Model: Campanola “Beniake” NZ0000-07W
Year: August 2015
Features:
The Origin. The Campanola NZ0000-07W is a very literal mix of Swiss and Japanese watchmaking. In 2012, Citizen acquired Swiss movement manufacturer La Joux-Perret, and in 2015, the results of that acquisition became public - the first automatic Campanola. Originally retailing for just under ¥1,000,000 (~$6600), the chance to own what is surely one of the only Japan-Switzerland automatic movement collaborations, at a fraction of its original price, shouldn’t be overlooked.
The Movement. Powered by the Swiss-designed and Swiss-made Y513 calibre, the Campanola NZ0000 series was introduced exclusively to the Japanese market. While La Joux-Perret designed and manufactured the components, the movement itself is hand-assembled by Campanola’s specialist technicians in Japan. Much like Grand Seiko, Campanola prides itself on the fact that every element - painting, polishing, assembly, and finishing - is done by hand in their Japanese studio.
The Dial. The dial is a striking colour. Aptly named Beniake (紅明け / Crimson Dawn), the burnt orange hue is achieved by mixing iridescent red lacquer with powdered silver. Much like Seiko’s Masterpiece Collection, Citizen entrusted the creation of these dials to a single craftsman - Tetsuo Gido, a renowned master of the 400-year-old Aizu lacquerware technique.
The Process. Tasked with hand-lacquering every dial, his flawless execution is immediately apparent to anyone who has handled one of these in person. And they aren’t just lacquered once. In order to create the colour gradient, the lacquering process is completed five times for each dial, which ensures the powered silver can sit at different depths in the lacquer. Absolutely no corners have been cut - as you can see from the reflection of the second hand in the bottom-right photo above, the lacquer has been polished to a mirror finish.
The Design. Much like the cosmic-inspired quartz Campanolas featured elsewhere on our site, the NZ0000 Beniake takes a similarly layered approach, though its layout is more traditional and restrained. As much as your eyes are drawn to the vibrancy of a Campanola dial, they linger on the vertical depth and unique shapes that form its various complications.
Specifications:
Condition: In great condition overall. Just serviced by Campanola in Japan. No marks of any noticeable significance, other than a few minor scratches on the caseback.
Scope: Box and instructions.
Movement: Y513 Automatic Swiss-Made Movement
Dimensions:
- Case Width: 42.0mm
- Case Thickness: 13.8mm
