Citizen BaselWorld 2013 Novelties in Tokyo

KIH · 2013-08-18T10:31:00Z

Discover Citizen's 2013 BaselWorld novelties, including the Promaster Eco-Drive Satellite Wave-Air, Altichron, Campanola Eco-Drive, and Series 8 Radio Wave, showcased at the Citizen Design Center in Tokyo.

KIH

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

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KIH's report from the Citizen Design Center in Tokyo offers a unique glimpse into Citizen's 2013 novelties, showcasing their innovative Eco-Drive technology across various collections. This article highlights Citizen's commitment to advanced quartz movements and functional design, providing valuable context for understanding the brand's direction a decade ago.

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This is CITIZEN's first attempt to use its Design Center near Harajuku as the public view venue for the 2013 Novelties. I was invited on the press day and captured some interesting new products.

1. Venue: CITIZEN Design Center:
As always, not many people can guess there is such a facility here in the very quiet back street near Harajuku area.

Did a nice job to turn the design office to such a nice display space.

2. PROMASTER Eco-Drive Satellite Wave -Air

This new version of "Satellite Wave" - the first one was LE and it looked sort of still "gigantic" - has got the much smarter appearance. Still big at 49.5mm (and 19.5mm thickness), but thanks to the thick bezel, it doesn't wear THAT big. There are three versions (Green dial + bracelet, Orange dial + urethane with titanium insert bracelet, and green with pearl white coated case (LE)), all cased in titanium. World Time in 26 Cities, Water Resistant to 20 Bar.

See the Titanium insert in the urethane bracelet.

Three layers of dial.

LE of 500.

On the wrist of the R&D person in charge.

3. PROMASTER Eco-Drive Althicron

The design concept is "The world of altitude 10,000m". Dual-sensor altimeter and electronic compass - can measure between -300mm (below sea level) to 10,000m (!), with pinpoint accuracy of the directional compass reading. To be available this September.

49.5mm diameter
15.7mm thickness
Titanium case, 20 Bar water resistant

Video of actual working sample on the PR staff's wrist:

Eco-Drive Altichron -Cirrus

To be available next spring. Liquid rubber strap. Without inner bezel. Resurrection of "Althichron" born in 1989 as the top model of CITIZEN's PROMASTER Series. Beautifully designed buttons and the dial.

51.5mm diameter
18.0mm thickness
Titanium case, 20 Bar water resistant.

Shiny titanium bezel version - LE of undetermined number.

Black titanium bezel version - unlimited.

4. Campanola Eco-Drive with perpetual calendar, minute repeater, 1/4 sec Chronograph

To be available this fall.
Also uses purple and black Japan (Urushi) dial. 44.6mm diameter, 15.9mm thickness. Croco strap.

5. Series 8 Eco-Drive Radio Wave

To be available this August.
Simple and modern, thin model with world time.

43.6mm diameter
9.67mm thickness
Anti-magnetic
SS case, 10 Bar water resistant

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Addendum:

Those who attended BaselWorld must remember the stage CITIZEN created. Here is the video of the stage, and the making of it. "Making" video is rare to see from any brand and they are both worth seeing.

Here is the page that shows both videos in the middle of it.
www.citizenwatch-global.com

The theme was "Frozen Time"

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Thank you very much, CITIZEN PR team!

Best,
Ken

This message has been edited by MTF on 2013-08-18 13:40:50

Key Points from the Discussion

Eco-Drive technology is appreciated for its independence from frequent battery changes and its ability to power complex multi-function pieces with an astonishing number of mechanical parts.
The author, KIH, emphasizes that Eco-Drive is distinct from standard quartz watches due to its energy efficiency and advanced capabilities.
The Campanola Eco-Drive models, particularly the minute repeaters with their purple and black Urushi dials, are highly regarded for their superb quality and intricate complications.
The Series 8 Eco-Drive Radio Wave is noted for its handsome, simple, and modern design, with a desire for it to be introduced in Super Titanium.
There is community interest in Citizen developing more mechanical pieces, potentially a next-generation Autozilla, and the author confirms this is a recurring request they convey to the brand.
The Citizen Design Center occasionally opens to the public for novelty viewings, offering a rare opportunity to experience their latest creations.

The Discussion

SALMANPK

Aug 18, 2013

Very Cool Report :-)

A Very Nice Presentation by Citizen, they make amazing watches which are great value for money, the Series 8 Eco Drive Radio Wave is a handsome watch, hopefully they will consider introducing it in Super Titanium. S

KIH

Aug 19, 2013

That would be super nice, Salman! [nt]

Ronald Held

Aug 18, 2013

thanks for the report, Ken. none of these watches...

Appeals to me.

KIH

Aug 19, 2013

Hahaha. I understand. Not for everyone. [nt]

cazalea

Aug 18, 2013