When was Citizen founded?

Citizen was founded in 1918 in Nishi-Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.

Where is Citizen headquartered?

Citizen is headquartered in Nishi-Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.

What price segment does Citizen belong to?

Citizen is positioned in the entry level segment of the watch market.

Does Citizen manufacture its own movements?

Citizen is classified as a full manufacture, producing its own movements, cases, and components.

Citizen

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Nishi-Tokyo, Tokyo, JapanFounded 1918Website

Citizen is a manufacture that does all its manufacturing in-house, from crafting individual watch components to final assembly. A global watch brand doing business in over 130 countries.

Last updated 2 Apr 2026Suggest a correction

The Shokosha Watch Research Institute, Citizen's precursor, was established in March 1918. The first pocket watch was completed in 1924 and named 'Citizen' by Tokyo mayor Shinpei Goto, who wanted it to be loved by all citizens. Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. was formally established in May 1930. The first wristwatch was completed in 1931. In 1952, Citizen introduced Japan's first watch with a calendar. In 1976, Citizen launched the world's first analogue quartz watch with a solar cell, the Crystron Solar Cell. The company released the world's first multizone radio-controlled watch in 1993. The Eco-Drive solar-powered technology received the Eco Mark in 1996. Citizen acquired Bulova Corporation in 2008 as a consolidated subsidiary. In 2011, the world's first light-powered satellite-synchronized watch, the Eco-Drive Satellite Wave, was introduced. The Frédérique Constant Group became a consolidated subsidiary in 2016. The head office moved to Nishi-Tokyo in 2001.