Let there be light

<Citizen>

With an installation that used light in a stylish way at BaselWorld, and the launch of a renewed Promaster, this year has been path-breaking for Citizen

There are few brands that have been able to turn an innovative concept into an actual product. Among them all, Citizen stands tall. Since its foundation in 1930, Citizen has spearheaded a revolution of innovation by developing epoch-making technologies, which have remained the pride of the Japanese industrial revolution. Among its prominent achievements are Eco-Drive, an original light-driven technological breakthrough, and the satellite timekeeping system that uses orbital satellites to precisely synchronise time anywhere in the world. The concept models that have been exhibited since 2009 are proof of the brand’s pursuit of the Eco-Drive concept.

Eco-Drive is a shining example of Citizen’s pride as a manufacture d’horlogerie. The very concept of using light to drive time is an extraordinary realisation born from its unrelenting desire for non-stop advancement. As an innovation that has changed the way watches are powered today, Eco-Drive has no equal and inspires great potential of state-of the art technologies and exquisite design.

At Baselworld 2012, Citizen unveiled two new concept models, displaying Eco- Drive innovations in ladies’ timepieces, and making for a thrilling encounter with Eco-Drive that is sure to be remembered. These ‘light breathing’ Eco-Drive watches for ladies not only capture and turn light into energy to power watches, but also emit light of their own in a unique and dramatic way.

“A year earlier, i.e. in 2011, Citizen launched the world’s first light-powered analogue watch that receives time signals from navigation satellites to provide ultra precise time anywhere on earth,” said Katsusuke Tokura, MD, Citizen Watches (India). “The timepiece were a connection with space itself.”

At Baselworld 2013, Citizen’s newly renovated booth design called the ‘Installation’ reflected its stature as a manufacture d’horlogerie, while attractively displaying a series of unique watches and components. Using light in a stylish way, each component conjures up the image of endless streaming light, spotlighting the inseparable relationship between light and time that is showcased by the remarkable Eco-Drive technology.

“We recognise that light and time exist cohesively, so that time is light and light is time. The Installation conveys our everlasting story of telling time as long as we have light,” said Tokura, elaborating on the design philosophy of the booth.

For 2013, Citizen has relaunched the Satellite Wave as a member of the Promaster Air series. While retaining few similarities to the original release, it’s a whole new watch and design, with some major improvements to the technology. The main similarity between the new releases was the 3-D hologram type look to the dial (which was inspired by fan blades in a plane) and the electric green colouring (on two of the variations). The major difference in the H909 movement is that the antenna has been upgraded to receive reception in a full metal encasing  (no ceramic necessary) and reception time has shortened to an impressive 4-second minimum and a 20-second maximum. This will be the fastest GPS reception time in a watch to date. Features will include world time in 26 cities, perpetual calendar, 24-hour counter, a power reserve indicator and 200m water resistance.

The renewed Promaster extends its bold legend of supreme durability and functionality by infusing ‘imagination’ into its persona, reflecting aspirations toward exploring infinite new territories inspired by images of flying high in the sky. The design of both sides of the titanium case was inspired by the streamlined structures of wings, enhancing the impression of dynamism and lightness. The dial suggests the rotating fan blades of an aircraft engine, associated with an image that suggests drawing light and satellite signals from the sky. The dial consists of three transparent layers, over which indexes, windows and hands are laid out respectively, creating an airy floating impression.

Compared to the Eco-Drive Satellite Wave marketed in 2011, this advanced satellite timekeeping system delivers much higher reception sensitivity. This is the world’s first light powered watch with a full-metal case that receives time signals from navigation satellites. Its speed to correct the time is also the fastest among all satellite-synchronised watches. The captivating synthesis of the heritage and the radically advanced satellite timekeeping technology as well as the bold new design provides a new connection with space and aeronautics for those who imagine the unimaginable.

With all all variations, Citizen’s own proprietary alloy of titanium (Super Titanium) is implemented. The high strength (1000-1200hv), and low weight (about 40 per cent lighter than steel) alloy provides for a comfortable but durable piece. To add to its durability, Citizen only uses both their proprietary Duratect coating as well as DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) on the new Waves. Duratect is basically a clear coating applied to higherend Citizen watches. It makes the titanium (or steel) about 3-4 times harder than its own original form. The DLC coating is also incredibly hard and scratch resistant (1600-2000hv), and gives a beautiful black finish. Not only that, but also all models will have a deeply domed,anti-reflective coated, sapphire crystal.

The two regular production models will still be produced in smaller quantities. The CC1054-56E is the titanium case and bracelet with DLC coated case-sides and inner links, along with
green accents in the dial. The CC1075-05E is the full DLC-coated titanium case, with orange accents in the dial and the new liquid rubber strap with titanium inserts within the strap. Both models measure out at 49.5mm width and 18.8mm thick. While it is still on the larger side, it is quite a bit smaller than the original and definitely wears much more comfortable.

The CC1064-01E is on a liquid rubber strap, titanium case with pearl white coating. There is going to be a limited edition of only 500 pieces for the world.