Citizen · Tokyo since 1918

Citizen Watches

Citizen has made watches in Tokyo since 1918, and in 1976 it made the world’s first light-powered analog watch, the start of today’s Eco-Drive. Shop Promaster, Attesa, Tsuyosa, Series 8 and more, every one shipped fully insured.

50 years of Eco-DriveEco-Drive PhotonLimited edition · BJ6560-53W

Heritage

Citizen since 1918

From a Tokyo research institute to the first light-powered watch, a few of the moments behind the Citizens in our case.

  1. 1918

    Where it began

    Kamekichi Yamazaki founds the Shokosha Watch Research Institute in Tokyo, set on making watches in Japan.

  2. 1924

    A watch named Citizen

    Its first pocket watch is named Citizen by Tokyo’s mayor, Shinpei Goto, who hoped it would be loved by people everywhere. In 1930 the name becomes the company’s.

  3. 1970

    The first titanium watch

    The X-8 Chronometer is the world’s first watch with a titanium case, the roots of today’s Super Titanium.

    Shop Attesa
  4. 1976

    Powered by light

    The Crystron Solar Cell is the world’s first light-powered analog watch.

  5. 1989

    Promaster

    Citizen launches Promaster, professional sports watches for sea, land and air.

    Shop Promaster
  6. 1995

    Eco-Drive

    A long-life rechargeable cell lets Citizen’s light-powered watches run six months or more on a full charge, even in the dark. The technology becomes known as Eco-Drive.

  7. 2008

    Bulova joins

    Citizen acquires Bulova, along with its Accutron and Caravelle brands.

    Shop Bulova
  8. 2016

    A Swiss family

    Frederique Constant and Alpina join the Citizen group.

    Shop Frederique Constant
  9. 2026

    50 years of light

    Citizen marks 50 years of light-powered watches with the limited-edition Eco-Drive Photon.

    Shop Photon

Dates from Citizen’s published company history.

Good to know

Citizen questions, answered

Still deciding? Call us at 661-861-8414 or start a chat.

What is Eco-Drive?

Eco-Drive is Citizen’s light-powered technology. A solar cell beneath the dial charges the watch from any light, sunlight or indoor light, and a full charge keeps it running for six months or more, even in the dark. There is no regular battery to replace.

What’s the difference between Promaster, Attesa, Tsuyosa and Series 8?

Promaster is Citizen’s sports line for diving, land and flight. Attesa is its Super Titanium line, powered by Eco-Drive, with radio or satellite time sync on some models. Tsuyosa is a colorful everyday automatic with an integrated bracelet, and Series 8 is Citizen’s line of modern mechanical watches.

Is Citizen related to Bulova, Accutron, Frederique Constant and Alpina?

Yes. Citizen acquired Bulova, including Accutron and Caravelle, in 2008, and Frederique Constant and Alpina in 2016. We carry Bulova, Accutron, Frederique Constant and Alpina too.

Is shipping free and insured?

Orders over $200 ship free and fully insured, with an adult signature on delivery.

Can I pay over time?

Yes. Choose Afterpay at checkout to split your order into 4 payments (US and Canada). We also accept major cards, PayPal, Apple Pay and Shop Pay.

Can I see a Citizen in person?

Yes. Visit our showroom at 2105 Edison Hwy, Space 6, Bakersfield, CA 93305, open every day from 10am to 7pm. Call ahead at 661-861-8414 to check on a specific model.

Watch concierge

Not sure which Citizen? Ask the people who wear them.

Our team helps with sizing, movements and gifting by live chat, phone or email, or come try a Citizen on at our Bakersfield showroom, open every day from 10am to 7pm.

Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee

Genuine materials and accurate representation on every piece we sell.

Fully insured shipping

Complimentary on orders over $200, with an adult signature on delivery.

Signature Elizalde packaging

Every piece arrives in our protective gift box, ready to give.

Concierge service

Personal guidance by live chat, phone or email.

Citizen watches from Bakersfield’s family jeweler

Elizalde Jewelers has served Bakersfield since 1994 and is an authorized Citizen dealer. Shop Eco-Drive Promaster divers, Super Titanium Attesa and Zenshin, and Tsuyosa and Series 8 automatics online or in our showroom, every order shipped fully insured.

EMPTY DOM REMOVE PROTECTOR