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| Citizen’s new titanium dress watch is designed to ward off bad luck. |
In a beautiful marriage of heritage and innovation, Citizen has just unveiled its latest limited edition timepiece: the CB1110-70W "Oath of Arrow." As the newest member of the brand's high-end Exceed collection, this watch serves as a direct successor to last year’s acclaimed CB1115-68W, diving even deeper into the well of traditional Japanese symbolism to create a truly unique and meaningful accessory.
Limited to just 500 pieces worldwide, the "Oath of Arrow" is more than just a watch; it's a wearable talisman inspired by new beginnings.
The Inspiration: "Hikime Kaburaya" and a Whistle for New Beginnings
The soul of this timepiece is drawn from the "Hikime Kaburaya," a special type of whistling arrow used for centuries in Shinto rituals, kyudo (Japanese archery), and martial arts. Historically, the sound of the kabura arrow whistling through the air was believed to ward off evil spirits, cleanse spaces, and signal the start of important events—a powerful symbol of purity and fresh starts.
Citizen has masterfully translated this ancient motif into a modern design language, ensuring the symbolism is felt, not just seen.
A Dial That Tells a Story: The Clad-Shell Technique
The most striking feature is undoubtedly its partially white mother-of-pearl dial. Citizen’s artisans employ a sophisticated clad-shell construction technique, where luminous segments of shell are meticulously inlaid at the center of the dial, set against a profound black backdrop.
The result is a dial that shimmers with a refined, ethereal light, reminiscent of the arrow’s fleeting path. This isn't just decoration; it's a narrative element, representing the fusion of the arrow's spirit (the white mother-of-pearl) with the void it travels through (the black base).
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| A partially white mother-of-pearl dial |
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| Case and band made out of Super Titanium |
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| Citizen CB1110-70W "Oath of Arrow" |
Modern Mastery Within: Eco-Drive & Radio-Controlled Precision
While its heart is traditional, its brain is brilliantly modern. The "Oath of Arrow" is powered by Citizen’s advanced Eco-Drive H149 caliber. This isn't your standard quartz movement. It’s a light-powered engine that converts any light—sunlight or indoor lamp—into energy, eliminating the need for battery replacements.
It’s also packed with cutting-edge functionality:
- Multi-Band Radio Control: The watch automatically syncs to atomic time signals in Japan, China, the US, and Europe, guaranteeing absolute accuracy.
- Perpetual Calendar: Correct until the year 2100.
- 26-City World Time: For the global traveler.
- Magnetic Resistance (Type 1) and 50-meter water resistance ensure robust daily wearability.
A Slim, Wearable Profile in Super Titanium
Despite its technological prowess, the watch maintains an elegant, dress-watch profile at just 8.5mm thick and a classic 38mm diameter. The case and bracelet are crafted from Citizen’s proprietary Super Titanium, treated with a Duratect Platinum coating for a light silver sheen that is incredibly scratch-resistant and about 40% lighter than stainless steel. It secures comfortably with a three-fold push-button clasp.
For collectors and enthusiasts ready to secure this piece of horological art, the watch is available for order through authorized retailers like Rakuten.
Pricing, Availability, and Specifications
The Citizen Exceed CB1110-70W "Oath of Arrow" is a strictly limited edition of 500 pieces. It will go on sale in Japan on February 5, with a price of ¥132,000 (including tax). Given its symbolic depth, stunning craftsmanship, and limited nature, it is expected to attract significant attention from collectors.
For a closer look at the watch's stunning details, check out the reveal post from Plus9Time on Instagram.
Citizen CB1110-70W "Oath of Arrow" - Full Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Case Material | Super Titanium with Duratect Platinum coating |
| Case Size | 38mm diameter, 8.5mm thickness |
| Dial | Black with partially white mother-of-pearl inlay (Clad-shell) |
| Crystal | Sapphire glass with anti-reflective coating |
| Band | Super Titanium, 19mm width, three-fold push clasp |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM (50 meters) |
| Movement | Eco-Drive Caliber H149 |
| Key Functions | Radio-Controlled Time (JP, CN, US, EU), Perpetual Calendar, World Time (26 cities), Power Reserve Display |
| Power | Solar, ~2 years on full charge (Power Save on) |
| Magnetic Resistance | Type 1 |
| Edition Limit | 500 pieces |
| Warranty | 3-year international (extendable to 5 years in Japan) |
| Price | ¥132,000 |