Citizen watches are sold globally, with huge popularity across Asia and Australia. You’ve probably seen these popular watches online or in a jewellery store and wondered what makes them tick. So, we’ve taken a deep look into the ins and outs of Citizen, and answered some of the web’s most searched questions about the Japanese brand.
Popular Citizen FAQs:
- Are Citizen Watches Good?
- Where are Citizen Watches Made?
- Is a Citizen Watch Worth Buying?
- Are Citizen Watches a Good Investment?
Are Citizen Watches Good?
Thankfully, some questions have easy answers. While your average Citizen Watch won’t compare to a high-end luxury watch, they are certainly reliable, good watches. Maybe It helps to know what exactly defines a great watch brand or specific timepiece.
Firstly, are they accurate? Well, Citizen watches are known for their accuracy. If one of their watches can bounce a signal off a satellite for near-faultless timekeeping in their high-end line, you can be sure that Citizen can also design a precise everyday timepiece. They use electrical quartz movements, which means that Citizen timepieces can sway as little as 5 seconds per month.
To determine a watch’s value, you can also look at the style of the watch. And yes, Citizen delivers here, too. The Japanese brand specializes in dress watches, with a huge range of gold watches to choose from. Their classy style and crisp design are always an eye-catcher, and the variety in the strap and dial design awards you plenty of options. Citizen also has an apt for designing appealing diving watches with a refined, luxury look.
While we do recommend Citizen watches, sometimes it just comes down to your personal feel and opinion. There’s no doubt of the quality-for-price that Citizen offers, but does it feel comfortable on your wrist? Does the timepiece fit with your favourite outfits? Think about what you appreciate in a watch and see if Citizen matches that wish.
Technology
One thing you can be sure about is Citizen’s history of excellence. The Japanese brand has long been a pioneer in watchmaking, and in modern times is famous for creating the most accurate solar-powered watches in their Eco-Dive line. Among their achievements is creating Japan’s first electronic watch, the world’s first multi-zone radio-controlled watch, and the world’s first watch to measure altitude and air pressure.
Within Citizen is a proudness and determination to create the most accurate watches possible. Their premium Citizen Eco-Drive watches can stray less than 5 seconds off your set time in a month’s use. That’s especially impressive when you consider the watches are powered by solar and scarcely need a battery replacement.
Where are Citizen Watches Made?
Citizen watches were founded in Japan all the way back in 1918. Remarkably, they still design, manufacture, and produce their timepieces completely in-house. Every part of a Citizen watch is created in Japan, and the famous brand is well known for selling its movements to other manufacturers and labelling them as Miyota. Your favourite watch might be powered by Citizen technology.
The high-end models are crafted by hand if they are more complicated, but are still overseen in-house. Few businesses can boast such an integrated business model, especially in the realm of watchmaking.
Is a Citizen Watch Worth Buying?
Citizen is a well-trusted global brand, and one of the very best in the competitive Japanese watchmaking scene. If it’s a low-to-middle-priced watch you’re after, a Citizen watch is worth buying. The build quality of their watches is durable and comfortable, so you won’t need to worry about replacing your watch anytime soon.
Because Citizen produces their own watch movements and oversees their own manufacturing, the brand has complete control over the quality of their product. That’s why their watches are so cohesive and comfortable. And, as previously mentioned, Citizen quartz watches are all about accuracy. There just aren’t many better value-for-money, everyday watches to keep you on time.
If you do go for a premium timepiece, a Citizen Promaster is an excellent choice. These diving watches have brilliant aesthetics and impressive water pressure resistance of 200m. The line incorporates Eco-Drive technology that charges the watch under light and holds power for up to 6 months at full capacity.
There are plenty of men's Citizen watches and Citizen watches for women to choose from, which means you'll always find a timepiece that fits you.
Are Citizen Watches a Good Investment?
For the most part, Citizen watches aren’t a great investment if you’re looking to make a profit. If you just are wanting to save up and invest in a Citizen for personal use, it’s completely worth it given its durability. Just don’t expect to make a strong return later.
Many of their watches lie within the lower-middle priced watch options, and while they are excellent for that price tag, they are unlikely to appreciate. Much like a fresh diamond ring or brand-new chain, watches are worth less when bought and worn. This doesn’t mean your Citizen watch can’t increase its value over time, but there are some key factors you will need to consider.
Price and quality
If a Citizen watch were to appreciate its value, it would need to be a good one. Look for quality markers such as expensive materials (titanium, sapphire glass, and technology like Eco-Drive), as well as retail price. If your watch is hand-crafted, that’s even better. Even still, automatic Citizen watches and their Eco-Drive range won’t compare to luxury timepieces like Rolex or Omega when it comes to quality, so it’s unlikely that someone would want to pay above retail price for one.
Rarity
A middle-priced watch can sometimes appreciate if its model is discontinued. That means that your timepiece is now one of a finite number in the world, although that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s worth more. The discontinued model would need to be a popular, cult classic that watch lovers would seek out for their collection. As the model ages and becomes more desirable you can try to flip the watch for an increased price, given you’ve kept it in pristine condition.
Limited edition watches are a good choice for investing. Watchmakers might only release 1000 or so of that model, which makes it more desirable for collectors. Unfortunately, Citizen isn’t known for producing many limited editions or collaborative watches like their Japanese competitors Seiko and Casio.
Condition
If you do plan on investing in a Citizen, or even a Casio or Seiko watch, make sure that you keep your timepiece in good condition. It’s best to store your watch in a proper box, which you can find easily on online. Make sure that the watch is positioned face-up in the box to avoid damage to the glass or dial. If you’re storing a Citizen, it’s likely a quartz watch which means moisture will mess with the electrical components, store the watch with silica gel or another form of moisture prevention.
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