Citizen is one of the biggest watch companies in the world. Founded over a century ago, the Japanese manufacturer, lauded for its accessibility in terms of price, has released countless timepieces with collections covering a wide range of styles, from rugged sports luxury and dive watches to minimalist and sleek modern designs. For wearers of the brand, there’s a watch for everyone.
Brief History of Citizen Watches
Citizen's story begins in early 20th-century Japan during the Meiji and Taisho periods. Kamekichi Yamazaki, a dealer of timepieces and jewelry, was inspired by his visits to Swiss and American watch manufacturing sites to localize production in Japan. In 1918, he established the Shokosha Watch Research Institute, the precursor to Citizen Watch, which was officially founded in 1930. A year later, they released their first men's wristwatch.
Citizen quickly gained popularity due to the public preference for domestically-produced goods, leading to the expansion of their factories. By 1961, they started selling machine tools internationally. In 1964, the Tanashi Factory was renamed Tanashi Manufacturing and began producing a variety of precision products beyond timepieces.
A significant milestone was reached in 1966 with the X-8, Japan's first domestically-produced electronic wristwatch, which became a hit in the 1970s. By 1986, Citizen's wristwatch production volumes topped global figures, reflecting their success in developing reliable quartz timepieces.
To enhance business efficiency, Citizen underwent reorganization, merging various group companies and changing their names. In 2007, Citizen became a pure holding company, and further mergers in 2013 and 2015 strengthened the group. In 2016, they launched the Eco-Drive One, featuring a movement thickness of just 1.00 mm, showcasing 40 years of Eco-Drive technology.
What is Eco Drive?
If you've heard of Citizen, you've likely heard about Eco-Drive, their proprietary light-powered technology. Eco-Drive watches generate energy from light, storing it in a rechargeable cell, allowing their watches to run for up to six months in total darkness without needing battery replacements.
This unique solar-powered feature is what Citizen is most popular for, but just because it’s the most popular doesn’t mean there aren’t any other pieces worth investing in from the brand. Ahead we delve into Citizens' other splurge-worthy collections that prove there’s more to the brand than just Eco Drive.
Citizen Watch Collections That Are Worth the Splurge
1. Promaster
Whether you're in the air, on land, or diving in the sea, Promaster's professional-grade sports watches ensure precise timekeeping with a shock counteraction function. This feature locks the rotor instantly upon impact to keep the hands in place. Many Promaster watches also include the solar-powered Eco-Drive feature.
Promaster Dive, $316 (approx. P18,577), CITIZEN, citizenwatch.com
2. Super Titanium
If it’s durability, longevity, and comfort that you seek, Citizen’s Super Titanium collection makes use of the space-age material to give you a scratch- and rust-resistant, lightweight, and gentle-on-the-skin timepiece. Five times harder and half the weight of stainless steel, this collection provides all-around comfort on your wrist, making it the perfect everyday watch.
The Citizen, $3800 (approx. P223,396), CITIZEN, citizenwatch.com
3. Tsuyosa
Sleek, versatile, and fun–that’s what the Tsuyosa line brings to the table. Choose from a wide selection of vibrant colored dials that are sure to be an eye-catcher. The classic and minimalist design makes it easy to dress up or down–feel free to wear it during a day of errands, at the office, or even on dressier occasions.
Tsuyosa Yellow Dial Stainless Steel Bracelet, $360 (approx. P21,163), CITIZEN, citizenwatch.com
4. Atomic Timekeeping
Citizen’s Atomic Timekeeping, also known as AT, is a collection of radio-controlled watches, that automatically update the time and date based on a time signal received from atomic clocks around the globe.
World Chronograph A-T, $580 (approx. P34,097), CITIZEN, citizenwatch.com
5. PCAT
As its name suggests, the Perpetual Calendar Atomic Timekeeping (PCAT) collection combines the perpetual calendar complication and atomic timekeeping technology offering you the most precise timekeeping. These watches come in a classic chronograph style with time adjustments in 43 cities.
PCAT Green Dial Leather Strap, $540 (approx. P31,745), CITIZEN, citizenwatch.com
6. Bianca
While Citizen’s sports watches are a must-have for enthusiasts, their classic styles from the women’s collection, such as the Bianca make for a sophisticated piece that would be a fitting addition to a fashionista’s wardrobe. Inspired by feminine motifs in art deco and available in gold-tone, rose-gold-tone, and classic stainless steel, this 22mm timepiece with its rectangular case and striking blue hands is the perfect finishing touch for any OOTD.
Bianca White Dial Stainless Steel Bracelet, $300 (approx. P17,636), CITIZEN, citizenwatch.com
7. Calendrier
Since time immemorial, there has always been this belief that women are connected to the moon. And what better way to capture this ancient link than with the Citizen’s Calendrier. Also known as their moon phase watch, this collection of elegant timepieces not only tracks time but the moon’s phases as well. Powered by the brand’s proprietary Eco-Drive technology, it harnesses its power from any light source–even the moon–to help you keep time.
Calendrier White Dial Stainless Steel Bracelet, $396 (approx. P23,280), CITIZEN, citizenwatch.com
8. Corso
Available in both men's and women's collections, the Citizen Corso is another one of their Eco-Drive powered timepieces. It comes in a classic round case with others having a diamond set bezel and dial markers. Choose between a stainless steel bracelet or leather straps, no matter what you choose, it'll surely make an elegant asset on your wrist.
Corso Taupe Dial Stainless Steel Bracelet, $420 (approx. P24,690), CITIZEN, citizenwatch.com
9. Arezzo
Named after an old city in Italy, Arezzo watches feature bold roman numeral markers, with other watch variations including diamond markers adding just the right amount of bling to your get-up.
Arezzo White Dial Stainless Steel Bracelet, $297 (approx. P17,460), CITIZEN, citizenwatch.com
10. Axiom
If you’re a no fuss, no flash kind of gal or guy, Citizen’s Axiom watches are one of their most conservative pieces. Their dials feature minimal stick indexes with other models featuring no markers on the dial at all. Some pieces also have edge-to-edge glass giving it an extra minimalist and sleek look.
Axiom Ladies Eco Drive Champagne Dial Watch, $280 (approx. P16,460), CITIZEN, citizenwatch.com
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