Origin of CITIZEN
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In 1918, Shokosha Watch Research Institute, the predecessor of Citizen Watch Co., was founded.
At the end of 1921, Shokosha Watch School was founded to develop skilled watch engineers. In 1926, the college was certified by the Minister of Education. Many engineers graduated from the college.In 1924, the first pocket watch was launched onto the market under the CITIZEN brand. The target accuracy then was ±20 seconds a day.
The brand name "CITIZEN" was coined by Sir Shimpei Goto, the then mayor of Tokyo and a member of the House of Peers. The name represents the wish that the first pocket watch produced in Japan after great difficulties would become popular and be loved by all citizens around the world.
In 1930, Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. was founded, incorporating this wish into the company name.
In 1931, the first wristwatch under the CITIZEN brand was marketed. And today, the wish continues to be handed down.
