CITIZEN “MONACO” flyback chronograph, N.O.S. (New Old Stock)

The history of Citizen began in 1918 in Tokyo, Japan, when the Shokosha Institute of Watch Research was founded. In its early days, the company was primarily focused on manufacturing components for pocket watches. In 1924, Citizen released its first pocket watch, marking the brand’s debut in the watch market. The name Citizen was chosen in 1930, inspired by the idea of creating affordable, high-quality watches that could be worn by “everyone in the world.”

Expansion and innovation in quartz technology

In the 1960s and 1970s, Citizen became one of the leading manufacturers of quartz watches, introducing innovative and precise models that quickly gained popularity both in Japan and overseas. One of their major successes was the Citizen Crystron Solar Cell in 1976, the first solar-powered quartz watch, which represented a milestone in sustainable watchmaking technology. This innovation paved the way for the famous Eco-Drive watch line, which is still a prominent feature.

Eco-Drive technology and sustainability

Citizen introduced its Eco-Drive technology in 1995, revolutionizing the market with watches that operate thanks to an integrated solar cell that can recharge the battery with any source of light, both natural and artificial. This technology eliminates the need for battery replacements, making Eco-Drive an eco-friendly and practical choice. The Eco-Drive line is one of Citizen’s most recognized and has strengthened the brand’s image as a pioneer in sustainable technology.

Innovation in durability and functionality

Citizen also excelled in creating highly durable and precise watches. In 1982, they introduced the Citizen Professional Diver, a dive watch with a water resistance of 1300 meters, specially designed for professional divers. Additionally, Citizen was a trailblazer in integrating radio and GPS synchronization technology, allowing some of their watches to automatically adjust the time based on location, ensuring absolute precision regardless of the time zone.

Citizen today

Today, Citizen is one of the largest watch brands globally and operates in over 130 countries. The company has maintained its commitment to innovation and the development of technologies that prioritize precision, sustainability, and functionality. In addition to the Eco-Drive line, Citizen offers a wide range of watches, from elegant models to sports and high-resistance watches, such as the Promaster series.

Citizen represents a blend of tradition and advanced technology, staying true to its original mission of creating affordable, high-quality watches for “everyone.” This philosophy has made Citizen one of the most recognized and trusted brands in the global watch industry.

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