CITIZEN L New Models

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During Baselworld Fair, Japanese watch maker CITIZEN has released two new models from the CITIZEN L, a collection dedicated to stylish women. The first model is from the Ambiluna collection—in its second year, the new Ambiluna features a limited colour to the lacquer-made Urushi-drop and comes with a special bangle. The second model is playful yet elegant design with large diamonds.

CITIZEN L is a ladies’ watch brand from CITIZEN which launched in Europe and North America in 2012 and now available in nearly 50 countries globally. CITIZEN proposes a new style of luxury watch for women who embrace their lives in the 21st century with beauty and power, having Yoshiko Ikoma as the brand advisor since 2016. Featuring Eco-Drive movement which keeps the watch ticking with any light source, anywhere in the world, all CITIZEN L watches produce no battery waste which is one of the many ways CITIZEN is working to create products that are socially and environmentally conscious. CITIZEN L is a new lady’s watch brand that has the attractive jewelry-like design and features light-powered Eco-Drive, based on CITIZEN’s ethical product making.

First Model, Ambiluna
The architect of limited edition Ambiluna, Mr. Sou Fujimoto, recognized for his novel approach to architecture embodied in various global projects, continues to oversee the brand as its advisor.

Design theme of Ambiluna, moon-glazed sapphire crystal, expressing the absolute light: “Absolute light,” – a concept proposed by the architect, Sou Fujimoto. It is a new design-led approach to watch that tells the concept of ambiguous time with the transience of light. The key feature is the moon-glazed sapphire crystal that takes its image from a soft and misty moon light. The rich expression of the gradual shift in the light is created by frosting a highly-translucent sapphire crystal. It is an entirely new concept in watches where it is not a tool to check time but to put on light itself. This moon-glazed sapphire crystal is featured in all Ambiluna models.

The distinctive motif at the 11 o’clock position is Urushi drops, a modern rendition of Japanese tradition of lacquer art of Urushi which is carefully crafted by time honored “Urushi Sakamoto.” The exquisite gradation of silver to black that extends inwards gives it a chic yet deep radiance in the light, like “Starry clouds”. By applying black colour to the design, the designer want to highlight the presence of shadow that in fact accentuates light,　hence the design concept “absolute light” is more highlighted. A single diamond is set between the case and Urushi drop, giving a beautiful tension in the design while functioning as an index to show 12 o’clock.

Special bangle: “Ring of Light” – This special bangle is designed for CITIZEN L by the artist duo, “MONOCIRCUS.”  Inspired from the theme, “absolute light”, the design aimed to give shape to rings of light.  The 3D printer-based design allowed the freedom for a complex geometric shape, giving the bangle a unique appeal.

Ref. EW5499-54A
Launch: Autumn 2017
Limited Number: 1,000 sets worldwide
Case / band: Stainless steel (with Urushi drop 1 diamond)/ stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
Dial colour: White
Size: Diameter 27.3mm/ thickness 9.4mm
Movement: Caliber: B035 / Eco-Drive / Accuracy of ±15 seconds per month / Runs 7 months on full charge / WR 50
Carbon footprint: 6.1kg
Other: Limited box Special bangle (brass + rhodium plating)

Special Collaboration
Bangle (Monocircus): Established in 2011, Monocircus is about creating various forms of art and design works, ranging from small objects such as jewelry to large-scale art and architectural works with a key concept of seeking ways to constantly enrich daily life with Art and Design. 3D Printing technology is one predominant method that is employed to develop the various signature products of Monocircus.

URUSHI (SAKAMOTO CO., LTD): Founded in 1900, URUSHI SAKAMOTO CO., LTD is a renowned, long-established Japanese lacquer manufacturer. Under the theme of “Infusion of tradition and modern concepts,” its wide product lineup ranges from accessories to industrial products. Currently URUSHI SAKAMATO CO. is establishing partnerships with companies from various industries to communicate the excellence of Japanese lacquer-ware worldwide.

Second Model
Like an oasis that breathes life into a bare land, the large diamond piece sits between the case bezel and the surrounding ring which rotates itself as it freely moves like an arc giving off that iconic glow. 4 other diamonds are embedded onto the super-translucent sapphire crystal, conceiving a beautiful 4-diamond layer with those placed on the dial.  Together they conjure an image of water and vivacious bubbles welling up from earth.

Ref: EW5524-16E / EW5520-84D / EW5528-82E
Launch: Autumn 2017
Limited Number: 3,000 pcs worldwide
Case / Band: Stainless steel (with 1 diamond) / Synthetic satin leather
Stainless steel (with 1 diamond) / Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire Crystal (with 2 diamonds)
Dial: Black (with 2 diamonds) / Mother of pearl (with 2 diamonds) / Black (with 2 diamonds)
Size: diameter 32.5mm / thickness 8.3mm * Design specification only
Movement: Cal.B036 / Eco-Drive / Accuracy of ±15 per month / Runs for about 7 months on full charge / WR 50
Carbon Footprint: 6.6kg / 9.2kg
Total Carat of Diamonds: 0.12ct