NEWS
06/10/2022
Second HAKUTO-R collaboration model with new Recrystallized Titanium
CITIZEN is releasing a limited-edition watch model created in collaboration with the HAKUTO-R commercial lunar exploration program, operated by ispace, inc. This new model, featuring CITIZEN’s new recrystallized titanium, was created together with our corporate partner, ispace, inc.
*Price, launch date, and limited-edition release details may be subject to change.
HAKUTO-R, a commercial lunar exploration program operated by ispace, inc., is scheduled to launch the first of the program’s two planned lunar missions as early as Winter 2022*. As ispace, inc.’s corporate partner, CITIZEN has provided Super Titanium™*1 parts for the legs of the program’s lunar lander. This latest collaboration model by CITIZEN uses the same material used on the lunar lander’s legs - Super Titanium™ treated with Duratect DLC*2. The addition of CITIZEN’s newly developed recrystallized titanium makes this a truly special model.
Recrystallized titanium is a new material created by applying a high-temperature heat treatment to titanium, followed by a cooling process. This creates unevenness in the composition of the metal, producing a unique crystal pattern on the surface. The crystal pattern is unique to each watch, just like the patterns on minerals found in nature. The patterns are reminiscent of the lunar surface and its shifting shadows, making it the ideal material to represent HAKUTO-R’s mission in space. Creating recrystallized titanium is a complex process, and a high level of technical expertise is needed to control the expansion of the material in response to the high-temperature treatment applied when the metal crystalizes. This new model uses recrystallized titanium on the bezel and the center links of the bracelet, and this new design was made possible thanks to CITIZEN’s decades of experience working with titanium.
The design combines Crystal Titanium with Duratect DLC and features an all-black dial, case, and bracelet, taking inspiration from the mystery and infinite darkness of outer space. The ring, indices, and subdials create a multi-layered structure on the dial, with a black-toned pattern inspired by titanium crystals. The case back has a diagram of the lunar lander that includes Super TitaniumTM parts made by CITIZEN.
This Eco-Drive*3 GPS SATELLITE WAVE*4 model watch also has a range of functions provided by CITIZEN’s advanced F950 movement. It is capable of receiving time signals in as little as 3 seconds – the fastest GPS satellite signal reception in the world* - and the hour and minute hands move twice as fast as previous models to rapidly display the current time. This full-spec model also includes the Double Direct Flight function and 1/20 chronometer function.
*Fastest satellite signal reception in the world for an analog light-powered GPS satellite wave watch. Figure from CITIZEN’s in-house research, as of May 2022.
- Product Features
• The newly developed recrystallized titanium material on the bezel and central links of the bracelet provides patterns unique to each watch, bringing to mind the lunar surface and its shifting shadows.
• The case and bracelet are made from beautiful deep black Super Titanium™ treated with Duratect DLC - the same material used in the legs of its the lunar lander.
• The multi-layered structure of the dial creates a sense of depth, with a black-toned pattern inspired by titanium crystals.
• The case back features a diagram of the lunar lander that includes Super Titanium™ parts made by CITIZEN.
- Product Specifications
*1 Super Titanium™ is CITIZEN’s proprietary surface hardening technology to treat solid titanium. It is at least 5 times harder than stainless steel, resistant to scratches, lightweight and gentle on the skin for comfortable wearing.
*2 Duratect is CITIZEN’s proprietary surface hardening technology that enhances the surface hardness of metals such as stainless steel and titanium, protecting watch bodies from scratches and damage. This technology offers excellent abrasion quality and maintains the luster of metals for long periods of time. Duratect DLC achieves Vickers hardness of 1,000-1,400 by creating an amorphous carbon hard film—mainly composed of carbon and hydrogen—on the surface of the material.
*3 Eco-Drive is CITIZEN’s proprietary technology that powers watches using any natural or artificial light source, eliminating the need to replace batteries. Certified as an Eco Mark product for the first time in the watch industry.
*4 GPS satellite-synchronized watch: GPS satellite-synchronized watch captures the date and time signals sent by GPS satellites from space — orbiting 20,000 kilometers above the Earth — bringing ultra-precise timekeeping to wherever people are on the face of the globe.
- About ispace, inc.
ispace is a lunar exploration company with over 170 staff and offices in Japan, Europe, and the United States. ispace builds small commercial lunar landers, aiming to provide a high-frequency, low-cost delivery service to the Moon. Aspiring to be a gateway for private sector companies to bring their businesses to the Moon, ispace has also launched a lunar data business concept to support companies with their entry into the lunar market. The company’s first lunar mission is currently planned for 2022*.
* Current plan as of May 2022.
- About CITIZEN WATCH
CITIZEN WATCH is a true manufacture d'horlogerie with the capabilities to carry out the entire watch manufacturing process in-house, from creating a watch's individual components to its final assembly. The company operates in more than 140 countries around the world. Since its founding in 1918, CITIZEN has held the belief of “Better Starts Now” —that is, no matter who you are and what you do, it is always possible to make something better, and now is the time to start doing it. Sharing this belief, we have made watches, invented and improved technologies and explored the future of watches such as our proprietary light-powered Eco-Drive technology.
*Duratect, Eco-Drive, Super Titanium™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
*Both price and launch date are as scheduled at the time of this release.
*The availability, specifications and related information, such as product code for the models featured in this site, may vary by markets. If you would like to know more details, including the availability of this products in your area, Please visit your nearest Citizen store.
*Price, launch date, and limited-edition release details may be subject to change.
 |
GPS SATELLITE WAVE F950 Double Direct Flight HAKUTO-R Collaboration Model Limed edition of 1,000 pieces worldwide |
HAKUTO-R, a commercial lunar exploration program operated by ispace, inc., is scheduled to launch the first of the program’s two planned lunar missions as early as Winter 2022*. As ispace, inc.’s corporate partner, CITIZEN has provided Super Titanium™*1 parts for the legs of the program’s lunar lander. This latest collaboration model by CITIZEN uses the same material used on the lunar lander’s legs - Super Titanium™ treated with Duratect DLC*2. The addition of CITIZEN’s newly developed recrystallized titanium makes this a truly special model.
Recrystallized titanium is a new material created by applying a high-temperature heat treatment to titanium, followed by a cooling process. This creates unevenness in the composition of the metal, producing a unique crystal pattern on the surface. The crystal pattern is unique to each watch, just like the patterns on minerals found in nature. The patterns are reminiscent of the lunar surface and its shifting shadows, making it the ideal material to represent HAKUTO-R’s mission in space. Creating recrystallized titanium is a complex process, and a high level of technical expertise is needed to control the expansion of the material in response to the high-temperature treatment applied when the metal crystalizes. This new model uses recrystallized titanium on the bezel and the center links of the bracelet, and this new design was made possible thanks to CITIZEN’s decades of experience working with titanium.
The design combines Crystal Titanium with Duratect DLC and features an all-black dial, case, and bracelet, taking inspiration from the mystery and infinite darkness of outer space. The ring, indices, and subdials create a multi-layered structure on the dial, with a black-toned pattern inspired by titanium crystals. The case back has a diagram of the lunar lander that includes Super TitaniumTM parts made by CITIZEN.
This Eco-Drive*3 GPS SATELLITE WAVE*4 model watch also has a range of functions provided by CITIZEN’s advanced F950 movement. It is capable of receiving time signals in as little as 3 seconds – the fastest GPS satellite signal reception in the world* - and the hour and minute hands move twice as fast as previous models to rapidly display the current time. This full-spec model also includes the Double Direct Flight function and 1/20 chronometer function.
*Fastest satellite signal reception in the world for an analog light-powered GPS satellite wave watch. Figure from CITIZEN’s in-house research, as of May 2022.
- Product Features
 |
• The newly developed recrystallized titanium material on the bezel and central links of the bracelet provides patterns unique to each watch, bringing to mind the lunar surface and its shifting shadows.
• The case and bracelet are made from beautiful deep black Super Titanium™ treated with Duratect DLC - the same material used in the legs of its the lunar lander.
• The multi-layered structure of the dial creates a sense of depth, with a black-toned pattern inspired by titanium crystals.
 |
• The case back features a diagram of the lunar lander that includes Super Titanium™ parts made by CITIZEN.
- Product Specifications
 |
| Brand | HAKUTO-R Collaboration SATELLITE WAVE GPS F950 limited model |
|---|---|
| Model | CC4044-53E |
| Launch | Jul 2022 |
| Price | USD 4138 |
| Limited quantity | 1000 (Worldwide) |
| Case/Band | Super Titanium™ (Duratect DLC) Includes parts made with Recrystallized Titanium |
| Glass | Dual spherical sapphire glass with anti-reflective coating |
| Case diameter/ thickness |
44.3 mm / 16.0 mm (design specification only) |
| Specification | Cal.F950 / Accuracy ±5 seconds per month (without time signal reception) / Eco-Drive running for 5 years on full charge (in power save mode) / SATELLITE WAVE GPS / W.R. 10 BAR |
*1 Super Titanium™ is CITIZEN’s proprietary surface hardening technology to treat solid titanium. It is at least 5 times harder than stainless steel, resistant to scratches, lightweight and gentle on the skin for comfortable wearing.
*2 Duratect is CITIZEN’s proprietary surface hardening technology that enhances the surface hardness of metals such as stainless steel and titanium, protecting watch bodies from scratches and damage. This technology offers excellent abrasion quality and maintains the luster of metals for long periods of time. Duratect DLC achieves Vickers hardness of 1,000-1,400 by creating an amorphous carbon hard film—mainly composed of carbon and hydrogen—on the surface of the material.
*3 Eco-Drive is CITIZEN’s proprietary technology that powers watches using any natural or artificial light source, eliminating the need to replace batteries. Certified as an Eco Mark product for the first time in the watch industry.
*4 GPS satellite-synchronized watch: GPS satellite-synchronized watch captures the date and time signals sent by GPS satellites from space — orbiting 20,000 kilometers above the Earth — bringing ultra-precise timekeeping to wherever people are on the face of the globe.
- About ispace, inc.
ispace is a lunar exploration company with over 170 staff and offices in Japan, Europe, and the United States. ispace builds small commercial lunar landers, aiming to provide a high-frequency, low-cost delivery service to the Moon. Aspiring to be a gateway for private sector companies to bring their businesses to the Moon, ispace has also launched a lunar data business concept to support companies with their entry into the lunar market. The company’s first lunar mission is currently planned for 2022*.
* Current plan as of May 2022.
- About CITIZEN WATCH
CITIZEN WATCH is a true manufacture d'horlogerie with the capabilities to carry out the entire watch manufacturing process in-house, from creating a watch's individual components to its final assembly. The company operates in more than 140 countries around the world. Since its founding in 1918, CITIZEN has held the belief of “Better Starts Now” —that is, no matter who you are and what you do, it is always possible to make something better, and now is the time to start doing it. Sharing this belief, we have made watches, invented and improved technologies and explored the future of watches such as our proprietary light-powered Eco-Drive technology.
*Duratect, Eco-Drive, Super Titanium™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
*Both price and launch date are as scheduled at the time of this release.
*The availability, specifications and related information, such as product code for the models featured in this site, may vary by markets. If you would like to know more details, including the availability of this products in your area, Please visit your nearest Citizen store.
