Citizen watches

Citizen is a global leader in the horological industry, originally rooted in the establishment of the Shokosha Watch Research Institute in 1918 in Tokyo, Japan. The brand officially adopted the 'Citizen' name in 1924, following a suggestion by Tokyo's then-mayor Shinpei Goto, reflecting the ambition to make high-quality timepieces affordable for all citizens. In 1930, the business was officially incorporated as Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.

Today, Citizen is a vertically integrated manufacturer, meaning it produces almost all components in-house, from the screws and movements to the final casing. While the brand's 'heart'—its movements (most notably the Miyota range and the light-powered Eco-Drive technology)—is manufactured in Japan, the final assembly of various models occurs across Japan, Thailand, China, and Hong Kong to meet global demand and price targets. High-end collections like 'The Citizen' and various mechanical luxury pieces remain exclusively manufactured and hand-assembled in Japan.

Ownership of the brand remains held by the public parent company, Citizen Watch Co., Ltd., based in Nishitokyo, Japan. The group has grown through strategic acquisitions, currently owning significant other horological brands such as Bulova, Frederique Constant, and Alpina. As of 2026, the company continues to focus on miniaturization and sustainable technology, maintaining its status as an independent Japanese powerhouse in the global market.