History
Dreams of a Japan-made watch
The seeds of the modern Japanese watchmaking industry had only just begun to
sprout in the Meiji and early Taisho eras.
Kamekichi Yamazaki-a dealer in watch metals who learned his craft in
Switzerland (home of the world's finest timepieces) and the US-returned home
determined to create a Japanese-made pocketwatch.
In 1918, he established Shokosha Watch Research Institute, which would later
become Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
Having successfully navigated the last 100 years, the CITIZEN Group
will continue to break new ground as it ceaselessly refines
its precision technologies and redefines cutting-edge craftsmanship.
Genealogy
Precision technologies and high quality define
our products in every way.
Refining technologies through watchmaking has always been
at the core of the CITIZEN Group's activities.
Over the last hundred years, we have branched out powerfully into
a variety of sectors—crafting machine tools that create watch parts,
tiny precision-machined components, electric and electronic devices,
automotive parts, high-end jewelry pieces, and more.
Each of these business areas is being developed by one of our group companies, making
CITIZEN one of the most respected names in technical precision across multiple industries.