Where Are Citizen Watches Made in 2023?

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Written By Alan

Would you believe a G-Shock I was gifted in 2014 by my grandpa started my lifelong journey of a watch geek?

🕑  Last Updated: March 28, 2023

Not many brands in the mid-price sector can come close to Citizen when it comes to the wide range of watch types and, most importantly, value for money.

Despite offering head-turning designs, reliable movements, and advanced technologies such as its proprietary Eco-Drive movements, the Japanese watchmaker is still within the reach of many consumers.

But one question we often get asked is, where are Citizen watches made?

Because of the relatively low price points and the seemingly great quality, many people are wondering if the watches are made in Japan or some other country in Asia (you know which one).

The answer isn’t that simple. Let’s dive in!

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Where Are Citizen Watches Made?

Only the likes of Seiko and Orient can rival Citizen when it comes to the sheer range of watches the Japanese watchmaker produces.

From Entry-Level quartz watches to high-end, automatic watches, there’s a Citizen watch for everyone.

But with such a wide range of watches, it’s no surprise that people are wondering where they’re all made.

Since Citizen is a well-respected Japanese watch brand, it’s natural that most people assume that all of their watches are made in Japan.

However, that’s not the case.

In fact, nowadays only a part of the Citizen collection is still fully manufactured and assembled in the “Land of the Rising Sun” while the rest is assembled in other countries in Asia.

While this at first might sound disappointing, it’s not, really. In today’s incredibly competitive world of watchmaking, it’s simply not possible or economically viable for most brands, no matter how big or small, to manufacture all of their watches in their country (unless we’re talking about luxury brands from Switzerland or Chinese watchmakers).

And what’s the most important thing when it comes to Citizen, all their movements are exclusively made in Japan. As you know, watch movement is the most important part of any watch, and that’s something Citizen treats very seriously. Hence, all Citizen calibers are produced in-house in Japan and only the assembly of other parts such as bracelets or cases may take place elsewhere.

After all, Citizen’s Eco-Drive watches are highly respected and admired by watch enthusiasts all over the world for a reason.

The final assembly of the watches, however, is done in various countries in Asia, depending on the model. So, for example, a high-end watch from Citizen’s PCAT collection will most likely be assembled in Japan, while a more entry-level quartz watch will probably be assembled in China.

This way, Citizen can keep the prices down without compromising on quality or design. And that’s good news for us, the consumers!

Important Regulation on the “Made in Japan” Label

It’s important to note that Japanese watchmakers can still engrave the “Made in Japan” label on their watches even if the timepieces aren’t put together in one of the manufactories in the country.

How?

Well, the regulation in the Japanese law states the following: “…a watch which is manufactured overseas in a Japanese-owned (or contracted) factory to Japanese quality control standards under Japanese supervision by a Japanese-owned firm may be labeled “Made in Japan”.”

As you can see, even though some Citizen watches might not be fully assembled in Japan, they can still proudly wear the “Made in Japan” label.

Frequently Asked Questions

We hope that the above has helped to clear up any confusion you might have had about where Citizen watches are made.

However, we understand that you might still have some questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get about Citizen watches and their manufacturing process.

Are Citizen watches made in China?

As we’ve already mentioned, not all Citizen watches are fully assembled in Japan, and Chinese factories are one of the places where some of the watches are put together.

So, while it’s not strictly accurate to say that Citizen watches are made in China, it’s not entirely wrong, either.

It’s important to remember that just because a watch is assembled in China (or any other country, for that matter), it doesn’t mean that it’s of inferior quality.

In fact, it’s a pretty standard practice in the watchmaking industry for brands even of a higher standard than Citizen.

Is Citizen Watch a good brand?

Absolutely! Citizen is one of the most successful and respected watch brands in the world for a reason.

They make high-quality, stylish watches that are fairly priced and they have a wide range of models to choose from, so there’s something for everyone.

What’s more, with their Eco-Drive technology, Citizen is a pioneer in the field of environmentally friendly watches.

So, if you’re looking for a good, all-around watch brand, Citizen is definitely one to consider. We encourage you to read our Citizen brand review for a more detailed look at the brand.

Who wears Citizen watches?

Citizen watches are popular with people of all ages, and from all walks of life.

Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated dress watch or a rugged sports watch, Citizen has got you covered.

And because of their wide price range, there’s a Citizen watch to suit every budget.

Is Seiko better than Citizen?

Seiko is another excellent Japanese watch brand and, like Citizen, they’re known for making high-quality watches.

However, it’s difficult to say unequivocally which of the two brands is better as it really depends on your personal preferences.

Both Seiko and Citizen make great watches and it really comes down to which style you prefer or what type of watch you’re looking for.

Citizen tends to produce a bigger amount of sporty, outdoor-friendly watches (such as Citizen dive watches), while Seiko’s range includes more dressy and formal timepieces.

Also, battery-powered watches dominate Citizen’s offer while Seiko has more in store for fans of automatic watches.

Which is better – Seiko, Citizen or Bulova?

Again, it’s tough to say which of these three brands is the best as it depends on your needs and preferences.

Seiko and Citizen are both excellent Japanese watch brands with a great reputation for quality, so you really can’t go wrong with either of them.

Bulova, on the other hand, is an American brand that’s part of the Citizen group. They make great watches, too, and their prices are usually slightly higher than those of Seiko and Citizen.

You can read our comprehensive Bulova vs Citizen vs Seiko comparison for more information.

Is Citizen owned by Seiko?

No, Seiko and Citizen are two separate brands, owned by different companies. What connects the two brands is that they’re both Japanese watchmakers with a long and successful history.

Citizen is owned by Citizen Watch Co., Ltd., while Seiko is part of the Seiko Holdings Corporation.

Why are Citizen watches so expensive?

Quite frankly, considering Citizen watches as pricey doesn’t make much sense.

In fact, when you compare the prices of Citizen watches to those of other brands with a similar level of quality, you’ll see that they’re actually quite reasonable.

So, if you think Citizen watches are expensive, we suggest you take another look at their offer – you might be surprised!

Are Citizen watches luxury?

While Citizen watches are undeniably high-quality timepieces, they’re not considered luxury watches.

This is because Citizen watches are more affordable than most luxury brands and they have a wider appeal – they’re not just for wealthy people or watch aficionados.

However, this doesn’t mean that Citizen watches aren’t stylish or well-made. On the contrary, Citizen is a very successful and respected watch brand that produces some truly beautiful timepieces.

How long does the battery last in a Citizen Eco-Drive watch?

Citizen Eco-Drive watches are powered by light, so as long as they’re exposed to enough light (natural or artificial), the battery will never run out.

Of course, the battery will eventually need to be replaced, but that’s usually after several years of use. In fact, many people report that the Eco-Drive can provide hassle-free use for as many as 20+ years.

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