The ever-changing expressions of the ocean, as depicted in the Oceanus "Indigo Ocean"

While maintaining its elegant appearance, Oceanus has recently been pushing forward with more proactive design work, deepening the expression of blue, the brand's symbolic color, and incorporating original elements into the bezel. This latest creation is an evolution of the "Awa Indigo Model," infused with this kind of creativity. The sub-dials, which represent the vast ocean, and the bezel's design, which evokes the powerful swell of waves, vividly depict the azure sea landscape that is the design theme of Oceanus.

The latest model from Awa-Ai, which has continuously pursued the expression of "blue."

　The Manta, the flagship line of Oceanus, presents its latest creation, the "OCW-S6000AP." This limited-edition model showcases Oceanus' aesthetic sensibilities and Casio's technical prowess, with three sub-dials colored in different shades of blue to add depth to its appearance, and a spiral-cut bezel for a sense of dynamism. Furthermore, this watch is the latest model in a series that uses Awa indigo to express blue. In this fourth installment of the series, the meaning of Oceanus using indigo was re-examined, and by pursuing a "new expression of blue," a design different from previous Awa indigo models was created.

　In 2017, Casio released the OCW-G2000C from its Oceanus line, a model that could be considered a pinnacle in terms of functionality, featuring GPS, standard radio wave, and Bluetooth time correction. However, around this time, the company began to sense a shift in the needs for wristwatches and started producing watches that not only offered high functionality but also incorporated traditional Japanese techniques and storytelling into their designs. This led to the completion of the Edo Kiriko model in 2018, and following that, in search of a traditional blue suitable for Oceanus, they arrived at a model using Awa indigo from Tokushima.

　The Awa Indigo model was launched in 2020, with the theme "Japan Indigo." The first model featured a leather strap dyed with Awa indigo tie-dyeing, while the S5000-based model showcased a mother-of-pearl (MOP) dial with a gradient dyeing technique. The second and third models also featured dials and their bases dyed with Awa indigo, all of which focused on the use of indigo dyeing in watches.

　However, it seems that considerable trial and error was involved before the technique for dyeing the dial with indigo was established. Generally, Awa indigo dyeing involves adding lye to sukumo (fermented indigo), dissolving the dye in water using the power of microorganisms, immersing the cloth or thread in the dye, and then exposing it to air to develop the color. However, it was discovered that this method caused the color dyed to peel off the mother-of-pearl (MOP). After exploring other dyeing methods, it was found that blue indigo powder, produced by a precipitation method that concentrates the pigment, provided a stable color, and this dyeing method was adopted for Oceanus watches.

The colors of the ocean expressed on the three sub-dials

　The latest model, the OCW-S6000AP, also follows the tradition of using Awa indigo blue powder for the mother-of-pearl sub-dials. However, as mentioned earlier, the fourth model re-examined "the meaning of Oceanus using indigo." Instead of primarily using Awa indigo as before, the product development took a different approach from the previous three models, focusing on "expressing the Oceanus worldview while using indigo as a technique," or in other words, "what kind of design would result if the brand's theme of the sea were expressed with Awa indigo?"

　Thus, with the new theme of "Indigo Ocean," the Awa Indigo Multicolor MOP Dial was born. By coloring the three sub-dials with different shades of blue and arranging them to create a gradient effect, a truly Oceanus-esque design was achieved, reminiscent of the blue ocean gradually changing to lighter hues as it recedes into the distance.

　To create three sub-dials with different shades, the coloring process for the sub-dials is more time-consuming than before. As before, the paint is colored with blue indigo powder, but to express the ever-changing colors of the sea, the amount of blue in the paint is changed, and other paints are added to adjust the hue and intensity of each color. The paint is sprayed on to a thickness that allows the elegant pattern of the mother-of-pearl to be faintly visible, but this alone would result in a matte texture, so a clear coat is applied to the indigo-dyed surface to create a glossy finish—a graceful look as if sunlight is shining down and the surface of the sea is shimmering.

　The main dial, on the other hand, features a wave-inspired pattern created with transparent matte printing, and the overall black paint, reminiscent of "Tomarikon" (a deep indigo color), tightens the presence of the sub-dials. Tomarikon is the final color achieved through repeated indigo dyeing, a stage in which the dye can no longer be further applied. Not only does the use of the term Tomarikon strengthen the storytelling aspect of this Awa indigo model, but the use of dry plating for the black paint, which allows a subtle blue tint to be seen when light hits it, is another thoughtful touch.

The unique spiral-cut bezel depicts "fierce waves."

　Another highlight of the OCW-S6000AP is its spiral-cut sapphire crystal bezel. Not only are 12 facets cut on each side and bevel of the bezel, but a uniquely developed 24-facet spiral cut is added to the top surface, expressing the powerful undulation of waves. What's unique is the cut surface. Each cut surface forms a gentle curve, polished to carve out the sapphire crystal, creating a wave-like form.

　To achieve this unique cut, Casio developed a new type of cutting tool. However, simply using this special tool doesn't automatically create the spiral cut; polishing all surfaces to a uniform width and depth while ensuring each edge is sharp requires the meticulous work of a skilled craftsman who can carefully assess and adjust the process. Moreover, since the process involves sapphire crystal, which is second only to diamond in hardness, the time required to polish each surface is considerably long.

　Furthermore, simply placing a bezel with polished top and sides onto the case would give a rather bland impression. Therefore, the underside of the bezel is given a textured finish, creating a slight gap between the bezel and the case. When viewed from the side, it can be seen that the case is assembled to grip the bezel. This treatment of the underside is a technique also seen in jewelry, but by utilizing it, the unique presence of the bezel is highlighted, giving the finished watch an even more elegant look.

The "blue" element enhances the colors of the vast ocean.

　To enhance the vast ocean scenery depicted by the Awa indigo multi-color mother-of-pearl dial and spiral-cut sapphire crystal bezel, blue is incorporated throughout the exterior parts of this model.

　Many Casio watches feature DLC (diamond-like carbon) or AIP (arc ion plating) coatings on the case and bracelet surfaces. This is done to create a hard, thin film on the metal surface to enhance scratch resistance. In particular, high-end models such as Oceanus and MR-G use AIP coating not only to increase surface hardness but also to produce delicate colors that cannot be achieved with DLC.

　The titanium case and bracelet of this model have also been treated with AIP (ion plating) and colored in a grayish blue. In addition, the crown and push buttons are also colored with blue-gray IP (ion plating), creating a sense of unity in the color scheme and expressing the ocean, which is the theme of Oceanus, throughout the entire watch.

　From Japan Indigo, which primarily used Awa indigo, to Indigo Ocean, which expresses the ocean, the theme of Oceanus, with Awa indigo, the design of the Awa indigo models has entered a new phase. The OCW-S6000AP is not only highly functional and elegant, but also features original design elements such as an original multi-color mother-of-pearl sub-dial and a spiral-cut bezel. It is a masterpiece that fully conveys the charm of Awa indigo, a traditional technique, through the filter of Oceanus.

Indigo Ocean variations, adorned with the colors of the sea.

　In addition to the OCW-S6000AP, the Oceanus Indigo Ocean series, which uses Awa indigo dye, also comes in two other variations. While all three models share the design of depicting ocean scenes with mother-of-pearl sub-dials, they differ in the bezel, case, and bracelet. We encourage you to discern the individuality of each model and find the one that resonates with you.