Campanola: A time-traveling complication that connects the past and the future

FEATURES Magazine article

2019.02.15

Citizen

CAMPANOLA COMPLICATION PERPETUAL CALENDAR

The tonneau-shaped Perpetual Calendar, which debuted as Campanola's first model, underwent a full model change for the first time in 13 years in 2019. With further refinements to the three-dimensionality of the dial and the shape of the case, this new model is a high-quality watch worthy of Campanola.

Osamu Ioki: Photographs by Osamu Ioki
Text by Yuto Hosoda (Chronos-Japan)

The dial, which emphasizes its three-dimensional effect, is made by electroforming. The 200-year calendar is raised with the year hand, which is designed with a spiral nebula motif, at its apex, and is placed so that it is covered by a trivet ring with the month display. However, there is enough clearance between the two, so the overlapping part of the 200-year calendar can be read by changing the angle.

　Campanola was founded in 2000. This brand, which belongs to the category of domestically produced luxury watches, has produced many elegant products that evoke starry skies and galaxies, with a design concept of "beauty of the sky." In particular, in recent years, the brand has been actively developing models that incorporate mother-of-pearl inlay on the dial. The "beauty of the sky," expressed through skillful use of traditional Japanese crafts, combined with difficult-to-read model names such as "Hoshi no Shizuku" (Star Drops) and "Chiyo no Toboshi" (Thousand Night Lanterns), has succeeded in establishing an image of luxury watches that are brimming with Japanese charm.

　However, simply seeing it as a luxury watch with Japanese elements would not be an accurate understanding of this brand. This is because Campanola is a rare brand that specializes in quartz-type complicated watches. In this article, we will look at Campanola's appeal as a maker of complicated watches through the new "Perpetual Calendar" from the "Complications" collection.

　The "Perpetual Calendar" series features both a perpetual calendar and a 200-year calendar. The latter allows the wearer to find out what day of the week it is for any date between March 1, 1900, and February 28, 2100, by pressing the pushers at the 2 and 4 o'clock positions. This mechanism is not possible with perpetual calendars, which generally have a taboo on setting the date, except for a few models. A perpetual calendar requires no adjustment until 2100, meaning that once set, the calendar mechanism theoretically does not need to be touched unless the watch is stopped. Therefore, this "perpetual calendar" offers the inherent convenience of a perpetual calendar, eliminating the need for manual operation, while also providing entertainment by allowing the wearer to feel like they are "traveling between the past and the future." This makes it a watch with contradictory appeal.

　The main features of this completely redesigned model are its exterior. First, the tonneau-shaped case, which was previously featured in the lineup, has been reinstated. The tonneau shape has been shortened by approximately 3 mm compared to the previous model, improving comfort on the wrist. Usability has also been improved, with the three pushers being less loose. Another notable feature is the case finish. This model features a two-piece construction in which the middle case is fitted into the case back, which is integrated with the lugs, and these are assembled twice. This means that after polishing both the case back and the middle case, they are temporarily assembled without the movement in order to polish them even in their assembled state, and then further polished. The case is then disassembled and the movement is recased. As a result, even though the case is a two-piece, separate piece, the gaps are precisely aligned.

　The Perpetual Calendar combines the joy and fun of owning a complicated quartz watch. With even higher quality than ever before, this model is truly worthy of being a representative brand of Japanese luxury watches.

A separate photo of the two-piece case. The middle case is forged, but the case back is machined due to its complex shape to house the movement. To eliminate any gaps that may arise when assembling these cases made using different manufacturing methods, each part is polished individually and then polished again while assembled. The second case polishing is done during a mock assembly without the movement inside, so it is inevitable that after the second polishing, the case must be disassembled and reassembled, including the movement - a process known as double assembly. Since these steps are required to eliminate any gaps, the case parts polished during the mock assembly are naturally also assembled during the final assembly. The high precision of this processing is clear from the photographs of the finished product.

The 200-year calendar occupies most of the dial, from 9:00 to 12:00. Each time pusher (④) is pressed, the calendar advances by one day, and each time pusher (⑤) is pressed, it moves back by one day. Therefore, by moving the calendar to a specific date, it is possible to know the day of the week that day. Additionally, by pressing and holding either pusher (④) or (⑤), the calendar can be moved continuously, rather than one day at a time. The 200-year calendar (①) is arranged in a spiral with a 28-year cycle, and can be read using the year hand (②). The month hand (③) indicates the month by pointing to the month printed on the trivet ring. Pressing the reset button (⑥) will return the display to the current time.

Campanola Complications Perpetual Calendar AG6250-50A
This tonneau-shaped watch is the first tonneau-shaped watch to undergo a full model change in 13 years. It combines the convenience of a perpetual calendar with the playfulness of a 200-year calendar that allows for "time travel." It features a three-dimensional dial made with electroforming and a case with even spacing due to being assembled twice, making it a high-quality watch. Quartz movement (Cal. 6704). Stainless steel (52.8mm x 41.0mm). Water resistant for everyday use. Price: 380,000 yen. Scheduled for release on February 15th.

Campanola Complications Perpetual Calendar AG6250-09E
This is the black dial and strap model. The three-dimensional dial, including the trivet ring, was inspired by the design of the astrolabe, an ancient astronomical observation device. The Campanola strap is made of crocodile leather. Quartz movement (Cal. 6704). Stainless steel (52.8mm x 41.0mm). Water resistant for everyday use. Price: 360,000 yen. Scheduled for release on February 15th.

Contact info: Citizen Customer Watch Consultation Center TEL: 0120-78-4807