We have all seen the most common watch brands being sold everywhere we go from malls to department stores. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which watch brands are worth your time (ha!). In this article, we will specifically be answering the question: Are citizen watches good or not?
Beyond detailing if these watches are indeed timeless, we will also cover some of the history and what makes Citizen stand out from other watch brands.
What are Citizen watches famous for?
With over 100 years of history, Citizen is a Japanese watch brand that has continually pushed the boundaries of innovation. These timepieces are known for their reliability and durability. Citizen has a long history of innovation, having invented the quartz movement and being the first to introduce titanium watches. One of their standout features is the Eco-Drive movement, which powers watches using solar energy. This not only makes the watches low-maintenance but also environmentally friendly. Citizen watches prioritize functionality over flashy designs, offering a range of options from dressier models to tool watches. However, it’s worth noting that some models, like the popular Citizen Promaster Diver, can be bulky and may not be suitable for smaller wrists. Overall, Citizen watches are known for their quality and affordability, making them a popular choice among watch enthusiasts.
Movement
The movement of a watch refers to the mechanism that powers it and ensures accurate timekeeping. Citizen has perfected their watch movements over the years, utilizing cutting-edge technology and innovative techniques.
One of the most notable advancements in the Citizen watch movement is the development of Eco-Drive technology. This revolutionary feature harnesses the power of sunlight to charge the watch’s battery. This technology has propelled Citizen to the forefront of the watch industry, with their Eco-Drive watches becoming highly sought after.
Citizen’s quartz movements are known for their exceptional accuracy, ticking at a rate of 32,768 times per second. This ensures that Citizen watches keep time with utmost precision, making them ideal for everyday wear or special occasions. Additionally, Citizen offers automatic movements for those who prefer a more traditional approach. These self-winding movements utilize the natural motion of the wearer’s wrist to power the watch, eliminating the need for manual winding.
Quality
Are Citizen watches high-end?
Well, it depends on how you define “high-end”. While they may not be in the same tier as luxury brands like Rolex or Patek Philippe, Citizen watches are somewhere in the middle. Citizen offers various timepieces that cater to different tastes and preferences. In terms of price, Citizen watches are generally more affordable compared to their luxury counterparts, making them accessible to a larger audience. So, while they may not be considered high-end in the traditional sense, Citizen watches certainly offer a high level of quality and craftsmanship at a more reasonable price point.
Are Citizen watches made in China?
While Citizen is a Japanese brand, they do have manufacturing facilities in various parts of the world, including China. But don’t let that fool you into any assumptions of quality. So, whether they’re made in China or not, the real question should be: Are Citizen watches good? And their reputation says that is a definite yes!
How long do Citizen watches last?
These babies can last you a lifetime. Well, maybe not an actual lifetime. But on average, a Citizen watch can easily tick away for 10 to 20 years without skipping a beat.
Are Citizen watches expensive?
Citizen watches can range from around $200 to over $1000, depending on the features and materials used. For example, their entry-level models with basic functions are more budget-friendly, while their premium timepieces with advanced complications and luxury materials come with a higher price tag.
Build and Materials
Bracelet
One of the most common materials used by Citizen for their watch bracelets is stainless steel which makes them resistant to corrosion and everyday wear and tear. They also offer watch bracelets made from titanium, which is known for its lightweight and hypoallergenic properties, and even will occasionally use leather.
Packaging
The watches typically come in traditional watch boxes with commonly used materials such as wood/cardboard, leather, and metal.
Citizen vs Other Brands
Is Citizen as good as Seiko?
Both watchmakers are comparable, compete in many categories, and are equally good in different ways. Citizen is loved for their Eco-Drive technology and sapphire bezels. Seiko is known for its mechanical movements and diver’s watches.
Which is a better brand: Fossil or Citizen?
Of course “better” is always subjective but the consensus of the watch community is that Citizen is a higher quality watchmaker, while Fossil is more of a trendy fashion type of watchmaker. Fossil tends to have more options and lower prices but as a result, less features and uses inexpensive materials.
Summary:
So are Citizen watches good? It’s safe to say they are very good. Citizen makes very durable watches out of quality materials and uses great movement technology. If you are in the market for a quality timepiece with great features that won’t break the bank, this brand hits the mark. These aren’t luxury or the highest-end watches but are way above average compared to other brands. Also, the highest-priced watch Citizen offers is way more affordable than even the most entry-level Rolex.
