WATCH & JEWELRY /
SIHH＆BASEL
March 26, 2015
CITIZEN: Unveiling models equipped with a new time correction and world time system, advancing beyond even radio-controlled accuracy.
CITIZEN
Beyond Radio-Controlled Watches
Unveiling New Time Correction & World Time System Models
Last year at Baselworld, Citizen announced the "Eco-Drive Dome," a novel concept model planned for limited release, drawing significant attention from watch enthusiasts worldwide. This year, they've introduced another captivating concept model featuring an even more innovative system.
Reporting and writing by Yasuhito Shibuya
Concept Models for Production Appear Again This Year!
Citizen, a comprehensive watch and electronic device manufacturer, has been actively promoting its image, notably by establishing a design office in Hong Kong and hosting a design contest that transcends borders. Last year, they presented concept models intended for production at Baselworld, garnering considerable interest from watch industry professionals in Europe and Asia. The commercially released models were also met with great acclaim, solidifying Citizen's emerging position as a Japanese watch brand. This year, the two concept models unveiled at Baselworld 2011 are as compelling as last year's highly praised "Eco-Drive Dome." Particularly noteworthy is the "Eco-Drive Satellite Wave," a model equipped with a new time correction and world time system that offers an alternative to radio-controlled watches.
Receives and Analyzes Data from the Nearest GPS Satellite to Display Local Time
Alongside its solar-powered "Eco-Drive" quartz system, Citizen was an early pioneer in the development and commercialization of radio-controlled watches, both domestically and internationally. The accuracy and convenience of radio-controlled watches, which automatically receive and correct time to the second using standard radio wave data from multiple atomic clocks daily, require no further explanation. When combined with a solar-powered quartz system, this results in a highly accurate and virtually maintenance-free wristwatch. However, this system is not without its limitations. The countries that transmit standard radio waves and their coverage areas are quite limited, and reception and correction can take several minutes. It is not a system that can be used anywhere in the world.
Citizen's new solution to this problem is the new system featured in this model, which receives and analyzes radio waves from GPS satellites that cover the entire globe, rather than standard radio waves. The radio waves emitted by GPS satellites contain accurate time and orbital information, similar to standard radio waves. The Satellite Wave utilizes this information to display the current time at the user's location. Furthermore, based on this time information, it can also display the current time in other time zones, effectively serving as a new world time system. It also includes a perpetual calendar function.
The innovative design, which uses a ring-shaped solar cell as its power source and features a see-through dial, is also remarkably fresh. This is a novel wristwatch that can only be created through Japanese craftsmanship.
Eco-Drive Satellite Wave
A "Solar Radio-Controlled Watch" Using GPS Satellite Signals as an Alternative to Radio-Controlled Watches
Similar to car navigation systems, this is a "new radio-controlled watch" that receives signals from GPS satellites covering the globe and displays the precise current time at your location within approximately 20 seconds of reception. As it is powered by the light-harvesting Eco-Drive, there is no need for battery replacements. While solar cells are typically placed on the dial, this model employs a ring-shaped solar cell set around the outer edge of the dial. Additionally, it features a collaboration with the animated film "Appleseed XIII," based on Masamune Shirow's work, which is set for release in June. An original promotional video using scenes from this film can be viewed on the official website (http://citizen.jp/topics/2011/basel2011.html).
Solar-powered, radio-controlled quartz, ceramic & stainless steel case, 44.4mm case diameter, urethane strap, see-through case back, 5 ATM water resistance, price undecided (estimated ¥300,000), scheduled for release this autumn.
Citizen Watch Customer Service
Toll-free 0120-78-4807
http://citizen.jp/