Vintage Citizen Watches: From 1918 to Eco-Drive

Citizen traces its roots to the Shokosha Watch Research Institute, founded in Tokyo in 1918. Its first pocket watch, finished in 1924, was named Citizen so that it would be a watch for everyone. The Citizen Watch Company itself was formed in 1930.

Milestones

1950s: Parashock, one of Japan's first shock-resistant watches, and Parawater, an early Japanese water-resistant watch.
1970s: the Crystron quartz line, and in 1976 the first analogue quartz watch powered by light.
Later: light-powered technology grew into Eco-Drive, the system Citizen is best known for today.

Vintage models to look for

Citizen automatics of the 1960s and 1970s, often marked with the jewel count on the dial, offer strong value. Coloured dials, cushion cases and integrated bracelets from the 1970s are especially popular.

What to check

As with every vintage watch, the dial is the priority. Ask for clear photos, check that the day and date change correctly, and confirm that the case back numbers match the model.