Citizen Watch, which combines high technology with practicality, has pioneered the development of various technologies and is currently focusing on smartwatches. Let's explore the appeal of this analog smartwatch from this historic manufacturer.
Citizen Watch, a major Japanese watch manufacturer
Citizen Watch boasts the world's highest level of watchmaking technology and has achieved numerous world-first achievements. Let's take a look at the motto and technical capabilities of this proud Japanese manufacturer.
A passionate desire to be loved by citizens
Shokosha Watch Research Institute, the predecessor of Citizen Watch, was founded in 1918. The first product released in 1924 was named "CITIZEN" with the intention of being "long-lastingly loved by citizens (Citizens)" and the name was also incorporated into the company name.
The manufacturer sees citizens as "cultural bearers who promote reform with a free spirit" and believes that it is its mission to pave the way for the future of watches.
Citizen's watch production, which began with mechanical pocket watches, expanded to include quartz movements. In 1975, the company released the Crystron Mega, an ultra-high-precision quartz watch with an annual accuracy of ±3 seconds, and in 76, the world's first analog solar-powered watch, the Crystron Solar Cell, continuing a string of cutting-edge achievements.
High technological capabilities that are second to none in the world
Citizen watches lead the watch industry with world-first and industry-first technologies, and models that use the company's unique light-powered technology, Eco-Drive, can be charged even with the faint light of fluorescent lights, and some can even operate for approximately seven years after a full charge.
In 2012, Citizen released the world's first Bluetooth®-enabled light-powered watch, "Eco-Drive Bluetooth," in 16 the world's thinnest analog light-powered watch, "Eco-Drive One," with a case thickness of just 2.98mm, and in 19, Citizen's flagship brand, "The CITIZEN," released the world's most accurate autonomous analog light-powered watch with an annual accuracy of ±1 second.
The brand is known for its scientifically-based technology that pursues practicality, using materials such as the surface hardening technology "Duratect" and "Super Titanium," which is more than five times harder than stainless steel, as well as announcing the "Satellite Wave GPS," which automatically corrects the time and date using GPS satellites.
Citizen is also a pioneer of smartwatches. Although it is not widely known, in 2006 it was the first in the world to sell a Bluetooth®-enabled watch called "i:VIRT."
Currently, there are three types of movement alone: mechanical, battery-powered, and Eco-Drive (light-powered), and the company offers a wide variety of products, from traditional three-hand mechanical watches to radio-controlled watches and smartwatches.This lineup is unique to Citizen, and is made possible by combining tradition and advanced technology.
What is a smartwatch?
In an age where everyone has a smartphone, an increasing number of users are choosing smartwatches. For Citizen Watch, which focuses on citizens, the growth of the smartwatch market is a major concern.
Let's take a look at the features of smartwatches and the differences between the typical touchscreen type and the analog type used by Citizen.
Smartwatches, a representative wearable device
A "smartwatch (connected watch)" is a general term for a wristwatch-like wearable device that has the ability to connect wirelessly to a smartphone.
Like smartphones, they are controlled by an OS and can use genuine or third-party apps. Many products are multi-function devices that can not only tell the time but also display the time.
スマートウォッチでできること
Smartwatches can be linked to smartphones to receive phone and email notifications and set alarms. Because they respond to your wrist, you're less likely to miss notifications than with a smartphone.
In addition to checking the time, you can also check the weather and use music streaming services.
Equipped with various sensors, it can measure heart rate and record route movement, allowing you to manage data on your running performance and course. It can also be used as an electronic payment terminal in conjunction with the Osaifu-Keitai app, making it a truly versatile device.
Analog display and touch panel type
Smartwatches can be divided into touch panel and analog display types depending on the dial specifications.
Touchscreen devices are operated by touching the LCD screen with your fingers. While their functionality is more limited than that of a smartphone, you can think of them as a small smartphone that you wear on your wrist. Another advantage is that you don't have to take the device out of your pocket.
Analog displays have hands, giving them a more wristwatch-like appearance. They can be operated using buttons or a synced smartphone. While the display content is more limited than touchscreen displays, they offer a more user-friendly experience, adding several convenient features to a traditional watch. Many of them automatically adjust the time and date in conjunction with a smartphone.
It's also convenient that no special operations are required.
