The history of Citizen begins in 1918, when the Shokosha Watch Research Institute was founded in Japan. However, the name "Citizen" was not created until 1924, when the brand's first pocket watch was launched on the market. The name was intended to symbolize that high-quality watches should be made accessible to every citizen. With this basic idea, Citizen developed from a Japanese manufacturer into a globally recognized brand that stands for technical innovation, reliability and modern design.
A milestone in Citizen's history was the introduction of Eco-Drive technology in the 1970s. This groundbreaking development enabled watches to use light - both natural and artificial - as a source of energy. This meant that it was no longer necessary to change the watch's battery, which was not only convenient but also environmentally friendly. Today, the Citizen Eco-Drive collection is synonymous with sustainable watchmaking and offers a wide range of models that are both technically sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing. From elegant dress watches to sporty diver's watches, the Eco-Drive models offer an accurate, low-maintenance solution for watch enthusiasts.
One of the best-known collections is the Promaster series, which specializes in extreme conditions. These watches are robust, highly functional and specially developed for adventurers who work in the air, water or on land. Particularly outstanding is the Promaster Marine, which is characterized by high water resistance and functions such as depth gauge and decompression display. These models were developed for professional divers and water sports enthusiasts and combine technological innovation with practical handling.
Another iconic collection is the Citizen Satellite Wave. These watches receive signals from GPS satellites and automatically adjust to the local time, no matter where you are in the world. This cutting-edge technology is not only of interest to frequent travelers, but also demonstrates the brand's commitment to always being at the forefront of technological developments.
With the Citizen Super Titanium collection, the company has also introduced an innovative material technology to the market. The watches are made from a special titanium alloy that is not only hypoallergenic and extremely light, but also significantly more scratch-resistant than conventional titanium. This ensures a longevity that is invaluable for everyday watches.
Another major step for Citizen was the acquisition of the renowned Swiss watch brand Bulova in 2008, which not only expanded the brand's portfolio but also strengthened Citizen's global presence in the watch market.
In 2016, Citizen expanded its global presence and expertise in the luxury segment with the acquisition of Swiss watch brand Frédérique Constant. This acquisition marked an important step for Citizen, as Frédérique Constant is known for its affordable luxury watches with manufacture movements and classic designs. The acquisition allowed Citizen to combine its manufacturing technologies with the craftsmanship of Swiss watchmaking. At the same time, Frédérique Constant benefited from Citizen's global distribution network and technological know-how, particularly in the field of Eco-Drive technology and material development. This collaboration illustrates Citizen's ambition to establish itself not only in the mass market but also in the high-end luxury segment, combining traditional watchmaking with state-of-the-art technology.
In summary, Citizen is today a symbol of innovation and sustainability in the watch industry. With collections such as Eco-Drive, Promaster and Satellite Wave, the brand has firmly established itself in the world of wristwatches and offers the right model for every taste and every purpose. While the brand is deeply rooted in tradition, it is also a pioneer in the further development of technologies that continue to redefine the watch market.