Citizen Watches: History, Technology, and User Guide

About Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.

Citizen Watch Co., Ltd., part of a Japanese global corporate group, is renowned for its watches and electronics. Founded in 1930, it evolved from the Shokosha Watch Research Institute. Citizen is known for its in-house manufacturing capabilities, from components to assembly, and operates globally in approximately 140 markets. The company acquired Bulova Watch Company, becoming the world's largest watch manufacturer.

Citizen's philosophy emphasizes continuous improvement, believing it's always possible to make something better. The brand name "Citizen" was adopted after the release of a pocket watch in 1924, with the goal of producing affordable timepieces for all citizens.

Key Technologies and Collections

Citizen has pioneered several watch technologies:

• Eco-Drive: Powers watches using natural and artificial light, eliminating the need for battery replacement.
• Satellite Wave: Receives signals from GPS satellites for highly accurate timekeeping across multiple time zones.
• Radio Controlled: Synchronizes with atomic clocks for precise time, often supporting multiple regions (e.g., North America, Europe, Japan, China).
• Fugu: Iconic dive watches, named after the Japanese pufferfish, known for their robust design and ISO 6425 certification.
• Chronomaster: High-accuracy quartz watches.
• Precisionist/Accutron II: Features advanced quartz movements with high accuracy and smooth sweeping second hands.

Citizen watches are made from various materials including stainless steel, titanium, and ceramic, and are available in analog and digital formats, powered by quartz, automatic, or solar movements.

Popular Citizen Watch Models

• Citizen Men's Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Watch: Water-resistant up to 200 meters, featuring a unidirectional bezel and date display.
• Citizen Women's Eco-Drive Diamond Watch: Elegant design with a diamond-accented bezel and mother-of-pearl dial, powered by light.
• Citizen Men's Satellite Wave GPS Watch: Accurately displays time in 40 time zones by receiving GPS satellite signals, often with a durable titanium case.
• Citizen Women's Bella Eco Drive Yellow Gold Steel Watch: Features a diamond-accented bezel and luminous hands for readability.
• Citizen Promaster Automatic NY0040-09EE: A notable dive watch, part of the line that evolved from the Parawater.
• Citizen AT4000-02E, AT4004-52E, AT4008-51E, AT4007-54E: Examples of Radio Controlled Eco-Drive watches.

Setting and Troubleshooting for Citizen Eco-Drive E650

This section provides guidance for the Citizen Radio Controlled Caliber E650 movement.

Setting the City:

1. Pull the crown out to the first click.
2. Rotate the crown to select the desired city.
3. Gently push the crown back in. The watch will then display the selected city's time.

Updating the Time (Signal Reception):

To ensure accurate timekeeping, the watch can manually receive a signal:

1. Pull the crown out.
2. Press and hold the button closest to the 4 o'clock position for 2-3 seconds until a tone is heard. This activates manual receiving mode.
3. Place the watch face up by a south-facing window, with the 6 o'clock position pointing outwards.
4. Leave for a couple of hours for the watch to receive a new signal.

Setting the Alarm:

1. Pull the crown out to the first click.
2. Rotate the crown until the mode hand points to "ALM".
3. Pull the crown out to the second click.
4. Rotate the crown to select the desired alarm time, noting AM/PM in the 10 o'clock sub-dial.
5. Press and release the button nearest the 2 o'clock position to set the alarm ON or OFF (indicated by the second hand).
6. Push the crown back to the first click, rotate to select the required city, and then return the crown to the original position for normal time functions.

Low Power Mode Warning:

If the second hand starts jumping a few seconds at a time ⚠️, it indicates the watch is in low power mode. The watch will run for approximately 3 more days. Recharge the watch using any strong light source; direct sunlight for 2-3 hours is recommended.

For full instructions, refer to the official Citizen Eco-Drive E650 manual.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Are Citizen watches waterproof? Citizen watches are water-resistant, with varying levels depending on the model. Some are suitable for swimming and diving, while others only withstand splashes ?.
• Do Citizen watches come with a warranty? Yes, warranties vary by model but are typically between 2 to 5 years.
• Can I replace the battery in my Citizen watch? Battery replacement for battery-powered models should be done by a professional watchmaker or jeweler. Eco-Drive models do not require battery replacement.
• When does my Citizen watch need servicing? If the watch loses time, is inaccurate, or stops working, it may need servicing. Citizen recommends servicing every three to five years.
• Can I wear my Citizen watch while swimming? Check the water-resistance rating of your specific watch before swimming or diving ?.
• Are Citizen watches eco-friendly? Citizen's Eco-Drive watches are powered by light, making them an eco-friendly option.

Company Structure and Partnerships

Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. is the core company of a Japanese global corporate group. Key subsidiaries and brands include:

• Miyota Co., Ltd. (watch movements, electronic components)
• Citizen Systems Japan Co., Ltd. (electronics)
• Citizen Fine Tech Co., Ltd. (electronic components)
• Citizen Seimitsu Co., Ltd. (watch movements, automotive components)
• Citizen Machinery Co., Ltd. (precision machining equipment)
• Bulova Watch Company
• Vagary watches
• Alpina
• Ateliers de Monaco
• Frdrique Constant
• Campanola
• La Joux-Perret
• Arnold & Son

Citizen has also been an official timekeeper and sponsor for various events, including the US Open tennis championships, ISU World Figure Skating Championships, and Disney resorts.

Licensing Information

The content is licensed under a Creative Commons license, allowing redistribution and adaptation for any purpose, even commercially, provided attribution is given, changes are indicated, and derivatives are shared under the same license. No additional restrictions apply.