WORDS
Eleanor Pryor
Citizen has a long-established reputation for precise and reliable timepieces, but in recent years has become best known for its highly accurate quartz creations. In 2012, the Japanese company acquired the Swiss manufacture La Joux-Perret with a view to enhancing its watchmaking capabilities, and is now revealing the fruits of its labour with its first new in-house mechanical calibre in 10 years, hand-assembled by its experts in Japan.
Like its quartz counterparts, precision is at heart of this latest model. The Calibre 0200 movement has been designed to exceed the chronometer standard (ISO 3159), with a daily accuracy of between -3 to +5 seconds. This is achieved through features such as its free-sprung balance wheel, which enhances shock resistance as well protecting against wear over time. In keeping with the level of attention to detail you would expect from an in-house movement, it has been carefully finished utilising a range of decorative techniques, viewable through the transparent caseback.
The overall look of the watch represents Citizen’s forward-thinking vision, with a sleek, angular case featuring a lugless design that lends a modern edge. Meanwhile, the clean black dial features a distinctive sand-ripped pattern, created using an electroforming process. Priced at £6,000, above the watchmaker’s current catalogue, time will tell whether it’s a hit when it’s released later this year.
