Table of Contents
Founder and Origins of CITIZEN
- Founder: Kamekichi Yamazaki
- Year Established: 1918
- Initial Location: Tokyo, Japan
- First Watch: Citizen
- Official Website: www.citizenwatch-global.com
Citizen was founded in 1918 in Tokyo, Japan, by Kamekichi Yamazaki. Originally known as the Shokosha Watch Research Institute, the company aimed to develop high-quality watches in Japan, which heavily relied on imported Western products at the time. In the early 20th century, watches were rare and expensive for most Japanese people. Citizen sought to change this by providing affordable timepieces to the general public.
The name “Citizen” originated from the company’s first pocket watch, released in 1924. Tokyo’s mayor at the time, Count Gotō Shinpei, named it “Citizen” to represent the ideal that this watch could be used by all citizens. Gotō envisioned Citizen becoming a watch brand accessible to everyone, regardless of social status or class.
1930: Establishment of Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
In 1930, the Shokosha Watch Research Institute officially changed its name to Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. This rebranding underscored the company’s commitment to making Citizen a brand synonymous with quality, innovation, and accessibility in Japan. Under the leadership of its founder and successors, Citizen expanded its reach and enhanced product quality. The company’s early focus was on producing affordable yet reliable watches to meet domestic consumer needs.
Early Products and International Expansion
Following its establishment, Citizen expanded into producing high-quality mechanical watches. In 1956, the company launched Parashock, its first shock-resistant watch—a significant achievement in Japan, where such features were uncommon. Parashock established Citizen as an innovative manufacturer attuned to consumers’ needs for durable products.
In 1959, Citizen introduced Parawater, its first waterproof watch. This innovation garnered international attention and highlighted Citizen’s commitment to developing superior products for the global market. Parawater gave Citizen a competitive edge, as waterproof watches were rare at the time. This model became a pivotal milestone in elevating Citizen’s profile on the international stage.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Citizen expanded globally. Its products gained widespread acceptance due to their combination of high quality and affordable pricing. In 1973, Citizen introduced its first digital watch, demonstrating the company’s ability to adapt to rapidly evolving industry technology.
The Quartz Revolution and Eco-Drive Innovation
The 1970s saw the “Quartz Revolution,” also known as the quartz crisis, which brought significant changes to the watch industry. Citizen was among the pioneers in adopting quartz technology. In 1976, the company introduced its first solar-powered watch, called Eco-Drive. This revolutionary innovation allowed watches to operate using light energy, whether from sunlight or artificial sources. Eco-Drive technology made Citizen watches battery-free, enhancing their environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness.
Eco-Drive has become Citizen’s signature feature, distinguishing it from other brands. This technology underscores Citizen’s focus on sustainability and environmental protection, as traditional watch batteries often contain harmful waste. Citizen continues to refine Eco-Drive technology, improving energy efficiency and extending battery life.
Iconic Collections: Promaster and Aqualand
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Citizen maintained its leadership in watch technology and launched several collections now considered iconic. In 1987, the company introduced the Promaster series, designed for professional use in extreme conditions such as diving and mountaineering. Promaster remains one of Citizen’s flagship product lines, popular among athletes, divers, and adventurers.
Citizen Aqualand, released in 1993, became the first dive watch equipped with a depth sensor. This model gained popularity among professional divers due to its ability to provide accurate depth information. Aqualand helped solidify Citizen’s reputation as a reliable watch manufacturer for extreme conditions, particularly in marine environments and diving activities.
Satellite Technology and Smart Watches
Entering the 2000s, Citizen focused on developing more advanced technology. One of its latest innovations is Satellite Wave technology, which enables watches to receive satellite signals to ensure accurate timekeeping anywhere in the world. This technology is particularly beneficial for frequent travelers or those in remote areas, as the watch automatically adjusts the time without manual intervention.
In the past decade, Citizen has also entered the smartwatch market. While retaining Eco-Drive technology, Citizen’s smartwatches feature functions such as smartphone notifications and GPS functionality, seamlessly blending modern technology with Citizen’s traditional quality.
Commitment to Sustainability and the Environment
Environmental sustainability is one of Citizen’s primary focuses. By continuously developing Eco-Drive technology and reducing the use of conventional batteries, Citizen demonstrates its dedication to environmental protection. In some models, Citizen even incorporates recycled materials to reduce its carbon footprint during production.
Citizen’s commitment to the environment is also reflected in its energy-efficient and waste-minimizing production strategies. The company is dedicated to improving sustainability across all aspects of its business, including packaging and product distribution. This approach has positioned Citizen as a leader in producing watches that are not only efficient but also environmentally friendly.
Global Influence and Current Position
Today, Citizen stands as one of the world’s largest watch brands, with distribution in over 100 countries. Its strong reputation is built on technological innovation, durable product quality, and a commitment to sustainability. Flagship products like Eco-Drive, Promaster, and Aqualand remain popular choices among watch enthusiasts for their advanced functionality and exceptional durability.
The history of Citizen is a tale of innovation, commitment, and a vision to create affordable, high-quality watches. From its first pocket watch in 1924 to modern collections featuring advanced technologies such as Eco-Drive and Satellite Wave, Citizen has consistently set new standards in the watch industry. With its strong commitment to sustainability and the environment, Citizen continues to be a relevant brand for modern consumers, making its name synonymous with quality, innovation, and precision.
