What makes Citizen special in watchmaking?

At Joyería Pato, we've been selling watches for 60 years. And if there's one brand that has never given us any trouble, it's Citizen. Not because they're cheap. Because they work. Because they've spent decades inventing things that others later copy.

Eco-Drive, for example: watches that charge with light and are then forgotten. That's not the future. It's the present, and we have it here.

1976: An idea is born that still guides every watch. That was the year of the first solar quartz. Today, with high-end mechanical watches in the Series8 collection like the NB6030-59L model, the mission remains intact. Technology that serves people, without harming the planet. A principle that never goes out of style.

What does "Citizen" mean? Why that name?

Citizen means "citizen". And they didn't call it that by chance. They wanted to make watches for everyone, not just gentlemen in frock coats. In 1924, that was almost a statement of intent. Today, a hundred years later, it still is.

The name was proposed by the mayor of Tokyo, Shimpei Goto, for the company's first pocket watch, symbolizing the desire to create a product "close to the citizens" of the world.

Citizen at Joyería Pato: In our window since the 90s

📸 Joyería Pato storefront in 1992

This photo is from 1992. It was taken in our store at Puerta del Sol 13, the one that later flooded and we rebuilt. In the window you can see several Citizen watches. Some you'll recognize. Others, perhaps not. In those years, Eco-Drive watches were starting to arrive, and people were still wondering how a watch could work without batteries.

Do you recognize any models? If you know which Citizen watches those are, write to us. The first person to get them all right gets a discount on their next purchase.

And if you don't recognize them, no problem. The ones we have now are more modern, but the essence is the same: watches that work, that last, and that don't cause any trouble.

History of Citizen: From research institute to global giant

The Origins (1918-1930): Japanese Watchmaking Independence
In 1918, Japan wanted to stop depending on watches coming from abroad. In Tokyo, they created the Shokosha Watch Research Institute, a complicated name for a simple idea: manufacture Japanese watches, with Japanese quality, for Japanese people. That's where it all began.

The Era of the Name "Citizen" (1924-1950)
In 1924, the mayor of Tokyo, a man named Shimpei Goto, proposed a name for those first watches: Citizen. Because they wanted anyone, wherever they lived, to be able to own one. Today it seems normal. Back then, it was revolutionary.

The Technological Revolution (1970-2000)
1976. A year of change. At Citizen, they were plotting something big: a watch that ran on light. No batteries, no winding, no fuss. Light. It seemed like science fiction, but they succeeded. Eco-Drive was born. And the world of watches was never the same again.

What does "Better Starts Now" mean?

Citizen sums it up in two words: Better Starts Now. The best starts now. It doesn't matter what you've done before, or where you come from. There's always room for improvement. That phrase, on a watch, sounds like a promise. But when you've spent 60 years watching them work, you know it's not just a phrase.

Social impact of the Citizen philosophy:

• Environmental sustainability: Eco-Drive technology eliminates millions of disposable batteries.
• Technological accessibility: High-end innovations at democratic prices.
• Social inclusion: Designs for all lifestyles and budgets.
• Responsible innovation: Technological development that benefits society.

Does Citizen own Miyota?

Yes. Miyota is a subsidiary of Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. Miyota specializes in producing automatic and quartz movements used both by Citizen and by many independent international watch brands.

Strategic functions of Miyota:

• Mass production of Miyota 8215, 9015 movements and other global calibers.
• Supply of movements to independent brands without their own manufacturing capacity.
• Maintenance of technical standards and reliability aligned with Citizen's philosophy.

Miyota calibers are recognized worldwide for their precision and durability, reinforcing Japanese leadership in watchmaking engineering.

How does Citizen manufacture its watches?

Citizen maintains complete vertical integration, meaning it designs, manufactures, and assembles every component internally. This ensures consistency, cost control, and superior quality in every watch like the Citizen CA4610-85L.

Areas controlled by Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.:

• Design and development of automatic and Eco-Drive calibers
• Manufacturing of internal components (gears, springs, rotors)
• Development of proprietary materials, such as Super Titanium™
• Strict quality control at all stages
• Continuous research and development in Tokyo

What is Eco-Drive technology and how does it work?

Eco-Drive is simpler than it seems. Beneath the dial, there is a cell that captures light, transforms it into energy, and stores it in a battery. With that, the watch runs for months, years, without you having to do anything.

Customers ask us: "What if it doesn't get sunlight?" The answer is always the same: as long as it gets light from time to time, it won't stop.

Energy conversion process:

• Capture: Integrated solar panel collects light photons
• Conversion: Photovoltaic cells transform light into electricity
• Storage: Rechargeable lithium battery accumulates energy
• Autonomy: Up to 6 months of operation in total darkness

Revolutionary advantages of the Eco-Drive system:

• Environmental sustainability: Eliminates battery changes for decades
• Constant precision: Stable power maintains perfect timekeeping
• Advanced functions: Enough energy for chronographs, alarms, GPS
• Zero maintenance: No trips to the watchmaker for power depletion

Technological evolution: from Eco-Drive to Eco-Drive GPS
Eco-Drive technology has evolved from simple three-hand movements to complex systems that power satellite GPS synchronization, atomic radio-control, and advanced chronograph functions. The most sophisticated models like the Citizen Satellite Wave CC4076-65A can maintain absolute global precision while running entirely on renewable energy.

Does Citizen manufacture automatic movements?

Citizen automatics are another story. They don't have the complexity of a high-end Swiss watch, but they don't need it. They are robust, reliable, and if you take care of them, they'll last you decades.

The Tsuyosa, for example, is the one we sell the most. Not because it's cheap. Because it's the one people want.

Main Automatic Calibers:

• Series 8200 (Calibers 8200, 8210): Applied in the Tsuyosa collection. 21 jewels, 40h power reserve. Robustness and daily reliability.
• Series 9000 (Series 8): Models with superior finishing like the Citizen NB6030-59L. Premium finishes, superior precision. Japanese technical excellence.

Advantages of Citizen automatics:

• Extreme reliability: Designed for intensive daily use
• Simplified maintenance: Fewer complications, greater durability
• Economic accessibility: Mechanical quality at democratic prices
• Technical innovation: Advanced materials in key components

What is Citizen's Super Titanium?

Citizen's Super Titanium represents an evolution of traditional titanium as seen in the Zenshin CA4610-85X watch, offering:

• Superior hardness: 5 times more resistant than stainless steel
• Extreme lightness: 40% lighter than steel
• Hypoallergenic: Perfect biocompatibility with the skin
• Scratch resistance: Surface treatment that maintains original finish

What is radio-control technology?

Radio-controlled watches like the Citizen AT8238-84M or the Tsuki Yomi in its purple version automatically synchronize with global atomic clocks, ensuring absolute precision through:

• Multi-band reception: Synchronization with towers on different continents
• Automatic adjustment: Correction of time, date, and time zone
• Atomic precision: Accuracy of 1 second in 100,000 years

Citizen's environmental commitment

Through a partnership with 1% for the Planet, Citizen has committed to environmental initiatives that transcend simple product manufacturing.

Concrete environmental initiatives:

• Elimination of batteries: Eco-Drive technology avoids millions of disposable batteries
• Recyclable materials: Components designed for reuse
• Clean processes: Manufacturing that minimizes environmental impact
• Environmental education: Promoting ecological awareness through products

What brands belong to the Citizen Group?

The Citizen Group has developed a diversified portfolio of brands covering different segments and watchmaking philosophies:

Is Citizen Swiss or Japanese?

Japanese. 100%. And you can tell. It's not better or worse than a Swiss one. It's different. More technological, more functional, less about posturing. If you're looking for a watch that works and doesn't cause any trouble, Citizen is for you.

What range is Citizen?

Citizen occupies a unique position in the global watch market because it successfully covers all three main ranges:

Entry/Basic Range (€90 – €200): Basic quartz movements like the Citizen BI5110-54Z orange, some Eco-Drive models like the BM6755-71A. Essential functionality for daily use.

Mid-Range (€200 – €600): Advanced Eco-Drive, automatics (Tsuyosa), radio-control. Premium materials, specialized functions for enthusiasts and professionals.

High-End Range (€600 – €1500+): GPS, Series 8 automatic, The Citizen. Exclusive materials, manufacture calibers for serious collectors.

Citizen is one of the few brands that maintains technological coherence and quality across all ranges.

Where are Citizen watches manufactured?

Citizen manufactures its watches in several countries, following a global strategy that combines quality, cost, and proximity to markets:

• Japan: Premium models, advanced calibers, technological development. The higher ranges like The Citizen, Series 8, Eco-Drive GPS, and radio-controlled watches are exclusively manufactured here.
• Thailand: Mid-range watches with Eco-Drive movements.
• China: Basic components and entry-level lines.
• Philippines: Production of affordable models and component assembly.

How good is the Citizen brand?

Citizen is objectively considered one of the best watch brands worldwide, with a reputation built over more than 100 years of constant innovation.

Leadership in technological innovation: Eco-Drive system (1976), Radio-control (1993), Satellite GPS (2011), Super Titanium.

Demonstrable technical precision: Eco-Drive: ±15 seconds per month. Radio-controlled: atomic precision (1 second in 100,000 years). Automatics: -20/+40 seconds per day.

Quantifiable material quality: Super Titanium: hardness 1200-1500 Vickers (vs 200-250 for steel). Sapphire crystal: 9 Mohs hardness.

Proven longevity and durability: Models functioning after 20+ years. Extended warranties that trust in product longevity.

How to tell if a Citizen watch is authentic?

Identifying an authentic Citizen watch requires knowledge of the specific identification system the brand uses.

Citizen Code System: Caliber Code + Case Number
Instead of showing commercial references (like "NJ0150-81Z"), authentic Citizen watches have a composite code engraved such as "8200-S084101" or "E111-K128265". The first part identifies the caliber/movement; the second, the specific case model number.

Physical authenticity characteristics:

• Precise, deep engravings without typographical errors
• "CITIZEN WATCH CO.", "Japan Mov't" or "Japan", specific water resistance in meters
• Official box with Citizen logo and barcodes
• Warranty certificate stamped by authorized dealer
• Instruction manual in multiple languages

At Joyería Pato, as official distributors, we guarantee 100% authenticity with a 3-year warranty in Spain and a 2-year international warranty.

How long does a Citizen watch last?

Citizen watches are objectively excellent from multiple perspectives. Their quality is backed by over a century of technological development and millions of satisfied users worldwide.

Durability by movement type:

• Eco-Drive watches: Useful life of 15-20+ years with basic maintenance. The limiting component is the rechargeable capacitor (replaceable after 15-20 years). Main advantage: no battery changes throughout the useful life.
• Automatic watches: Useful life of 20-30+ years with proper professional maintenance. Service every 3-5 years to optimize performance. Calibers designed for millions of oscillations.

Verifiable technical excellence: Precision exceeding standards, pioneering innovation, rigorous quality control, materials and construction designed for decades of use.