Citizen's Campanola was launched in 2000. Based on the design concept of "the beauty of the sky," it skillfully expresses depth and three-dimensionality in a limited space. Its mystical design, which at times resembles a majestic temple and at other times embodies the cosmos with its twinkling stars, has captivated many watch enthusiasts. The latest addition to the Eco-Drive Collection further accentuates the moon and stars, providing the joy of enjoying time.
Interview and text by Yukiya Suzuki (Chronos-Japan)
[Article published in the July 2021 issue of Kronos Japan]
The Campanola Eco-Drive further enhances visibility and aesthetics, harmonizing the two.
The Eco-Drive Collection was released 11 years after Campanola's debut. In keeping with the Eco-Drive concept, which converts light energy into watch power, the dial design features a cosmic landscape as its motif. The subdial at 6 o'clock resembles a spaceship window, and the view of the universe through it is cleverly expressed using lacquer as the base, gold leaf sprinkled on top, and mother-of-pearl inlay. Furthermore, the subdial at 12 o'clock is formed by electroforming, and its intricate radial pattern symbolizes the sun shining in outer space. By layering these details, the design concept of "beauty of the sky" is beautifully elevated to the magnificent "beauty of space," embodying the Campanola style while also becoming popular among watch enthusiasts.
Now, 10 years later, in 2021, the Eco-Drive collection has been renewed. It now features three models: the black-based "Amairo Hoshi" (Sky-Colored Star), the white-based "Amamitsu Hoshi" (Tenman Star), and the blue-based "Konruri" (Dark Lapis Lazuli). While previous models used different combinations of lacquer and gold powder to express the "beauty of the universe," these new models are all unified in their combination of lacquer and mother-of-pearl. However, the area of the lacquer has been expanded, and the mother-of-pearl has become more diverse in size and shape, with an increased number creating an even more brilliant effect.
The entire dial is monochromatic, in white and silver, highlighting the "Tenmanboshi" starry sky at 6 o'clock, which is created using lacquer and mother-of-pearl. A ring-shaped solar cell is placed on the faceplate, absorbing light, making it possible to use a precision metal dial created by electroforming. Light-powered Eco-Drive (Cal. 8730). ±15 seconds per month. Stainless steel (diameter 43.5mm, thickness 14.8mm). Water resistant for everyday use. Price: 341,000 yen (tax included).
The biggest change is the moon phase display at 6 o'clock. While the previous model used a small round window to display the shape of the moon, this model has been changed to an umbrella-shaped window, giving the moon peeking through the larger opening a more realistic look. The moon's detail is so intricate that it took eight printings to achieve it.
In this way, the "aesthetic beauty" that symbolizes Campanola has been refined into a more cosmic and elegant design, while the improved visibility as a watch is also noteworthy. The month and day displays at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions have been redesigned to use larger, bolder letters, making them easier to read, while the font has been refined to a more elegant form. In addition, the hour, minute, and second hands are coated with luminous paint, updating their previous decorative form to one that is more functional as a watch.
Since its debut, Campanola has always evolved by incorporating cutting-edge technology and craftsmanship under the theme of "Enjoy time, enjoy everyday life, enjoy individuality." The latest models continue this tradition, retaining their distinctive and romantic design while also being updated with improved visibility and readability for convenience and practicality in everyday use. These three new models are perfect for enjoying the light-powered Eco-Drive together with the moon and stars.
The hour marker ring, hour and minute hands, and date display hand at 12 o'clock are blue, and the subdial at 6 o'clock is blue lacquered, creating a navy blue lapis lazuli effect that represents the Earth as seen from space. The navy blue calfskin strap also brings the colors together. Light-powered Eco-Drive (Cal. 8730). ±15 seconds per month. Stainless steel (diameter 43.5mm, thickness 14.8mm). Water resistant for everyday use. Price: 286,000 yen (tax included).
Apart from the silver trivet ring, the hour marker ring with Roman indices, the main dial, and the day and month display discs are all black-based on this celestial star. The various sizes of mother-of-pearl stars stand out even more against the black dial. The use of a ring-shaped solar cell makes it possible to create a wide variety of dial expressions. Light-powered Eco-Drive (Cal. 8730). ±15 seconds per month. Stainless steel (diameter 43.5mm, thickness 14.8mm). Water resistant for everyday use. Price: 341,000 yen (tax included).
Video content "CAMPANOLA STORIES"
The Citizen Campanola official website is currently streaming the video content "CAMPANOLA STORIES."
In addition to the Eco-Drive collection introduced in this article, you can also experience Campanola's originality and charm.
How was Campanola, with its design concept of "beauty of the sky," created?
Take a peek into the world of Campanola through interviews with the development story, the designer of the Campanola Cosmosign, traditional craftsman Tetsuo Gido who was responsible for creating the lacquered dial, and biologist Shinichi Fukuoka, owner and evangelist of Campanola.
CAMPANOLA STORIES
About Campanola, which has a unique presence,
A story in which makers, users, and various other people talk about its appeal.
https://campanola.jp/stories/index.html
http://www.webchronos.net/features/51574/
http://www.webchronos.net/features/63786/
http://www.webchronos.net/news/64709/
