CITIZEN
Watches that everyone, everywhere can love.
CITIZEN is a manufacture, a watch company that does all its manufacturing in-house, from crafting individual watch components to final assembly. A truly global watch brand, CITIZEN does business in over 130 countries worldwide.
Founded in 1918, CITIZEN has spent a century developing innovative technologies and building up its skills as a manufacture in its bid to explore the essence and infinite potential of the watch.
Watches that everyone, everywhere can love
Most of the watches sold in Japan were still imported pocket watches, when the Shokosha Research Institute, the precursor of CITIZEN, released its first product, a Japan-made pocket watch, in 1924.
Excited at the idea of the new watch winning the hearts of a broad swathe of the citizenry, Tokyo mayor Shinpei Goto named it “CITIZEN.”
The watch name then went on to become the company name. And in 1930, Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. was born.
The first-ever CITIZEN watch: CITIZEN (1924)
CITIZEN brand philosophy: BETTER STARTS NOW
Better Starts Now is the simple belief that no matter who you are or what you do, it is always possible to make something better—and now is the time to start doing it. We believe that better and now are both infinite, and there is always a next ‘better’ and a new ‘now’ in which you can start pursuing it .
CITIZEN technologies and manufacturing
Since 1918, our “Better Starts Now” philosophy has inspired us to take the watch in all sorts of new directions, whether that means developing advanced satellite-synchronised watches or pioneering light-power Eco-Drive technology. In 2018, CITIZEN celebrated 100 years of innovation—and we remain committed to expanding the possibilities of the watch in the years ahead.
Brand Activity
Sustainability
- MATERIALS
- INITIATIVES
LWG
As a member of LWG (Leather Working Group), we are increasing our use of certified leather.
FSC
We are actively embracing FSC™-certified paper made from well-managed forest and recycled materials.
Lab-grown Diamonds
We are increasing our use of lab-grown diamonds made according to strict environmental, labour and safety standards.
1％ for the Planet
Through our membership of 1% for the Planet, we give back 1% of sales to environmental causes.
Watch for the blind and visually impaired
We believe that everyone should be able to enjoy wearing a watch. That’s why we developed this model for the visually impaired.
Save the BEYOND
A campaign that highlights the destruction of the environment and the eco-heroes working to conserve the natural world.
New Time, New Me
The idea that “the small choices we make can change the world for the better” is the inspiration for this social good campaign.
Full disclosure (CITIZEN L)
CITIZEN L discloses its lifecycle carbon emissions and key materials so you can enjoy your watch with complete peace of mind.