Citizen Watch Company Limited is a Japanese multinational electronics company, primarily known for its expertise in watchmaking. It is the largest watchmaker in the world by production volume and focuses on precision engineering, sustainability and innovative technologies. Citizen’s core focus is on watches and clocks sold under various brand names, including Citizen, Bulova, Miyota, Q&Q and Frederique Constant. Apart from watches and clocks, the company also manufactures precision CNC lathes and equipment, electronic devices and small appliances.
| Details | Info |
| Founded | 1918 |
| Founder | Kamekichi Yamazaki and Rodolphe Schmid |
| Headquarters | Nishitokyo, Tokyo, Japan |
| CEO | Toshihiko Sato |
| Sector | Electronics |
Company Profile
Citizen Watch was founded in the year 1918 as Shokosha Watch Research Institute by a Japanese jeweller Kamekichi Yamazaki and Swiss watchmaker Rodolphe Schmid. Its first product was a pocket watch under the Citizen brand name, launched in the year 1924. The company was formally incorporated as Citizen Watch Company Limited in the year 1930.
Citizen Watch Company Limited launched Japan’s first men’s wristwatch in the year 1931 and began producing machine tools in 1936. The company gained worldwide recognition in the 1950s through its innovative shock-resistant watch model, Citizen Parashock and water-resistant watch model, Citizen Parawater. Citizen diversified to business machines and auto parts in the 1960s.
Citizen Watch Company Limited expanded globally via subsidiaries in Europe, Asia and United States throughout the 1980s and 90s. Notable watch models launched by the company include titanium watch Citizen Attesa in 1987, world’s first radio-controlled watch in 1993 and light-powered watch Eco-Drive One in 2016.
Citizen accounts for around 22% of global watch production, with over 200 million units annually. It has more than 60 overseas subsidiaries and affiliates. The company’s watches and other products are sold through department stores, specialty stores, official online stores and e-commerce platforms like Amazon.
Origin Country
Citizen Watch Company Limited originated in Japan and remains a Japanese company. However, 70% of its sales come from over 140 countries worldwide, with key markets being Asia-Pacific, North America and Europe.
Market Cap
Citizen Watch Company Limited is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Its market capitalisation, as of October 2025, is 273.55 billion Japanese Yen.
