Everyone knows the Citizen brand. It’s a powerhouse, so finding the best citizen watch isn’t too hard. To make this easier for you, we’ve run through their best devices.
So let’s get right in.
Table of Contents
Before we into the watches, the below table lays out all the specs you can expect from these watches. They give insight into some of our favourite picks.
Our Pick
Like many Citizen watches, the BJ7000 is solar-powered. It does this with Eco Drive technology.
The watch itself is Japanese Quartz, which means it’s very accurate. This is one of the reasons why it’s a great pilot watch. There’s even a slide rule that helps with a range of calculations.
The Citizen’s dial is reminiscent of speedometers in airplanes, just so you know.
The BJ7000’s case isn’t too big as it’s 1.65 inches (42 mm) in diameter and is a perfect size.
It has a battery warning feature that notifies you when the BJ7000 is low on juice. As you can imagine, such a thing is pretty handy.
The device can take quite a dip underwater. It’s water-resistant up to 660 feet (200 m). Before you get too excited, Citizen says you shouldn’t dive with it on. Its stainless-steel body helps with water resistance.
The watch comes with a 3-link bracelet that has a push-button clasp. As we all know, push-button clasps are easy to maneuver. So, when you’re in a hurry, the BJ7000 is great to have by your side.
It has a calendar feature on the 3-o’clock position. That being said, it only reads the day’s date. We’re not too disappointed as this has become the norm.
The cherry on top is its luminous hands and markers. The luminous paint is on pretty big markers. So, you can easily read the BJ7000, even if you have bad eyesight.
The Best Looking
The watch is a vision in black. It’s chic, sleek and modern.
It rocks a polyurethane strap, which we all know is a breeze to maintain. All it takes is a wipe down to get rid of any dirt.
The strap is perforated so your wrist will never get sweaty. However, it comes with buckle closure. Compared to other clasps, it takes time to put on and take off.
Attached to the strap is a 1.73 inch (44 mm) case. 44 mm is pretty big, so if you have smaller wrists, the Eco-DRV may not be the watch for you.
Polyurethane straps are usually seen in water-resistance watches. No surprise, the Eco- DRV is resistant up to 330 feet (100 m) underwater.
It comes with a Japanese Quartz movement so you’ll always be on time. Its battery is powered by sunlight as the device is from Citizen’s Eco driveline. Once fully charged, the DRV can last up to 8 months.
Its dial is pretty minimalistic, which adds to its elegance. It is gunmetal toned with rectangular markings that replace numeral. Unfortunately, the markings are not coated with luminous paint, nor are the watch’s hands.
Along the edge of the dial is an outer ring that marks the minutes passed. This will help you read the time better.
To be honest, we’re not fans of Nylon straps. The AT0200 has an olive-green strap that put us off. That being said, we know a lot of users love the material. it’s light and easy to maintain, don’t forget that Nylon is durable too.
The watch is the smallest we’ve seen so far. Its case is 1.53 inches (39 mm), so people with smaller hands will love it.
There are large Arabic numerals on the dial. Its hands are pretty big too, so you can easily tell the time.
With one look at it, you’ll notice its 3 sub-dials. They host the AT0200’s chronograph feature and reads 60 minutes, 1/10th of a second and 24 hours.
It’s Japanese Quartz and is powered by Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology. The watch is waterproof too and can last up to 330 feet (100 m) underwater.
The device comes with a calendar, located in the 4 o’clock position. No surprise, it’s only the day’s date.
Like the two discussed above, the AT0200 comes with a mineral window. If you know anything about watch displays, you’d know that mineral displays can take a beating, but are not as durable as their sapphire counterparts.
Its crown is perforated to help you grip it. Not only does this make the AT0200 easier to use, but the effect looks cool too.
The two buttons next to the crown aren’t ornamental. Although they make the watch look elegant, they help to work the chronograph.
The AN3394 looks rather different, to say the least. It’s nothing like the other 3 as it’s a little in-your-face. It’s made from stainless steel, having gold accents throughout. Its dial is a sapphire blue and packs a punch. Throughout the blue dial, you’ll see gold as well.
There are 3 chronographs, along with cylindrical markings that replace numerals of any sort. The markings are filled with luminous paint and have gold around their borders.
The watch’s hands are pretty big, so reading time is easy. If you do have issues, there are Arabic numerals (15, 30, 45 and 60) on its bezel, which makes the job easier.
Before you get too excited, real gold isn’t used.
As the name suggests, the watch is a Japanese Quartz. It’s not from the Eco Driveline. This means you’ll have to deal with battery leaks and changes.
It wouldn’t be a Citizen watch if the AN3394 wasn’t water-resistant. It can withstand depths up to 330 feet (100 m). Keep in mind that you’re advised not to dive with it on.
Like the AT0200, the AN33 is on the smaller side. Its case is 1.53 inches (39 mm).
A fold-over clasp is at your disposal, so taking the watch on and off is easy.
The AN8172 is also a vision in gold but is not gaudy. We think it looks quite regal.
Although it’s covered in gold, the watch isn’t shiny. Its surface has been matted down to protect your eyes. If it wasn’t, the watch would be impossible to use outdoors.
Similar to the AN33, real gold isn’t used. The device is made from stainless steel. It comes with a 3-link bracelet, making it dainty.
It’s a water-resistant device, which isn’t a surprise at this point. It can last up to 330 feet (100 m) underwater.
The AN8172 is on the smaller size. Its case stretches 1.57 inches (40 mm) across, which to me, is one of the best sizes you could get.
Its dial is more of ivory but has gold accents throughout. It has rectangular markings that replace numerals of any sort. Like the watch’s hands, they have luminous paint.
For a device that looks so pristine, you wouldn’t expect a tachymeter, but there is one. A tachymeter lets you track the speed and distance between objects.
There are 3 sub-dials, which as you might have guessed, host the watch’s chronographs. The addition of the tachymeter and chronograph is a good combo that more brands are utilizing.
The watch is a Japanese Quartz, but unfortunately, it isn’t powered by Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology. That being said, it’s a pretty accurate device. According to Citizen, the AN8172 has an accuracy of +20 seconds across a month.
Our Premium Pick
Whether you’re a fan of stainless steel straps or not, you’ll love the AT8020. It comes in 2 versions, a stainless steel one, and the other a leather. Before you get too excited, real leather is not used.
The watch has a sapphire crystal window, so it’s pretty durable. What’s more, its window comes with an anti-reflective coat.
The dial is pretty intimidating. With a closer look, you’ll realize there’s not much to it though. It’s a deep blue and has rectangular markings that replace numerals.
Around it is a slide rule that helps with calculations, and in the center are 3 sub-dials.
As mentioned, it comes in 2 variants. The leather one is our favourite as its strap is dark blue, which complements the dial. On the belly of the strap, you’ll see a striking neon yellow.
The watch is pretty accurate. Not only does it utilize Japanese Quartz, but it’s been synchronized to an atomic clock. It will stay accurate as it contains atomic timekeeping technology.
It comes with a chronograph as Citizen loves including this feature in their devices.
We haven’t spoken about Eco-Drive in a minute. Know that the AT8 utilizes the technology to keep its gears working.
Yes, the watch is water-resistant. It’s resistant up to 660 feet (200 m).
There’s a calendar in the 3 o’clock position. It isn’t just any calendar, it’s a perpetual one. This means it can tell the date, even if it’s a leap year.
It’s inspired by Luke Skywalker’s helmet, so you’ll see the resistance symbol plastered on its dial.
Considering that it’s a limited edition, this is incentive enough to get the watch. According to Citizen, there are only 1977 of the pieces out there.
If you take a closer look at the watch’s hands, you’ll see that the second hand is a lightsaber. The geek in you will certainly love this.
Turn the watch around. You’ll see the Jedi Master’s helmet painted on it’s back.
The watch comes with a tachymeter, which is useful when traveling through space and time.
It has a fabric strap. Now, it isn’t just any fabric. Citizen used Cordura grade military fabric, making it more than durable for a Jedi Warrior.
It comes with a 24-hour clock, with 2, 4, 8 and 10 numerals plastered on. What is in between are rectangular markings.
Once again, the watch comes with Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology. The sunlight powers its Japanese Quartz movement.
A chronograph that reads 1/5th of a second and 60 minutes is present. Along with the Tachymeter, these are additions anyone would love.
Yes, the watch is water-resistant. Like many of our watches, the Citizen is resistant up to 330 feet (100 m) underwater.
Although it looks cool, it’s on the larger side. The watch’s case is 1.73 inches (44 mm) in diameter.
We discussed one model, but there are 4 more in the Star Wars line up. They share the same specs as our pick, but differ when it comes to design.
Our Women’s Pick
It’s obvious that this watch is for ladies. After all, it’s pink and shiny. It has a rose gold bracelet that comes with 3 links and is dainty. Its bracelet comes with a fold-over clasp, so getting it on and off is a breeze.
The watch’s bezel is adorned, having crystals all over it. These aren’t just any crystals, they’re Swarovski.
Depending on the angle the dial is at, it can shine quite a bit due to its sunray finish.
Although water-resistant, it’s the least resistant watch on our list. Unfortunately, it can only last a 99 feet (30 m) underwater. This is quite acceptable as the FD3003 is only a citizen dress watch.
Such resistance may tempt you to swim with it on, but don’t! The watch can only handle a dip or two in water.
As it’s a women’s watch, it’s on the smaller side. The FD3003’s case stretches 1.29 inches (33 mm) across.
It comes with Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology that powers its Japanese Quartz movement.
The watch’s insides are protected by a mineral glass display. For a watch at this price point, mineral glass is expected, so we’re not mad.
Unfortunately, its markers aren’t coated with luminous paint. Instead, it’s only on the watch’s hands. You’d expect the hands to be on the larger side, but they’re not.
The watch feels the most premium. It has a leather strap that comes with crocodile skin embossing. If you didn’t know any better, you’d be fooled into thinking the watch was pretty expensive.
Although it has a regular mineral window, it’s coated with an anti-reflective layer. If you live in a sunny location, this is a godsend.
It has 3 sub-dials, 2 for its calendar and one for its x. Yes, its calendar has 2 sub-dials. One showcases the day and the other, the date. The calendars are perpetual, so they can last a century, counting leap years too.
The watch is water-resistant. Like many of the watches on our list, it’s resistant up to 330 feet (100 m). However, if you’re tempted to dive with it on, think again.
The BU2020 is a Japanese Quartz. At this point, we’d be surprised if it wasn’t. It’s powered by Eco-Drive technology. As usual, exposing the watch to any form of light would charge it.
If a solar-powered watch has been locked away for months, it’ll be out of juice, naturally. Thankfully, you can prolong this with the BU2020’s power saver function.
The watch is kind of big. Its case is around 1.73 inches (44 mm), so if you have smaller wrists, you’ll struggle to get it on.
Moreover, it comes with a multifunctional chronograph which is pretty useful.
The device comes with an eye-catching outer ring. Yes, it reads the time for 24 different cities, your eyes weren’t deceiving you.
The BN0150 is a very ‘citizen’ looking watch.
It has a polyurethane strap. If you’re not a fan of this, the strap can be replaced with a NATO one.
The watch is water-resistant, and can last up to 660 feet underwater (200 m)!
It comes with a tang buckle, so taking the watch on and off isn’t easy.
It comes with a calendar feature, but it only reads the day’s date. This is the norm, so we’re not surprised.
Unfortunately:
The calendar is in the 4 o’clock position, so get ready to turn your head at an awkward angle.
Although I love black watches, the BN0150 looks a bit stocky. This is mainly because its markings are circular and fat. At the 12,3,6 and 9 positions, there are cylindrical markings. Similarly, they’re on the chunky side.
Even though they’re unappealing, the size means that they can hold quite a bit of lume.
The watch has stocky hands too. In a way, this helps you read the time better as you can’t miss them, especially since the second hand is a bright red.
The fact that the BN0150 has its crown on the 4 o’clock position is greatly appreciated. This makes it easy to wear as it won’t be digging into your hand.
Surprise, the watch is a Japanese Quartz, powered by Eco-Drive.
With our review done, it’s clear that Citizen is a powerhouse of a brand. Before you head to the store, give the below section a glance. We’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions below.
Eco-Drive watches use light sources to produce energy, powering a watch’s batteries. Yes, you can use artificial light, but you’re recommended to use sunlight.
Whatever you do, don’t keep your watch next to a halogen light source. It would damage your watch. The heat would mess with its battery quite a bit.
According to Citizen, Eco-Drive watches can last up to 6 months once fully charged. Depending on the watch you get, this could be much longer.
This is a really good question. You don’t have to keep your watch outside for hours, as many think. The watch picks up light on its own, throughout the day. It collects it, adding the energy to its reserve.
If you want, you could keep it near a source for a bit. But if it’s artificial light, keep it around 8 inches away.
Citizen has been around for a very long time. They’re one of the biggest names in the watch industry. When you buy from them, you’re buying trusted products.
If brand names matter to you, know that Citizen is the official timepiece of the Disneyland Resorts in Florida, Anaheim, Paris and more.
In no way are these watches luxury. However, they’re built with quality in mind. So, they excel at their job.
Some users may suffer from allergies. Know that Citizen’s got your back as many of their devices are hypoallergenic. In fact, a lot of them come with no Nickel, so you’ll always be safe.
And as the brand is so popular, their watches are available worldwide.
Their devices come with extensive warranties. Citizen’s Quartz and Automatic watches come with 3-year warranties. Meanwhile, watches from their Eco-Drive and Promaster lines come with 5-year warranties.
They promise that your watch will be attended to within 45 days of delivery, and if they can’t do this, you’ll get a replacement.
If you’re looking for a luxury watch, stay away from Citizen. Yes, there are high end citizen watches that are over $1000, but they’ll come with a name that’s associated with budget devices.
This isn’t the only drawback of working with the brand. Unfortunately, they’re pretty bad at customer service. Customers have repeatedly noted how slow they are at responding, and when they do respond, the information given isn’t always helpful.
Our list was full of Japanese Quartz watches. Truth be told, a lot of Citizen’s watches come with the mechanism. This doesn’t mean there aren’t any automatic watches in their line up, however.
As Citizen is a Japanese brand, they don’t produce Swiss Quartz watches. To a lot of users, this may be upsetting as Swiss Quartz is the pinnacle of craftsmanship.
Citizen is a brand that’s been around for a while. They’ve been at it since the 1930s, so they know what they’re doing. After all, they’re Seiko’s biggest competitor.
If you’re thinking about buying a Citizen watch, the BJ7000-52E is your best bet. It has a multitude of features and best of all, has the least impact on your wallet.
The watches we looked at will be worth your time and money. Naturally, some more than others.
