One of the world's largest watch makers, the Citizen Watch Company was founded in 1918 in Japan from its beginnings as the Shokosha Watch Research Institute. The first watch released by the company was named "CITIZEN" and its name was selected so that it would be "close to the hearts of people everywhere." Today, Citizen is recognized as a worldwide leader in advanced timepiece technology, from the world's slimmest LCD watch to the first voice recognition watch to the world's first professional dive watch with an electronic depth sensor. Citizen was also the first to sell watches made with titanium in the world, which is not only light and durable but also non-allergenic (as stainless steel can be to some wearers). Most recently, Citizen has released watches powered by its Eco-Drive, which runs continuously in any kind of natural light or artificial light for a lifetime of use without changing a battery.

1918

Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. founded. Mr. Yosaburo Nakajima appointed president.

1936

Tanashi Factory built. Exports of watches to Southeast Asia and South Pacific begun.

1945

Mr. Shinji Nakajima appointed president.

1946

Mr. Eiichi Yamada appointed president.

1949

Citizen Trading Co., Ltd. established.

1953

Rhythm Watch Co., Ltd. becomes an affiliate of Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.

1958

Exports of watches to People's Republic of China begun.

1960

Import-export agreement with Bulova Watch Co. of the U.S. concluded. Technical assistance agreement (export of watch production plant) with Indian government signed.

1965

Citizen Office opened in Germany. Full-scale export of watches to Europe commenced.

1969

Business cooperation with Rhythm Watch Co., Ltd. strengthened, common brands introduced.

1978

Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. and Citizen Trading Co., Ltd. Head Office moved to Shinjuku Mitsui Building.

1981

Mr. Rokuya Yamazaki appointed president of Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. Systems and Peripherals Division (current Systems and Peripherals Group) established.

1982

Special Sales Division (current Special Sales Group) established. Watch parts sales begun.

1987

Mr. Michio Nakajima appointed president of Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.

1990

Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. "Refresh Vacation" system introduced.

1996

Light-powered "Eco-Drive" becomes the first watch to receive an Eco-Mark.

1997

Mr. Hiroshi Haruta appointed president of Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.

2001

Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. Head Office moved to Nishi Tokyo-shi.

2002

Citizen Trading Co., Ltd. and Japan CBM Corporation become fully-owned subsidiaries. Mr. Makoto Umehara appointed president of Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.

2003

Jewelry business unified and reorganized. Heiwa Tokei Manufacturing Co., Ltd. become fully-owned subsidiary.