Introduction
Citizen, the renowned Japanese watchmaking powerhouse, recently celebrated its centenary in 2024, marking over a century of innovation. The brand has long been at the forefront of watchmaking. Their wristwatch collection is one of the most respected and popular worldwide, with a reputation for quality, reliability and affordability. In this blog post, we will explore the history of Citizen wristwatches, their development and famous pieces, how they compare to other luxury watch brands, and their presence in pop culture, from celebrities who have worn them to iconic appearances in movies.
Not Only A Watchmaker - A Sustainability Trailblazer
The history of Citizen Watches is a testament to the enduring legacy of Japanese craftsmanship and technological ingenuity. The journey started with the Shokosha Watch Research Institute in 1918, which aimed to develop Japan-made timepieces. At that time, most watches sold in Japan were imported pocket watches. Determined to create a locally made alternative, they introduced their first pocket watch in 1924. It was a well-crafted timepiece that had yet to be named and Tokyo Mayor Count Shinpei Goto was asked to suggest one. That was how the name “Citizen” was chosen, hoping it would be a watch that many people could own and appreciate.
This vision not only shaped the first Citizen pocket watch but also set the course for the brand’s future. With a relentless commitment to precision and reliability, Citizen swiftly emerged as a pioneer in the watch industry, earning a well-deserved reputation for delivering timepieces that seamlessly blend quality with affordability.
What sets Citizen apart is its groundbreaking Eco-Drive technology. For over forty years, Citizen has led the way in solar-powered innovation, starting with the Citizen Cryston in 1976—the world’s first solar-powered analog quartz watch. This advancement harnesses the power of light, allowing Citizen watches to run on solar energy, eliminating the need for battery replacement.
The Eco-Drive system efficiently captures and converts light into energy, storing it in a power cell to keep the watch running. With its energy-saving technology, a fully charged Citizen watch can function in complete darkness for months. This eco-conscious approach aligns perfectly with today’s focus on sustainability, making Citizen not just a watchmaker, but a sustainability trailblazer.
Over the decades, Citizen has consistently demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to horology, resulting in a stunning array of timepieces that cater to diverse tastes and lifestyles. From the classic elegance of the Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver to the sleek sophistication of the Citizen Eco-Drive Chandler Field Watch, the brand continues to captivate watch enthusiasts worldwide. In summary, Citizen Watches’ illustrious history is a testament to Japanese innovation, precision, and a commitment to making quality timepieces accessible to all, ensuring they remain a cornerstone in the world of watchmaking.
Famous Citizen Wrist Watch Pieces
Citizen has created several iconic watches over the years, including:
- Eco-Drive Promaster Diver: A popular dive watch with Water Resistant up to 200m, ISO-certified, and a secure screw-down crown.
Promaster Eco-Drive Watch MARINE Series Diver 200m Dial on ZenPlus
The Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver is a quintessential timepiece for any watch aficionado, especially those with a penchant for aquatic adventures. With ISO certification and 200-meter water resistance, it meets the rigorous standards of professional diving gear while remaining accessible to casual water sports enthusiasts. Its secure screw-down crown prevents accidental water entry, ensuring reliability on every dive.
Beyond functionality, the Promaster Diver is built for comfort and visibility, featuring a lightweight yet durable case, high-contrast dial, and luminous markers for easy underwater readability. The watch is powered by Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology, which eliminates the need for battery replacements by converting any light source into energy.
Whether you're exploring the depths of the ocean or simply appreciate a robust, ocean-inspired timepiece, the Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver is a compelling choice, marrying performance, precision, and sustainability.
- Eco-Drive Professional Diver: Another popular dive watch with a bold and sleek design, Water Resistant up to 300m, and a secure screw-lock crown.
Men’s Eco-Drive WR300 Professional Diver Black Rubber Strap on ZenPlus
The Citizen Eco-Drive Professional Diver stands as another remarkable testament to Citizen's expertise in crafting exceptional dive watches. With a bold and sleek design, this timepiece embodies a fusion of style and functionality that caters to the adventurous spirits. Water-resistant up to an impressive 300 meters, it offers enhanced capabilities for both professional divers and thrill-seekers, making it a go-to choice for underwater exploration.
The secure screw-lock crown enhances water resistance, adding an extra layer of security. It also features an anti-magnetic case and helium escape valve, preventing pressure damage during prolonged dives. Like all Citizen Eco-Drive watches, it runs on light energy, offering low-maintenance convenience without sacrificing performance.
With its striking design and robust build, Citizen continues to showcase its commitment to crafting timepieces that balance fashion and function seamlessly, earning its reputation as a trusted name in the world of dive watches.
- Eco-Drive Satellite Wave GPS: This watch uses GPS technology to synchronize with the world's atomic clocks for the most accurate timekeeping.
CC7005-16G Eco-Drive Satellite Wave GPS 100th Anniversary Limited Model on ZenPlus
The Citizen Eco-Drive Satellite Wave GPS is a technological marvel in the world of wristwatches. This timepiece offers a level of precision that's truly remarkable, thanks to its utilization of cutting-edge GPS technology. It takes timekeeping to an entirely new dimension by synchronizing with the world's atomic clocks, ensuring unrivaled accuracy.
What sets this Citizen watch apart is its ability to connect to multiple satellites, pinpointing your exact location and updating the time accordingly, no matter where you are on the globe. With a synchronization speed of just three seconds, it is one of the fastest GPS-connected watches in the world. This makes it an excellent choice for world travelers and those with a penchant for precision.
The Citizen Eco-Drive Satellite Wave GPS is the embodiment of modern horological innovation. Its precise timekeeping, made possible by its GPS connectivity, places it at the forefront of wristwatch technology.
Comparing Citizen To Other Luxury Watch Brands
When compared to other luxury watch brands like Rolex and Tag Heuer, Citizen provides unique features at a more affordable price point. Their Eco-Drive technology reduces the need for significant maintenance and battery replacements seen in quartz watches. They also focus on sustainable and eco-friendly watchmaking practices.
Citizen's affordable luxury watches are perfect for people seeking style, innovation, and value for money. Compared to other luxury watch brands, Citizen provides a strong and reliable platform for entry-level enthusiasts, fashion-conscious individuals and budget-friendly options to begin watch collecting. Like its name, it remains accessible, making high-quality timepieces available to a broad range of audience without sacrificing craftsmanship.
Citizen: From NASA to Hollywood
Citizen has been in the business of making watches since 1918. But their rise to global recognition accelerated after World War II when they were the official watch supplier to NASA. This partnership cemented Citizen’s reputation for precision and durability, making them a household name and an icon of reliable timekeeping. Today, they remain one of Japan’s top watch brands, continuously producing high-quality, innovative timepieces that people trust and love.
Its appeal extends far beyond the watch industry, making its mark in Hollywood, sports, and global leadership. Brad Pitt wore a vintage Citizen 8110A Bullhead in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, while Sebastian Stan sported a Citizen Brycen Chronograph in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Beyond the silver screen, Citizen has been embraced by world-class athletes and influential figures. Naomi Osaka, the professional tennis player, partnered with Citizen to highlight its precision, while public figure like Bernie Sanders has been spotted wearing Citizen timepieces. Citizen continues to be a symbol of reliability and refined style, making high-quality watchmaking accessible to all.
Conclusion
Citizen has distinguished itself as a brand committed to innovation, quality, and affordability. Their Eco-Drive technology differentiates them from other watch brands, providing a long-lasting and sustainable alternative that's also highly functional and accessible. Citizen’s collections, famous timepieces, and commitment to sustainable watchmaking set them apart from other watch brands. If you're in search of a reliable timepiece that's eco-friendly and affordable, Citizen is an excellent place to start.
Looking to buy a Citizen watch from Japan? On the ZenPlus marketplace Japanese retailers and online sellers can be easily accessed from almost anywhere in the world. Search for Citizen Watches on ZenPlus.
