Founded
1930
Headquarters
Tokyo, Japan
Average MSRP:
Citizen has a wide range from $180 to $4,750. However, many watches are under $500.
Website:
https://www.citizenwatch.com/us/en/
Brief History of Citizen
The Citizen Watch Company started in the 1920s under another name: the Shokosha Watch Research Institute. The Shokosha Watch Research Institute wanted to make a Japanese pocketwatch to rival foreign brands. When they created their first pocket watch, they called it the “Citizen.” They called it Citizen as they hoped “that as many people as possible— citizens —would use and cherish the watch for a long time.”
The Citizen Watch Company, as it is known today, was named after the pocketwatch in the 1930s. Over the years, Citizen developed and reimagined a watch that fit into their wearer’s everyday lives.
Some of these features and functions include a perpetual watch calendar valid until 2100 and hypoallergenic metal watch bands. In 2021, the brand created the world’s most accurate watch. They created an ultra-precise eco-drive movement with an annual accuracy of plus/minus one second.
Why We Love Citizen
Citizen is a brand that is rich in history and accessible to everyone. Whether you’re looking for a $300 or $4,000 watch, you’ll find one within the Citizen line. They are a tried and true brand with various watch styles, from minimalistic to all the chronograph bells and whistles.
Last, Citizen has made a commitment to environmental responsibility. They partner with several organizations to build a sustainable future. Their partners include 1% for the Planet, Everybody Solar, American Forests and the Leather Working Group. You are wearing a reliable, stylish timepiece and supporting a company actively seeking to save the planet.
Our Favorite Citizen Watches
There are over 300 men’s watches to choose from in the Citizen lineup. If you’re unsure where to start, check out three of our favorite Citizen watches.
TSW Budget Pick: The Addysen – $375
If you’re looking for one watch you can wear with everything, check out the Citizen Addysen. This classic timepiece features a stainless steel band, dark grey dial and rose gold hands and time markers. This watch will take you from work to the weekend, and you can dress it up or casually.
Even though this watch showcases a minimalist design, it’s packed with functional features. The watch is powered by Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology. There’s no battery needed as any type of light source powers it. It also features a date window, and you’ll appreciate the sundial that helps you count down the seconds. It’s water resistant up to 100 meters, so you don’t have to worry about a few splashes.
TSW Mid-Price Pick: The Tsuki-yomi A-T – $850
The Citizen Tsuki-yomi A-T stands out for several reasons. At first glance, the face looks like a cool, blue and gray marbled finish. But take a closer look. You’ll realize you’re looking at the face of the moon. Keeping up with the celestial theme, Citizen included a moon phase window at the 6 o’clock marker. Other handy features include a perpetual calendar and day date functionality, and Eco-Drive powers it.
We must mention that this timepiece is from Citizen’s atomic timekeeping collection. These watches are arguably the most accurate in the world. An atomic clock generates the standard time we follow. A tower sends a signal to your Citizen atomic watch receiver, keeping your time precise. This means the Tsuki-yomi A-T and other Citizen watches are time accurate to one second over 20 million years. That’s impressive.
TSW Splurge Pick: The Citizen – $4,300
Our splurge pick is appropriately named “The Citizen.” This watch embodies the history of the watch company. The style pays homage to the brand’s pocket watch roots. Remember, Citizen is a Japanese watch company, and the face of this watch represents this background. The white dial features a delicate Japanese washi tape overlay that plays with light and offers texture and depth.
Citizen constructed the case and bracelet from titanium with a dual spherical sapphire crystal on top. Eco-Drive powers the Citizen, and though it has a simple, elegant design, it has many features. These features include a perpetual calendar, shock detection, overcharge prevention, insufficient charge warning functions, and a time difference correction. This timepiece is simply stunning, and the design never goes out of style.
TSW Honorable Mention: The CZ Smart Hybrid – $435
It’s not every day you’ll find a smartwatch from a watch company with a history like Citizen. Therefore, we’d be remiss if we didn’t include the CZ Smart Hybrid watch. We love the sleek, all-black bracelet, face and case. The silver and white hands add a touch of shine and functionality. After all, this is a Citizen watch. However, the face is an LCD digital screen with various background options.
If used minimally, the smartwatch battery runs for about 18 days and can connect to both Apple iOS and Android devices. The case and bracelet are stainless steel with an impact and shatter-resistant crystal. This watch is jam-packed with features, including the ability to make calls, an activity progress tracker, a sleep tracker, and so much more.
FAQs About Citizen Watches
We know you might have questions. So, we’ve compiled a list of your most common queries. Here’s what to know about Citizen watches.
Are Citizen Watches Good?
Yes, Citizen watches are great watches to own. They offer a wide range of watches for every budget and have timepieces with cutting-edge technology. Citizen offers a 5-year limited warranty if you purchase your watch from an authorized dealer.
Where Are Citizen Watches Made?
Citizen manufactures their watches and virtually all their components in Japan. You’ll find the Citizen design center, parts factory, movement, assembly, processing and retail stores all across the country.
How Much is a Citizen Watch?
The price of a Citizen watch depends on various factors, including style, options, and technology. Currently, the price range is between $180 to $4,750.
