Citizen’s Japan-exclusive Campanola line, which recently introduced a new limited-edition model, has returned with two fresh references inspired by a striking natural effect. Both watches take their creative direction from Kōjō, the Japanese word for the bursting rays of light that appear to radiate from a star or a distant point of illumination. The new BU0020-71N and BU0024-02N are built to translate that fleeting visual phenomenon into a permanent presence on the wrist.
A shared structure built for depth
The foundational architecture is identical across the two versions. A recessed main dial sits beneath an outer chapter ring, adding layered depth, while a sapphire crystal inner bezel ring hovers above the dial surface. The underside of that crystal ring receives a color coating whose intensity shifts with the viewing angle, an optical effect carefully calibrated to mimic the appearance of Kōjō in motion. Calendar functions are arranged around the dial: a date window at 12 o’clock, day indication on the left, month display on the right, and a mother-of-pearl moonphase sub-dial anchored at 6 o’clock.
Two contrasting expressions
The BU0020-71N leans into warmer tones with a blue sunray dial, gold Roman numerals, gold hands, and a stainless steel bracelet. Its counterpart, the BU0024-02N, takes a darker, more muted approach, combining a black dial with a grey sub-dial, a DLC-coated black stainless steel case, and a leather strap. Both cases share the same dimensions, measuring 43.5 mm in diameter and 14.8 mm in thickness.
Movement duties are handled by Citizen’s 8730 Eco-Drive Ring Solar caliber. Unusually, the caliber collects light through the narrow recessed gap between the dial and the outer chapter ring rather than through the dial face itself, a solution that preserves the clean layout of the display.
Limited production and availability
Production volumes are tightly capped. The BU0020-71N is limited to 250 pieces, while the darker BU0024-02N is restricted to 170 individually numbered examples, with the numbering engraved on the case back. Both remain dedicated Japan-market releases, and official pricing has not yet been confirmed.
Sources: campanola.jp, campanola.jp