Discover the Meaning of Zenshin: From Japanese Culture to High-Tech Watches

Many people in Germany are fascinated by the culture and philosophy of the Far East and would like to integrate corresponding symbols and signs into their lives.

A popular Japanese character is Zenshin. But what does it mean and what does it stand for?

And why does it also play an important role in the development of technical things, such as watches?

The different meanings of Zenshin

Zenshin is made up of the two Japanese terms “Zen” and “Shin”. Zen means whole or complete, Shin means body or body.

Literally translated, Zenshin means the whole or entire body. In Japan, Zenshin is often used in connection with martial arts such as karate or judo: the body is used as a whole to make optimal use of strength and technique.

Zenshin also refers to viewing the body as a unit and taking equal care of physical, mental and emotional well-being. In another sense, Zenshin means that every day is an opportunity to improve and move forward.

The definition of progress changes with the challenges. The developers of technical products are always faced with such challenges; they are also constantly confronted with the desire for improvement and progress. An example of this is watches.

Titanium watches in the spirit of Zenshin

The new titanium watch series from Citizen, for example, is under the sign of Zenshin as improvement and progress. The traditional Japanese brand introduced the world’s first watch made of this particularly durable and light metal over 50 years ago.

The eleven new watches – including three Eco-Drive models and four automatic models – are now made of super titanium and are therefore even more robust and durable. All information and purchase options are available at citizenwatch.de.

When it comes to the retro design of the three new model series, the watch manufacturer was inspired by its own history. Vintage watches from the 1980s were primarily the inspiration for the case shapes and integrated straps.

The dials take up the theme of titanium and suggest the crystalline structure of the untreated metal. The watches are equipped with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, are waterproof up to 10 bar (100 meters) and have a diameter of 42 millimeters.

Shots Magazine / © Photos: djd, Citizen Watch Europe / Source: djd