Citizen is one of the world’s largest watch manufacturers and the company is a true household name that is equally likely to be spotted on the wrists of both watch enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike. Formally established in 1930 by Japanese and Swiss investors, Citizen’s actual history dates back to the founding of the Shokosha Watch Research Institute in 1918. Citizen Watch Co. is headquartered in Nishitokyo, Tokyo, Japan and offers a level of vertical integration that is seldom seen in this industry. Not only does Citizen manufacture all of its own in-house movements, but the brand also produces the vast majority of the other components used in its watches, all from within its own Japan-based facilities.
Today, Citizen is best known for its Eco-Drive range of light-powered timepieces, but the manufacturer’s extensive list of horological accomplishments includes everything from creating Japan’s first fully-waterproof wristwatch to currently holding the title for the world’s most accurate movement, which guarantees precision to within just one second per year. Along with producing a vast assortment of watches under its own name, Citizen also serves as the parent company for several other brands including Bulova, Alpina, Arnold & Son, Frederique Constant, and Campanola, along with the Japanese movement manufacturer Miyota.
To introduce Citizen to the Windup Watch Shop, we’re starting things off with a handful of value-packed models from both the Super Titanium and Promaster collections. The Super Titanium series features models that are crafted from Citizen’s proprietary surface-hardened ‘Super Titanium’ alloy, while the Promaster collection is Citizen’s lineup of purpose-built sports watches that are designed for active lifestyles and outdoor adventures.
Citizen Garrison
Kicking things off is the Citizen Garrison, which takes the core design DNA of traditional pilot and field watches and reimagines it with a 42mm case crafted from the brand’s ultra-hard Super Titanium alloy. A highly-legible dial offers at-a-glance access to the time, while a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a solid titanium case-back help provide 100 meters of water resistance. Powered by a reliable Eco-Drive movement that is capable of charging itself with any ambient light source, the Citizen Garrison is a go-anywhere, do-anything watch that is ready for any adventure.
Super Titanium Armor
Fully embracing the brand’s proprietary surface-hardened lightweight alloy is the Citizen Super Titanium Armor, which features both its 41mm case and integrated bracelet crafted from the lightweight and highly scratch-resistant metal. Drawing its aesthetic inspiration from modern armor plating, the angular design extends to the dial, which is protected by a flat scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Internally, the Super Titanium Armor is powered by one of Citizen’s Eco-Drive movements, which offers grab-and-go convenience and can last up to six months in total darkness once fully charged.
Citizen Promaster Dive
The Citizen Promaster Dive series spans a diverse assortment of professional diver’s watches that are built for a life below the surface of the ocean. Featuring durable cases crafted from either stainless steel or Super Titanium, models from the Promaster Dive collection can be found in a variety of different shapes and styles. However, all models are ISO-certified dive watches with screw-down crowns, unidirectional rotating timing bezels, highly-legible dials with luminous markers, and all of the water resistance that is needed to explore the aquatic world that resides deep below the waves.
Nighthawk
A frequent favorite among enthusiasts, the Citizen Nighthawk is another member from the Promaster family of purpose-built sports watches. Unlike the various divers from the series, the Nighthawk is a feature-packed professional pilot’s watch that pairs a dual time zone display with a solar-powered movement to create a rugged and highly-capable timepiece that is perfect for travel and a life of adventure. Despite being designed for aviation and even featuring an internal slide-rule bezel to aid with in-flight calculations, the 42mm stainless steel case of the Nighthawk still offers a generous 200 meters of water resistance, meaning that it is more than capable of handling whatever conditions you might encounter, both inside and outside of the cockpit.
Tsuno Chrono Racer
Paying tribute to a vintage Citizen Bullhead chronograph model from 1973, the Tsuno Chrono Racer reimagines the brand’s classic racing watch as part of the Promaster collection with modern materials and the advanced Eco-Drive E210 movement. Hand-assembled in Japan, the E210 features solar charging, a 1/5th second chronograph, an alarm, a power reserve indicator, and a date display. While the standard model features a 45mm stainless steel case, there is also a limited-edition version that includes an angular 43mm case made from Citizen’s proprietary Super Titanium alloy. Despite being primarily designed for the race track, the Citizen Tsuno Chrono Racer still features an ample 200 meters of water resistance, making it more than ready for everyday wear and use.
Caliber 2100
Created as a limited run of just 2100 examples worldwide, the Citizen Caliber 2100 joins the Promaster Land series with bold styling and an advanced Eco-Drive movement. Powered by the same movement that can be found inside the Tsuno Chrono Racer, the hand-assembled Eco-Drive E210 offers solar charging, along with a wealth of features and functions. Despite being part of the ‘Land’ series from the Promaster collection, the 44mm stainless steel case of the Caliber 2100 still features an impressive 200 meters of water resistance, meaning that you don’t ever need to think twice about wearing the Caliber 2100 in or around the water.
