Round-UpCelebrating 100 Years Of Citizen Watches—The Choice Of Champions

Over the course of time, a formidable counterpart to Swiss and German watchmaking has indisputably been Japan. The Japanese horological industry has garnered attention and respect from all over the globe owing to its inclination towards life-enhancing functionality rather than implementing grandiose designs. History suggests that in the aftermath of the quartz crisis, it was mass-produced Japanese quartz watches that flourished in demand and nearly made Swiss mechanical watchmaking redundant. As a pivotal component of the Japanese watchmaking culture, Citizen watches—celebrating its 100th anniversary this year—has grown into its own with its technologically advanced offerings that don’t burn a hole in your pocket and encourage you to live life to the fullest. Of late, the company has been diversifying and exploring more upscale options after gaining control of Switzerland’s Frederique Constant, Alpina and DeMonaco in 2016.

The centenarian made a wise choice this August by appointing Japan’s Naomi Osaka—the reigning US Open champion in women’s singles—as a brand ambassador. Osaka adorned a Citizen Eco-Drive Bluetooth watch throughout the momentous 2018 US Open finale, which culminated in the 21-year-old defeating tennis icon Serena Williams. Endorsing the Citizen brand statement, ‘Better starts now’, Osaka’s dynamic spirit and an uncompromising drive to excel at her game makes her a classic champion for Citizen. The brand has been riding high on the success of revolutionary concepts—the 40-year-old proprietary light-powered Eco-Drive technology, and satellite-synchronised timekeeping system, Satellite Wave. Signifying ‘the moment when light is transformed into time’—an expression that defines the light-powered technology of Eco-Drive—Citizen has demonstrated its ambitious, goal-driven pioneering spirit that is hard to break. While expressing concern towards the natural environment, the watchmaker has also channelised energy towards remarkable technical innovations. We present to you below a handpicked selection of such innovations.

Top Five Picks For Men:

Dress

This unconventional choice as a branded watch for men will surely make heads turn. Part of the Citizen Dress family, the elegant white dial in the 25.5mm-wide rectangular case features a three-hand functionality with a subtly positioned date window at six o’clock. The slightly tilted Roman numeral hour markers add a certain edge to the otherwise unassuming design. Fitted with the G011 calibre, this quartz watch offers water resistance up to 30m. The steel and yellow gold PVD bracelet enhances the overall aesthetics.

Eco-Drive

Suitable for every day and every occasion, this Eco-Drive, driven by sustainable technology, exudes steely resilience and reliability. Accurate to within 15 seconds per month, the combination of the textured white dial, 39mm stainless steel case, rose gold bezel and the brown calf leather strap puts emphasis on a classically masculine aesthetic. The G820 calibre working in tandem with the Eco-Drive movement enables the maximum run time from full charge as six months. This watch is water resistant up to 50m.

Eco-Drive

Loaded with outstanding complications, this analogue Eco-Drive chronograph is designed for the millennial on the go. Running on the B612 calibre, this quartz watch promises a power reserve of seven months and a 100m water resistance. The 44mm steel case, in the tachymeter bezel, houses a black dial that offers full legibility in the 24-hour display and the date window at three o’clock. The brown perforated leather strap, with white stitching, lends a sense of ruggedness.

Promaster

Founded on the concept of infinite possibilities and going beyond the limit, the Promaster professional sports watches are designed for lasting versatility. Suitable for extreme environments, this stylish 44mm timepiece features a bold, black dial with a date display, and a unidirectional rotatable bezel set against a blend of silver and gold accents. Offering an impressive diving-standard of water resistance, at 200m, this watch is built with the E168 Eco-Drive movement that can hold a power reserve of six months.

Mechanical

Featuring a lustrous dial adorning royal blue and gold hues that are bound to impress, the 40.8mm steel and black PVD case resonates well with the steel strap in black PVD. The day-date functionality is placed at three o’clock. This automatic watch runs on the 8200 calibre and is water resistant up to 50m. 

Top Five Picks For Women:

Mechanical

An immediate show stealer, the three-hand blue dial, in the 34mm rose gold-plated case, flaunts 11 pieces of Swarovski crystals—instantly becoming a woman’s best friend. A skeleton ring set between six o’clock and nine o’clock gives a beautiful sneak peek into the 8229 automatic movement. The blue calf leather strap accentuates the royal look, making this the perfect accessory to wear on weddings and special occasions.

Eco-Drive

This epitome of femininity is powered by the E031 Eco-Drive calibre, which ensures a power reserve of approximately six months. The 28.7mm steel and rose gold PVD case features a mother-of-pearl dial that looks utterly divine in combination with the yellow gold-plated stainless steel bracelet. This quartz watch is water resistant up to 50m.

Eco-Drive

This exquisite work-wear watch that could blend well with business casuals offers great performance as well, with a six-month power reserve and E031 Eco-Drive calibre. The 30.8mm steel and black PVD case features a three-hand black dial and bold, overpowering hour markers. The steel bracelet in black PVD completes the brazen look.

Eco-Drive

Crafted with a clean, minimalistic look, the white dial featuring vintage black Arabic numerals, and the white, calf leather strap, make this timepiece flawless. Running on the E031 Eco-Drive calibre, this quartz watch offers a power reserve of six months and water resistance of 50m. The 30.2mm steel case in pink PVD adds a hint of daintiness.

Eco-Drive

The ultimate concoction of classic and contemporary, this all-occasion 28mm watch features an alabaster dial featuring a date window at three o’clock and rose gold markings set against an exquisite rose gold accented bezel and bracelet. This quartz watch is fitted with the E011 Eco-Drive calibre, offering a maximum run time of about six months from full charge, and water resistance up to 50m.