Founded in 1924, Citizen Watch Co. was so named by its founding father so it would be "Close to the hearts of People Everywhere." It was Citizen’s forerunner; the Shokosha Watch Research Watch Institute produced its first pocket watch the “CITIZEN”. Citizen is recognized as a worldwide leader in the watch industry.

Citizen is the world’s largest watch company. More people depend on a watch made by Citizen than other timepiece. Citizen produced 292 million timepieces in 1999, about 24% of the world total. The company has a number of firsts attached to innovation and technology in connection with watchmaking.

Citizen has played a leading role in the international watch market for years and has set the de facto standards for movements. The Japanese manufacturer has also been able to repeatedly develop pioneering technologies that take their power from natural energy sources.

One of these innovative energy solutions is called Eco-Drive and is already to be found in many Citizen watches. Through the use of highly sensitive photocells, even the weak light from candles can be converted into electrical energy to power the movement.

Since excess energy is automatically saved in storage cells, these watches can continue to keep time even after they have been in the dark for months. Further no battery change is necessary. This not only saves money but also helps protect the environment.

Citizen watches are characterized by a high-quality finish, superior materials and attractive designs. Citizen has repeatedly set new standards in the watch market.