The Timeless Legacy of Citizen: A Journey Through Time

When it comes to precision, innovation, and elegance in timekeeping, few names resonate as profoundly as Citizen. Since its inception, Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. has cultivated a reputation for creating watches that marry cutting-edge technology with enduring style. Let’s explore the rich history of Citizen and the people behind its rise to prominence in the world of horology.

Humble Beginnings: The Birth of Citizen

Citizen’s story begins in 1918, when the Shokosha Watch Research Institute was established in Tokyo, Japan. This pioneering organization was the brainchild of influential figures like Kamekichi Yakamazi, whose vision was to produce reliable, locally made timepieces in a market dominated by imported watches. By 1924, the institute produced its first pocket watch, named "Citizen." The name was chosen by Count Goto Shinpei, a prominent statesman and Tokyo’s mayor at the time, symbolizing the brand’s aim to create accessible timepieces for everyone.

In 1930, Yosaburo Nakajima officially established Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. Nakajima’s leadership was instrumental in shaping the company’s mission: to deliver high-quality, precise, and affordable watches that could serve a global audience. He spearheaded efforts to modernize production and foster innovation, laying the groundwork for Citizen’s eventual international success.

Post-War Resilience and Innovation

The aftermath of World War II presented significant challenges for Citizen, as it did for many Japanese companies. However, Citizen’s dedicated workforce and visionary leadership propelled the company forward. Yosaburo Nakajima and his team recognized the need to rebuild and innovate, prioritizing technological advancement and reliability in their designs. The company’s engineers worked tirelessly to develop new mechanisms and features that would set Citizen apart in the global market.

By the 1950s, Citizen had established itself as a leader in Japanese watchmaking. The company’s success was driven by a collaborative effort, with skilled craftsmen, designers, and engineers all contributing to its growth. Names like Shoji Hattori, a key figure in Citizen’s marketing and international expansion, played a crucial role in introducing the brand to new markets and fostering global partnerships.

Global Expansion and Cultural Impact

Under the leadership of individuals like Shoji Hattori and Yosaburo Nakajima, Citizen began expanding its presence beyond Japan. By the 1960s, the company was exporting watches worldwide, cementing its reputation for affordability and precision. Citizen’s timepieces became symbols of reliability and craftsmanship, resonating with customers across different cultures and lifestyles.

The company also prioritized creating jobs and opportunities within Japan, fostering a sense of national pride. Citizen became a symbol of post-war recovery and resilience, showcasing how Japanese ingenuity could compete on the global stage.

A Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation

In the decades that followed, Citizen continued to innovate under the guidance of forward-thinking leaders. The development of the Eco-Drive series, for instance, reflected the company’s dedication to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. This commitment to innovation and responsibility was not just a reflection of market trends but also a testament to the values instilled by its founders.

Why Citizen’s Story Matters

The history of Citizen is not just about watches—it’s about the people who made the company what it is today. From the visionaries who founded it, like Kamekichi Yakamazi and Yosaburo Nakajima, to the countless craftsmen, engineers, and marketers who carried that vision forward, Citizen’s legacy is a testament to the power of collaboration, resilience, and ingenuity.

Citizen’s journey from a small Tokyo institute to a global powerhouse serves as an inspiration, showing how dedication and innovation can overcome even the most daunting challenges. Today, Citizen continues to honor its founders’ vision by creating timepieces that blend tradition with modernity, making the art of watchmaking accessible to all.

Discover the enduring legacy of Citizen and the people who shaped its history.

Overview of Mechanical Citizen Watches (1950–1980)

Citizen produced a wide range of iconic mechanical watches between 1950 and 1980, known for their innovation, craftsmanship, and affordability. Below is an overview of notable series from this period, grouped by their production years and unique characteristics. In my personal opinion this is the most interesting period if you want to discover the soul of Citizen because of the beautiful designs and the horological exceptions like working with rotor based movements. After 1975 Citizen became so commercial that a lot of it's watches were interchangeable. Of course the introduction of the solar watch and Eco-drive movement was important but that falls outside the scope of my focus on mechanical watches.

1950s: Industrial Growth

Citizen Auto (1958)

                 

Citizen C Parashock (1956)

                         

  

1960s: Expansion and Innovation

Citizen Deluxe second setting (1958-1959)

• Overview: A popular manual-wind dress watch series with movement 2B/9200 19,21,23 jewels
• Significance: Established Citizen as a key player in the global watch market.
• Diverse dial arrangements often patterned and textured
• First Parawater 40 m Citizen on the market

Citizen Super DeLuxe (1958-1963)

                  Upgraded version of the Luxe with movements 9200,9201,9202 with 23 and 25                                      jewels.Better and higher adjusted movements then the regular deLuxe Citizen. Handwound and 18.000 bph but t  twice  the price of the deLuxe and adjusted in more than 3 positions.

                  Introduced in 1958 it was the best Citizen watch on the market and very successful with over                    100 million Yen is sales over it's production period which lasted till 1963.This partictular                    example is very interesting because it has a stainless steel case and golden indexes and                        daggerhands in solid 14 crt gold.

   

             was

Citizen Homer second setting,Homer Guppy and Homer Special (1960-1980)

                 

                 The Homer second setting was the Japanese railway watch during the sixties.

                 Handwound and caliber 911 with 21 jewels and extremely reliable.

                 White porcelain coloured dials with black numerals and watches were initially made with 17, 19               19 or 21 jewels, later it was also seen with 7 jewels as costs were kept down for the younger                   market. Later 60s there were also a few Homer variants – the ‘Guppy’, the ‘Special’ and, featuring red,   yellow or green dials – the ‘Pansy’.

    

    

    

Citizen Jet Automatic (1961)

                 First Jet rotor movement 0310(JT) : circular geared rotor in the early to mid-1960s

                 Features :18,000 beats per hour, handwind sometimes possible as automatic. 21,23,25 jewels

                 First models carried the cool Jet symbol and are now rare. No date or day when it was

  ii             introduced in October 1961.Diverse dial arrangements were produced as well as square cases.

                 There was even a "Rookie" Jet with 17 jewels ans a lower prize for the younger crowd.

Citizen Jet Autodater (1962-1966)

    Jet movement 1120,1121(AD)with 19,21,23,27,35 jewels and 18.000 Bph

    Date display at 15.00 and early models had the cool Jet symbol below 12.00

    40 m Parawater or 120 and 200 m for the 19 jewels divers

Citizen Jet Autodater 7 (1965)

 

                     

                          

    

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Citizen Super Jet

 (1963)

              

               

Citizen Crystal Seven

(1965)

Citizen Leopard Chronometer (1967–1969)

• Overview: High-accuracy mechanical watches with chronometer certification.
• Features: Fast-beat movements with 10 vibrations per second (10 bps).

  

  

Citizen Cosmotron (1967)

• Overview: Introduced as an electro-mechanical hybrid but included variations with mechanical features.
• Features: Experimental technology blending quartz precision with mechanical elements.

Citizen Dandy (1950s–1960s)

• Overview: Elegant dress watches designed for formal occasions.
• Features:
  • Slim cases with polished finishes.
  • Classic, minimalist dials with baton or Arabic markers.

1970s: Mechanical Refinement

Citizen Automatic Diver 150m (1970)

• Overview: Citizen’s first professional dive watch.
• Significance: Set a standard for durable, functional mechanical dive watches.

Citizen Bullhead Chronograph (1973)

• Overview: Mechanical chronograph with a unique “bullhead” design (pushers at the top).
• Movement: Caliber 8110 automatic chronograph movement.
• Features: 24-hour sub-dial and tachymeter scale.

Citizen Seven Star (1970s)

• Overview: Stylish, affordable automatic watches designed for everyday wear.
• Features: Day/date complications and reliable automatic movements.

Citizen Leopard Hi-Beat (1970s)

• Overview: Successor to the 1960s Leopard Chronometer series.
• Features: High-frequency movements (28,800 bph or higher), offering improved accuracy.

Citizen Chronograph Challenge Timer (1973)

• Overview: A line of automatic chronographs, including models branded as "Challenge Timer."
• Notable Feature: Popular among racing enthusiasts due to its sporty design.

Citizen Super King (1970s)

• Overview: An evolution of the King series, combining robust performance with luxurious styling.
• Features:
  • Automatic movements with day/date complications.
  • Textured or gradient dials with bold, modern designs.

1980s: Transition to Quartz

Although Citizen began emphasizing quartz technology during the late 1970s and early 1980s, mechanical production continued in smaller quantities. Notable models from this transitional period include mechanical variations of the Citizen Automatic Diver series and limited-production dress watches.

Summary

From the introduction of shock-resistant technology to high-frequency movements and professional-grade dive watches, Citizen demonstrated its ability to innovate and adapt throughout the mid-20th century. The Jet, Super Jet, Dandy, and Super King series exemplify the brand’s commitment to elegance and functionality, while models like the Crystal Seven and Leopard Hi-Beat showcase technical advancements. These watches remain highly collectible and celebrated among enthusiasts today.