Citizen Watches: A Citizen Brand Overview

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.

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.