Casio's "Oceanus" breaks new ground! Edo Kiriko expresses the "calm sea under the moonlight."

Casio's Oceanus has been going strong for over 20 years. Two new models have been added to the lineup: an all-black design with Edo Kiriko bezels. The chic appearance, which is a stark departure from the traditional Edo Kiriko bezel, embodies Casio's commitment to constant innovation. We will take a closer look at the design and finish, focusing on the bezel and dial.

The reason for its sophistication is its exquisite cut and color.

　Casio's "Oceanus" is named after Oceanus, the sea god in Greek mythology. Like the ever-changing ocean, it combines elegance and ruggedness, making it a watch suitable for both business and relaxing leisure time. Its popularity stems not only from its design, but also from its high specs as a piece of gear, including reception of standard time signals, automatic time correction via smartphone linking, and the convenience of solar power, which eliminates the need for regular battery changes.

　Now in its 21st year since its launch, Oceanus has consistently expanded its lineup with blue as its main theme. However, the OCW-SG1000CN-1AJR, which has just been added to the Manta Series, Oceanus's top collection, is a chic model clad in an all-black exterior. What kind of "ocean of expression" will this model, which heralds the start of a new chapter for Oceanus, show us? We will unravel the reasons for its sophistication through interviews with Takayasu Sato, leader of the Second Planning Office of the Product Planning Department of the Watch Division, and Takafumi Suzuki of the Premium List Design Office of the Product Design Department of the Design Development Supervision Division, who were involved in the commercialization of this model.

　When we think of all-black watches, casual, sporty models like pilot's watches or field watches come to mind, but this model is the polar opposite. Perhaps this feeling is due to the elegantly sparkling Edo Kiriko bezel. Oceanus has been offering Edo Kiriko models since 2018. This watch features a bezel made of sapphire crystal, which is extremely hard and difficult to process, and is cut with Edo Kiriko techniques. The highly transparent, vibrant blue sapphire crystal is intentionally decorated with lines at varying intervals. The resulting irregular ocean-like fluctuations, combined with the brand's concept, have led to numerous variations and have earned it high praise.

　This bezel was created by Horiguchi Kiriko, a workshop based in Edogawa Ward, Tokyo. This time, too, Horiguchi Kiriko has created a model with a unique pattern on sapphire crystal, a difficult-to-cut material, but how does it differ from previous models?

"Until now, the design has been based on the vibrant, gorgeous colors of Edo Kiriko, with a blue tone that is characteristic of Oceanus. However, this year we wanted to express it in a new way." (Sato)

　One of the designs chosen as a new expression is the black Edo Kiriko bezel, which evokes the image of a quiet moonlit night. The faint light that penetrates is reflected in the black sapphire crystal, highlighting the 24 faceted contours.

　The upper half of the surface at 12 o'clock features radial cuts called "sen-suji" (thousand lines), which are inspired by moonlight. The lower half of the surface at 6 o'clock features random cuts, and the back features horizontal thousand lines. In other words, the top and bottom of the bezel feature different patterns. In addition, a gradient vapor deposition is applied, from black on top to silver on bottom. The vapor deposition decoration changes color depending on the angle from which it is viewed. Taking advantage of this characteristic, it gives the watch an atmosphere different from previous Oceanus models.

　The appeal of Edo Kiriko lies in the sharp cuts made in the glass and the geometric patterns they create. The thousand lines on this piece are a traditional and basic Edo Kiriko pattern. Each line has been carved by hand by a craftsman. Cutting small, delicate sapphire crystal to a uniform depth requires extraordinary concentration and skill.

"Every single bezel is handcrafted by the artisans at Horiguchi Kiriko. According to Toru Horiguchi (Editor's note: an Edo Kiriko artisan who founded Horiguchi Kiriko as "Hideishi," the third generation of his family), the sapphire crystal of the Oceanus is much harder than the glass he normally works with. He also said that maintaining the sharpness of the diamond wheel blades used during cutting is a difficult task. Furthermore, when he saw the horizontal milled lines that were to be featured on the bezel, he said, 'This is quite difficult!' (laughs). With horizontal milled lines, the blade of the wheel and the fingers holding the bezel come extremely close to each other. In other words, contact can cause serious injury. Because of this tension, he said that the lowest horizontal milled line at 6 o'clock, where the fingers are closest to the blade, is extremely difficult. On the other hand, he said that the radial milled lines can be 'made rhythmically.'" (Suzuki)

　Sapphire crystal is certainly hard. However, it is also a material that can break if strong force is applied from a certain direction. "In other words, when the lines are densely packed together, it becomes more susceptible to breaking. Casio and Horiguchi Kiriko searched for a compromise between the design we wanted and the processing that could be done. Some of the prototypes broke during the prototype stage. However, we have been working with Horiguchi Kiriko since 2018 and have accumulated a certain amount of knowledge about Edo Kiriko bezels. As a result, we were able to bring the product to market relatively smoothly this time," says Sato.

"On the other hand, we had some difficulties in making the glass black while still retaining a sense of transparency. If it were completely black, it would lose its transparency. So we used a silver gradation vapor deposition to create a sense of transparency." (Suzuki)

　The intricate cuts created by hand and the carefully calculated coloring are the reasons for the refinement of the new Edo Kiriko bezel.

Highlights of the lunar dial

　The bezel is not the only highlight of this watch. The embossed pattern on the dial is also noteworthy. The black dial, with its delicate unevenness creating shadows, is inspired by the surface of the moon. The base is made of metal, not resin. Black plating and paint are then applied, and the surface of the paint is then polished with a lapping process, giving it a lustrous and elegant finish.

　The dial is very elaborate, but what's surprising is that this watch is equipped with a photovoltaic function. Light that hits the dial is converted into electricity, which is then stored in a secondary battery and used to power the watch. This is how a photovoltaic quartz watch works, but the important thing here is that it needs to receive enough light to provide sufficient power. Most photovoltaic quartz watches meet this requirement by using a resin dial that allows light to easily pass through, with a solar cell placed underneath. In high-end models, it is common to give the resin a metallic texture using methods such as vapor deposition to create a luxurious feel.

　So why was it possible to use a metal dial for this model? Sato revealed the secret: "We created it with the approach of thinking about how to make the face look good overall. First, we aimed for a rich texture by polishing the black dial. However, more than just decorative elements, the basis of the face design of the OCW-SG1000CN is Gallium Tough Solar."

　Gallium Tough Solar is a wristwatch adaptation of the solar cell technology installed in JAXA's small lunar landing demonstration vehicle "SLIM." Compared to conventional products, it boasts high efficiency, approximately five times higher under sunlight on a sunny day and approximately twice as high under indoor fluorescent lighting at approximately 500 lux. This makes it possible to obtain sufficient power by placing solar cells only on the outer periphery of the dial, thereby freeing the watch from the limitations on expression that were a problem with conventional resin dials.

　By the way, to match the all-black design, careful consideration has been given to the coloring of the dial and the module parts that can be seen through it. Different tones of black are used for each part, creating a sharp impression.

All designs converge on "CALM NIGHT"

　The concept of this piece is "CALM NIGHT." As explained by the designer, "The sea is a part of our lifestyle, and it was inspired by the idea of ​​spending time relaxing by the sea at night, resetting our minds," and the design evokes a sense of mystery and tranquility, with the calmness of the light shining through it.

　The dial depicts the moon floating in the dark night, with the radially cut upper half of the bezel evoking the moonlight shining in the night sky, and the horizontally cut lower half of the bezel evoking the quiet rippling of the waves. The poetic scene, sparkling in the light, is like the moon road seen on a full moon night.

　The lightness of titanium and the thinness of the case, less than 12mm, give the wearer a sense of relaxation. The center of the case back features a realistic depiction of the moon's surface, so the fantasy doesn't end when the watch is removed from the wrist.

The same concept model "OCW-S7000CN-1AJF" is limited to 1600 units.

　The all-black Oceanus Manta OCW-SG1000CN-1AJR broke new ground for the brand. However, there is also another model in this series that uses the same "CALM NIGHT" design theme: the "OCW-S7000CN-1AJF."

　Like the OCW-SG1000CN-1AJR, it features an Edo Kiriko bezel and a dial with a lunar surface motif. However, the sapphire crystal bezel is rounded, giving it a softer impression. Incidentally, the thousand lines on the bezel are not cut on the front, but on the back. The matte black dial features a delicate lunar surface pattern, creating a delightful contrast with the glossy bezel.

　The solar power generation function is not Gallium Tough Solar, but rather conventional Tough Solar, which means there is no need for regular battery replacement, making it very practical.

　Although the module remains the same, this model also takes on some new challenges in order to express the theme of "CALM NIGHT." The dial is particularly noteworthy. The OCW-S7000CN's dial was developed from a mold specifically for this model. The sand-like texture is the result of electroforming. A fairly thick layer of lacquer has been applied on top, but the pattern reminiscent of the moon's surface remains intact.

"The reason we made the lacquer thicker is because we had to layer it to fill the gap between the in-dial and the dial. It's not a dry plating or vapor deposition process, but a black lacquer coating on both sides of the dial. Even though it's not Gallium Tough Solar, it's a finish that was only possible with Casio's highly efficient light-blocking and dispersion solar." (Suzuki)

　While the OCW-SG1000CN's index is made of metal, the OCW-S7000CN's is made of resin. "We focused on creating a high-quality feel even with the resin, with an eye toward the dignity it would have when completed," says Sato.

　The case is thinner, at just under 10mm thick. Made from lightweight, corrosion-resistant titanium, the case and bracelet are treated with DLC for increased scratch resistance, making it so light you'll forget you're wearing it.

　The price is 308,000 yen including tax, less than half that of the OCW-SG1000CN-1AJR. The SG1000 is undoubtedly a cut above the rest, with its bezel cut, dial, and solar-powered function. However, the soft feel of the rounded bezel and the excellent fit provided by the slim case are charms that can only be experienced with the S7000.

A must-see event that heralds a new era for Casio

　Casio, generally known as a calculator manufacturer, entered the watch business in 1974. If we think of time as something that is continually added up, second by second, then it seemed possible to develop a wristwatch as an extension of the calculator. Casio's founder, Toshio Kashio, began developing wristwatches with the flexible thinking of an inventor, and in 1974 launched the Casiotron, the world's first digital watch with an automatic calendar. He then pioneered unique sales channels, including electronics retailers and discount stores, and despite being a latecomer, established a solid position in the market. This was only possible thanks to the Kashio brothers' inquisitive spirit and development capabilities as inventors, as well as their talent as managers.

　An event looking back on the company's history through archive pieces will be held at The Stage on the first floor of the main building of Isetan Shinjuku. The event will run from December 10th (Wed) to December 16th (Tue), 2025. The theme of the event, "Maverick Timepieces: CASIO Beyond Tradition - A maverick in the watch industry," is fitting for a company that has overturned conventional wisdom in the watch industry with its innovative thinking.

　The venue will feature the latest G-SHOCK and OCEANUS models, as well as detailed explanations and the development philosophy and manufacturing philosophy of Casio, the company that has brought epoch-making products to the world. Through this event, you will gain a deeper understanding of the ideas that underlie Casio, such as "creating something from nothing" and "invention is the mother of necessity."

“Maverick Timepieces: CASIO Beyond Tradition” A maverick in the watch industry

Date and time: December 10th (Wednesday) - December 16th (Tuesday) 10:00 - 20:00
Location: Isetan Shinjuku Main Building 1st Floor The Stage
Address: Shinjuku X, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 3-14-1