of a satellite orbiting, and the motif of the green coil on the dial can be seen from the side, allowing enjoyment from every angle. The hour hand is three-dimensionally bent, and the letters engraved on the disc-type hand rotate, with precisely assembled parts operating in a small space. The way these parts function evokes the excitement of wearing a miniature city diorama on your wrist, offering a sense of fun that brings out the child in the user. Whether or not you are interested in watches, this model is designed to make you stop and stare. Such dramatic presentation is embodied in this watch.