WatchUSeek Watch Forums banner

A Brief History Of The Citizen Watch Company...

48K views 17 replies 14 participants last post by  Toni Crouton 
#1 · (Edited)
Howdy all,

following on from Gabe's request regarding updating this forums reference information, I put together this little jaunt on the history of The Citizen Watch Company. I'd like to thank Gabe for editing the various draft documents, and both Citizen Japan and Citizen USA for correcting any errors made with said drafts.

Without help from the above, this wouldn't have been possible. OK, without further ado...

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CITIZEN WATCH COMPANY

The forerunner to what we now know as The Citizen Watch Co. Ltd., began life in 1918 under the name Shokosha Watch Research Institute. Buoyed on by an ambitious Mayor who demanded that the Shokosha-Watch Institute should have a bearing on all citizens, in so far as "people appreciated and benefited from the institute's results". Prophetic words indeed - from this statement, the seeds were sown that would help produce the world's largest watch manufacturer.

1920's

In 1924, the first pocket watch to bear the Citizen moniker was produced.

One of these first products produced by the company was purchased by Emperor Showa, Prince Regent at the time (Emperor Taisho era).

1930's

In 1930, Yosaburo Nakajima laid the foundations of the Citizen watch empire.

In 1931, a 10½ ligne caliber is in production, followed in 1935 by an 8 ¾.

1936 saw the company expand beyond the boundaries of Japan, exporting watches to many parts of Southeast Asia.

1940's

In 1940 a 5 1/4 ligne caliber was introduced. During World War Two, Citizen moved their production facilities to a small town 200km from their former location in Tokyo. The company manufactured many components, amongst which were chronometers and igniters for military use.

1949 saw the creation of The Citizen Trading Company. This entity controlled the distribution and marketing of Citizen watches throughout the world.

1950's

In the early part of 1950's, Citizen completed Cal. 960(M), its first 6 beat caliber with 17 jewels, and Cal. C, Japan's first men's wrist watch fitted with date display known as "Citizen Calendar". In 1953, Citizen acquired a clock manufacturer, The Rhythm Clock Co. (currently named "The Rhythm Watch Co., Ltd"), as an affiliated company.

1956 was a momentous year for the brand. The company produced the first shock-proof Japanese watch, known as the Parashock.

In 1958, the company produced its first automatic-winding wrist watch "Auto" fitted with Cal.3KA, and Japan's first manual winding alarm caliber with 19 jewels, Cal.980(A). Also the introduction of "Citizen Deluxe" fitted with Cal.920, Citizen's first caliber with central seconds, proves a hit with the watch buying public, with sales of over 100 million pieces.

In 1959, the company produced the first Japanese water-resistant wrist watch, the "Citizen Parawater", Cal. 920(2B).

1960's

At the start of the 1960's, the Parawater completed two trans-Pacific tests, as well as one in the Sea of Japan - all passed with flying colors.

1960, Citizen signed an export/import agreement with USA's Bulova Watch Company.

1962 saw the company introduce an officially certified chronometer and the world's thinnest men's wrist watch with center seconds, the "Diamond Flake", Cal.0700.

The year 1963 heralded the introduction of the Quartz-transistor clock.

In 1964, pursuing a diversification strategy, Citizen founded the Citizen Office Machine Co., Ltd. (today's Japan CBM Corporation).

In 1965, Citizen started producing office equipment and precision manufacture components.

In 1966, Citizen introduces Japan's first electronically regulated balance wrist watch known as "X-8" or "Cosmotron".

1967 saw the company put the world's first quartz transistor clock into the market.

1970's

The 70's were another prolific decade for Citizen, and also the beginning of the company's move towards the quartz technology that dominates its current output. However, Citizen did not completely move away from mechanical movements during this decade.

1970 saw the introduction of the world's first Titanium cased watch "X-8 Chronometer", followed by a tuning fork caliber a year later.

In 1972, Citizen evolved the 60's "Sports Master". They developed an brand new automatic chronograph, named the "Easter Rabbit" - commonly referred to by English speaking collectors as the "Bullhead" (or the "Panda" in Japan). The "Easter Rabbit" showcased calibre 8110, which included a zero-position reset mechanism fitted with a shock absorber.

In 1973, the company launches its first quartz wrist watch, fitted with Cal. 8810.

During 1974, Citizen signals its intent to seriously pursue quartz technology by introducing a quartz movement, Caliber 8600EX, fitted with Japan's first stepping motor mechanism*.

By 1975, the launch of the now legendary Crystron Mega Quartz left the watch world with little, if any, doubt about where Citizen were heading as an brand. Fitted with caliber 8650, generating a frequency of 4,194,304Hz, it is still to this day one of the world's most accurate (and priced at approx. Y15,000,000 one of the most expensive) wrist watches ever offered for public sale.

In 1975, The Citizen Watch Co. of America Inc. is established.

In 1974, solar powered technology is first introduced, not to mention the first Japanese LCD technology watch.

1978 saw the company introduce a 0.98mm thick quartz caliber, "Quartz 790".

By 1978, the company moves to the Shinjuku Mitsui building in Tokyo, followed in November of that year with the release of the Citizen Quartz Digi-Ana, fitted with caliber 8900 - it featured a combination of digital LCD and analogous time indication.

1980's

By 1980, Japan had become the world's largest producer of watches and watch movements. November of this year brought the release of ladies wrist watches fitted with the world's smallest volume movement, "The Exceed Gold".

Towards the end of 1981, Citizen released their 1300m Professional Diver's watch. At the time, it was the world's most water resistant watch available for public use.

By 1982 the diversification that started in the 1960's, saw Citizen produce the world's largest Neon-Light advertisement installed in Hong Kong.

1985 saw the release of the world's first watch fitted with a depth gauge, the "Sport Depth Meter".

By 1986, Citizen becomes the world's largest single manufacturer of watch movements.

In 1987, the company introduced the "Voice Master" or "Voice Memo" (in Japan)", VX-2, the first wristwatch with voice recognition.

1990's

The 1990's were almost as significant and prolific in terms of world's firsts than the 70's were for the company. In the early 1990's Citizen launched the Analog-Aqualand, the first quartz watch with an analog depth gauge.

In 1992 Citizen became the official timekeeper of the America's Cup yacht race.

In 1993, Citizen introduces radio-controlled watches to the market place.

1995 saw two significant additions to the world of Horology: "The Citizen" was released in May, backed with a ten year factory warranty and +/- 5 second a year accuracy; and November saw the introduction of Eco-Drive power generating technology, which quickly became Citizen's number one seller.

1996 was another busy year. Citizen's Eco- Drive technology was awarded the first "Eco-Mark", an officially certified Japanese award for environmental protection. In July Citizen released the world's thinnest solar cell equipped movement, only 3.14mm thick.

In 1997, Citizen launches the "Exceed Eco-Drive" to the Japanese market, featuring accuracy of +/- 10 seconds per year, followed closely by "Eco-Drive Signature Technology", which corrects time differences when traveling between time zones.

1998 saw the introduction of the "Promaster Eco-Drive Aqualand" or "Promaster Aqualand Eco-Drive Analog Depthmeter" (in Japan) , the world's first solar powered diver's watch with an electronic depth gauge. In October, Citizen unveil the world's smallest quartz movement, fitted to the Exceed Lady's Eco-Drive.

By the end of the millennium, Citizen introduced "Promaster Eco-Drive Super Tough", which can survive/withstand/resist the shock of an impact hammer 5 times more than non para-shock watches.

2000's

Thus far, during the decade of 2000, Citizen has:

- Relocated its headquarters to Nishi-Tokyo City;
- Founded the Lead-Free Committee;
- Founded the Eco-friendly product subcommittee and green purchasing subcommittee;
- Developed the world' slimmest radio-controlled watch;
- Introduced automatic time keeping for marathon/ekiden races through the use of IC chips;
- Introduced the Campanola range of High End Quartz watches.
- Merged [with] Citizen Shoji;
- Acquired Miyota Co. Limited as a going concern, which included several small component manufacturing subsidiaries; and
- On January 10th 2008 Citizen acquired USA's Bulova Watch Company, including all its affiliated brands (Bulova, Caravelle, Wittnauer and Accutron) for US$247 million, making the combined company the world's largest watchmaker.

*EDIT - Switzerland's Girard-Perregaux hold the record for the worlds first stepper motor equipped quartz wristwatch.

REFERENCES:

Citizen Watch Co.
Citizen Watch Co. of America Inc.
History of CSR - Citizen Watch Co. Ltd
Citizen Watch Co. Ltd - Wikipedia
Watches for the World - Uhren Juwelen Schmuck - Author; Gisbert L. Brunner
www.citizen.com.hk/
www.citizenwatch.com
 
See less See more
1
#4 ·
Re: A brief history of The Citizen Watch Company...

Great work, Alex! Thanks for putting this together. :-!
Excellent resource. I'm glad to see the fruits of all this research are finally starting to pay off. Thanks to Alex and the fine folks at both Citizen Japan and Citizen USA for their contributions to this article.
Thanks Gents;-)
 
#5 ·
Re: A brief history of the citizen watch company...

Excellent work Alex, a mine of information!

Thank' so much for taking the time and effort to put the valuable research tool together, thanks also to Gabe and both Citizen in Japan and the USA!

I had no idea Citizen purchased Bulova this year, I must have been asleep!:-d
 
#6 ·
Alex, that's just wonderful! Many thanks for your efforts; this kind of research isn't easy and takes time. From your excellent time synopsis, I found I had three questions. Anyone should feel free to answer! :)

1. Does Citizen still make mechanical watches?

2. Was their first RC watch in 1993 the first RC watch in the world?

3. In 1974, they developed some form of solar-power technology, then in 1995, introduced their eco-drive system. What was the difference between the later eco-drive and earlier solar-power?
 
#7 ·
1. Does Citizen still make mechanical watches?
Yes they do. however most of their calibers are either older models or updated versions of those older models. Don't quote me on this, but I don't think Citizen produces high end mechanical calibers any more (they definitely DO produce high end quartz calibers though and are one of only a small handful of companies that produces thermocompensated movements).

Several of Citizens popular dive watches, Such as the Auto-zillas, the Dolphins, and the NY series use miyota automatic movements.

Miyota also sells tons of movements to thrid parties for use in non-citizen watches, Most of the time when you see a company that is not one of the known Japanese companies, which says they use a Japanese automatic movement, they are using a citizen/miyota movement in them.

2. Was their first RC watch in 1993 the first RC watch in the world?
The did not invent radio control in time keeping, that technology has been around since the 70's, but used mainly in clocks. The first radio controlled watch was a digital watch developed by Junghans. It was expensive and it's sales limited. Citizen followed a year later with the first ANALOG radio controlled watch, and the first radio controlled watch to be sold in japan and to come out of a japanese manufacturer. This was the world's second radio controlled watch. This is the watch in question:

Picture source GMT+9

3. In 1974, they developed some form of solar-power technology, then in 1995, introduced their eco-drive system. What was the difference between the later eco-drive and earlier solar-power?
If I recall correctly, and please correct me if I'm wrong. in the 70's actual solar panels were located on the dial or the case of the watch. these provided power to the watch movement, while a regular battery acted as supplemental back-up power.

In ecodrives the solar cells are sandwiched into the dial and the power is used to charge long lived rechargeable LI batteries (not drive the movement directly).

I'm sure the explanation is more complex than that, but that's it in a nutshell.
 
#9 ·
I'd like to say thank you to everyone for the kind words, it really was my pleasure. I've learnt alot about Citizen in the process of writing this piece, and I have nothing but admiration for the brand.

One thing that I feel the article lacks, and I've voiced this concern to Gabe a few times, is the lack of pictures of the watches and calibre's mentioned. Seeing as I've written the words, maybe you guys could try and find photo's of, or maybe you have one of the particular watches mentioned...if so, please, please post up a picture.

Hopefully Gabe will go for this, and eventually when this article gets added to the reference pages, we'll have photos to go with the text.

All the best,
 
#12 ·
#13 ·
Bump this from the grave, some fantastic info about Citizen here, and some great info about Japan and their capacity to be world leaders in making and developing watches especially quartz, great timeline here on their dive watches too.

Interesting to note that in 1980 Japan made the most watches on the planet, i wonder if china has overtaken that now?
 
#14 ·
I read somewhere that they sell 28million watches a year.

can anyone confirm this?
 
#15 ·
This is nice information. It's funny how I think of Citizen as being a minor watchmaker, but it turns out the company is a very big player in the industry, both in terms of innovation and numbers of timepieces produced. I recently received a NY0040 and I couldn't be happier with it.
 
#16 ·
• • •

2000's


Thus far, during the decade of 2000, Citizen has:

- Relocated its headquarters to Nishi-Tokyo City;
- Founded the Lead-Free Committee;
- Founded the Eco-friendly product subcommittee and green purchasing subcommittee;
- Developed the world' slimmest radio-controlled watch;
- Introduced automatic time keeping for marathon/ekiden races through the use of IC chips;
- Introduced the Campanola range of High End Quartz watches.
- Merged [with] Citizen Shoji;
- Acquired Miyota Co. Limited as a going concern, which included several small component manufacturing subsidiaries; and
- On January 10th 2008 Citizen acquired USA's Bulova Watch Company, including all its affiliated brands (Bulova, Caravelle, Wittnauer and Accutron) for US$247 million, making the combined company the world's largest watchmaker.


REFERENCES:

Citizen Watch Co.
Citizen Watch Co. of America Inc.
History of CSR - Citizen Watch Co. Ltd
Citizen Watch Co. Ltd - Wikipedia
Watches for the World - Uhren Juwelen Schmuck - Author; Gisbert L. Brunner
www.citizen.com.hk/
www.citizenwatch.com
Hi! :-!

Since Bulova and it's brands are now Citizen, I'm hoping that the wandering nomads of Bulova who are looking for a home are welcome here.

May we come in?

Tom
 
#17 ·
Thanks for this. I just bought a Citizen but knew little about the brand other than it has been around a while and was pretty big. A year ago I bought a Bulova and then found out Citizen owned Bulova. Later I bought a Gavox Aurora that has a new high tech Soprod quartz movement, only to learn Citizen owns them too. Now I have a real Citizen AT watch... So my last 3 watches are either all or part Citizen. I just wish it was a different name as it sounds so Socialist or something. I really like their advanced titanium technology. They are quietly blazing their own trail while much of the rest of the watch world spends all it's time trying to copy each other without actually advancing... Kind if like the movie Deliverance.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top