ChronoVerdict
English
ChronoVerdict

Brand file

Citizen

The Japanese giant of solar watches, which also makes its own automatic movements.

Updated 12 November 2026Desk research, no hands-on testingAffiliate retailer links

ChronoVerdictRecommended2027

Case closed

The verdict

Who it is for

Anyone who wants a maintenance-free watch, or a well-equipped automatic.

Who it is not for

Anyone looking for a prestige brand.

The real flaw

A huge, uneven catalogue where you have to pick the right model.

Investigation

The evidence

The Citizen name first appeared on a watch in 1924 and the company was established in Tokyo in 1930. The group also owns the movement maker Miyota.

Its speciality is called Eco-Drive: a quartz movement powered by natural or artificial light, which does away with battery changes.

Citizen also makes automatics. The Tsuyosa, with its integrated bracelet and sapphire crystal, is its recent hit under €300.

Origin
Japan, company established in 1930
Technology
Eco-Drive, powered by light
Movements
In-house, including Miyota
Flagship automatic
Tsuyosa
Sold at
Tempus

Selection

The models worth buying

Our pickCitizen Tsuyosa 37 NJ0200-50L

Photo: Tempus Shop

Citizen Tsuyosa 37

Automatic · 37 mm · 50 m · ref. NJ0200-50L

Citizen’s integrated-bracelet automatic, in 37 mm, with a sapphire crystal.

  • Sapphire crystal
  • Well-designed integrated bracelet, 37 mm size
  • No hacking seconds

Prices checked 12 November 2026

Tempus€299View

See the full verdict and compare →

Citizen Eco-Drive BM7620 BM7620-83Y

Photo: Tempus Shop

Citizen Eco-Drive BM7620

Eco-Drive solar · 38 mm · ref. BM7620-83Y

A sober three-hander that recharges from light, with no battery to change.

  • Recharges from natural or artificial light
  • Slim 10 mm case
  • Less character than an automatic

Prices checked 12 November 2026

Tempus€189View

See the full verdict and compare →

Comparison

The models side by side

ModelMovementDiameterCrystalWater resistanceBest price
Tsuyosa 37Citizen 8210 automatic37 mmSapphire50 m€299
Eco-Drive BM7620Eco-Drive E111, light-powered38 mm––€189

Catalogue

72 Citizen references

Every Citizen in stock at Tempus, with today’s price.

See all 72 references

Questions

Questions about Citizen

What is Eco-Drive technology?

A quartz movement powered by light. A cell under the dial recharges the watch, with no battery to replace.

Does Citizen make its own movements?

Yes. The group produces its own calibres and owns the maker Miyota.

Citizen or Seiko: which should you choose?

Citizen for solar and for the Tsuyosa’s sapphire crystal; Seiko for its entry-level automatics. Both make their own movements.

Related files

Seiko 5OrientAll files