With a history of “firsts”, Citizen watch products have been ahead of the competition for decades. A long list of accomplishments has distinguished this brand from its competitors nearly since its inception. It produced the first professional dive watch with an electronic depth sensor. It created the first voice-activated model. It produced the thinnest LCD timepiece ever made and has now branched out into light-drive timepieces. This company has held the distinction of being the largest watchmaker every year since 1986. With a history this innovative, the brand is sure to continue to propel itself and its industry well into the future.
What We Love About Citizen Watches
For many makers of men’s watches, the technology of the timepiece is of secondary importance to the brand. Style seems to be the most important feature of the product and functionality is more of an afterthought. This brand stands out from the crowd of fashion brands with a product that is superior in quality and richer in functions than many other models, even those sold at a much higher price point. Quartz movements keep excellent and accurate time while maintaining a slim profile and light weight on the wrist. While not strictly a budget brand, the value for the price is excellent. The brand uses good quality materials like stainless steel and titanium in its models, offering strength and durability without demanding too high a cost. Some models are available with finer finishes and details, like crystal accents or even diamonds. The styles are current and modern, following the most popular, well established trends. There is a wide variety in this company’s offerings. They show models for dress and casual wear, bracelet or strap options and evens water resistant models with features for deep sea diving. This brand also makes timepieces in collections, many in honor to a specific theme.
Some Things We Don’t Like About Citizen Watches
In making a product for the mass market, its appeal must be very broad in scope and must follow the current demands of the market. A model like this lacks the high style of it higher priced competition. The styles offered by this brand are widely accepted and traditional, bordering on commonplace. There are few looks that are unique to the company. Most of the designs could be produced by any maker. There isn’t a characteristic look of feel in this brand. The signature fashion statement sought by many buyers cannot be found in this brand. Materials are what one would expect for the price, but the finer quality items like gold are absent.
History of the Brand
Originally founded in 1918 as the Shokosha Watch Research Institute, the name Citizen was adopted in 1930. This change was meant to reflect the nature of the products as a timepiece for the average man, with a level of quality no longer reserved solely for the wealthy or powerful. At this time, wrist-mounted timepieces were a new fad quickly catching the attention of the public. The company began manufacturing the new quartz movement technology in the 1970s, rapidly becoming an industry leader in their production. Citizen is still innovating new products and creating new “firsts” today with their light-powered movements and eco-friendly technology.
