Citizen Watches: A Citizen Brand Overview
Japanese watchmaking powerhouse, Citizen, has recently celebrated its centenary, and what an incredible hundred years it has been. Discover the brand's impressive history here, and learn more about a few of our favourite watches.
Here we’ll lift the lid on the impressive history of one of the most successful watch manufacturers in the world. We'll also answer frequently asked questions, such as 'where are Citizen watches made', 'are Citizen watches good', and 'who makes Citizen watches'.
And with such a wide range of innovative and undeniably stylish designs to choose from, we’ll help you narrow down your options by sharing some of our favourite Citizen watches for women and men. But first, let’s take a trip back to where it all began.
A Brief History Of All Things Citizen
The origins of Citizen can be traced back to Tokyo, Japan, when Kamekichi Yamazaki co-founded the Shokosha Watch Research Institute in 1918, with the aim to develop Japan-made timepieces. In 1924, they produced their first pocket watch and the Mayor of Tokyo, Count Shinpei Goto, suggested it be named ‘Citizen’ because of the business's ambition to manufacture high-quality watches that all citizens would love and could afford. From this point on, the company expanded dramatically and, in 1930, Yamazaki formed the Citizen Watch Company.
Citizen’s first wristwatch was launched in 1931 and the brand quickly developed a reputation for high-quality and robust timepieces. They even famously showcased the hardiness of their designs by dropping the new ‘Parashock’ model from an airborne helicopter in 1956. And, if you're wondering, yes, the recovered watch was still working perfectly!
In 1969, quartz movements were invented which revolutionised the watchmaking industry. Remarkably accurate and much more cost-effective to produce than mechanical movements, Citizen was quick to adopt this new technology and, after massive investment in automated production lines, by 1984 it was producing more watches than any other company in the world.
Citizen went on to develop more industry firsts, from the first electronic watch to the first full metal case radio-controlled watch with built-in antenna and even the first watches with built in depth and elevation sensors. The quality of these early models was staggering, and the Citizen Mega Quartz was the first watch in the world to be measured as accurate within 3 seconds over an entire year – and that was almost 50 years ago!
By expertly producing virtually every component part, from movements to cases to hands, in their own factories, Citizen has successfully brought affordable but undeniably outstanding watches to the masses. And it is this commitment to efficient but high-quality manufacturing processes that allows Citizen to produce a complete quartz movement every second. Today, Citizen is one of the biggest and best watch manufacturers the world, and it continues to lead the way with innovations such as its solar-powered 'Eco-Drive' movements.
Where Are Citizen Watches Made?
Whilst many brands buy in their movements and other components and then assemble the watch, Citizen is one of the few companies capable of producing all of their parts. One Citizen subsidiary based in Switzerland produces a specific movement but, otherwise, every component used in the manufacture of a Citizen watch is made in state-of-the-art factories located exclusively in Japan.
Who Owns Citizen Watches?
Despite several name changes over the last hundred years, the organisation remains a Japanese company, with its headquarters in Tokyo.
Citizen Watch Movements
Citizen have always developed their own movements and, as the years have passed, the technology used has accelerated at an incredible rate. From the very first wristwatch it produced in 1931, which had a manually wound F calibre movement, to the first electronic watch in 1966, its first quartz watch in 1973 and the world’s first solar-powered analogue quartz watch, unveiled in 1976, Citizen has always been pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Today, Citizen produces some automatic mechanical movements, as well as a wide range of quartz movement watches, but the company's total commitment to harnessing the power of light is seen in its outstanding range of watches powered by the company’s incredible Eco-Drive technology.
Today, Citizen produces some automatic mechanical movements, as well as a wide range of quartz movement watches, but the company's total commitment to harnessing the power of light is seen in its outstanding range of watches powered by the company’s incredible Eco-Drive technology.
How do Eco-Drive Citizen watches work?
Citizen has produced solar energy powered watches for over forty years, but its latest innovation is Eco-Drive, and to say it’s smart is an understatement. The system captures power from any light source, whether natural or artificial, and converts it into energy which is stored in a power cell. Even very dim light can be harvested, and the power reserve of an Eco-Drive watch is a remarkable six months.
Another benefit is that with Eco-Drive you’ll never need to replace your watch battery again. This environmentally responsible technology has won much acclaim, and Citizen was awarded a Gold Prize in the JEA's Eco Mark Awards in 2014, the first watchmaker to earn such an accolade.
Some Of Our Favourite Citizen Watches
From timeless classics to modern statement pieces, and functional divers’ watches to fashion-forward designs, there is something to suit every taste and budget in the fabulous range of Citizen watches for women and Citizen watches for men available at H.Samuel. Here are a few of our particular favourites.
Citizen Promaster
A real classic sports watch, the Promaster has been the choice of adventurers for more than 30 years.
As robust and reliable as they are stylish, you’re spoilt for choice with either an automatic or Eco-Drive movement, and a range of dial sizes, colourways and strap options, including black ion-plated, sleek stainless-steel bracelets and tough resin or polyurethane straps.
The entire collection is also water-resistant from 100m down to 300m and is ISO compliant.
You get a lot of watch for your money with this stunning, sports-luxe range.
Citizen Red Arrows
Produced in association with the RAF, the Red Arrows collection is truly breath-taking and combines classic style with precision performance.
With Eco-Drive technology, a multitude of dials and impressive functions, radio-controlled Atomic Clock synchronisation and striking graphics with vibrant red accents and the RAF logo, these watches really do look the business!
A couple of limited-edition models adds to the appeal of the range.
Sleek, sophisticated, and ever so cool.
Citizen Marvel
Some of our favourite comic and cinema superheroes feature in the outstanding Citizen Marvel collection, which is exclusively available at H.Samuel, including Black Panther, Spiderman, Tony Stark, and Captain Marvel.
With face diameters from 37mm to 44mm, and a wide range of designs and colourways to choose from, you’ll be sure to find the perfect watch for Marvel fans of any age.
These watches are also packed with innovative functions and are powered by Eco-Drive technology.
Citizen Star Wars
Powered by Eco-Drive technology and with a range of models each named in honour of a much-loved character, these Citizen Star Wars watches, which are exclusive to H.Samuel, really are out of this world!
Whether you want to pay homage to Princess Leia, Boba Fett, or Luke Skywalker, or you're attracted to the dark side and the all-black Darth Vader model, you'll be sure to find the perfect gift for yourself or the Star Wars fan in your life.
Citizen Atomic Time
This collection of striking watches is packed with technology and features.
Each Atomic Time model boasts a tachymeter and is powered by the industry-leading Eco-Drive movement.
But for us, what really stands out is the radio-controlled atomic clock synchronisation, which means these watches have incredible accuracy.
Other features include a perpetual calendar, alarm, and chronograph function, to name but a few.
Citizen Axiom
The perfect blend of style and sophisticated glamour, all with Eco-Drive technology, the Axiom collection of Citizen watches for ladies is ideal for those who like a fashion-forward look.
The collection also includes some eye-catching designs for men.
Available in a range of colourways and with some designs featuring diamond detailing, these fine timepieces are an incredibly attractive choice.
Discover Citizen Watches Online
There's no questioning the outstanding quality and remarkable value for money offered throughout the range of Citizen watches. So, if you’re looking for the perfect watch for yourself or a gift for a loved one, a Citizen watch is a fantastic choice. And with so many impressive designs to choose from in the collection of Citizen watches at H.Samuel, you’ll be sure to find the perfect piece to suit your taste and budget.
If you have any questions about specific products or collections, or you need a hand narrowing down your options, book a free virtual or in-store appointment with one of our friendly experts, who’ll be happy to help.