Citizen: when Japanese watchmaking becomes a hype object

Step into the world of Citizen watches, the Japanese brand that pulled off something rare: turning accessible watches into true objects of desire. Driven by the phenomenal success of models like the Citizen Eco-Drive CA4500-16X, regularly sold out at official retailers, Citizen has won over a new generation of enthusiasts looking for watchmaking elegance without breaking the bank. At MTHOR, we hand-pick the most sought-after Citizen references — limited editions, discontinued models and pieces that have become impossible to find — and every watch is authenticated by our team of experts before shipping. Whether you're after your first proper watch or completing a collection, you'll find checked, sealed pieces ready to wear.

The story of an icon: from Tokyo 1918 to wrists worldwide

The Citizen adventure began in 1918 in Tokyo, at the Shokosha Watch Research Institute. In 1924 the workshop produced its first pocket watch, named “CITIZEN” — a name suggested, according to brand tradition, by Shimpei Gotō, then mayor of Tokyo, with a clear ambition: to create a quality watch accessible to every citizen. Citizen Watch Co. was officially founded in 1930 and never stopped innovating. In 1976, Citizen made history with the Crystron Solar Cell, the world's first light-powered analogue watch, the direct ancestor of Eco-Drive technology. In 1989 the Promaster range arrived to equip divers, pilots and adventurers, before the Eco-Drive name officially appeared in the mid-1990s.

In recent years Citizen has enjoyed a spectacular second youth: the Tsuyosa with its colourful dials, then the cream-dial CA4500-16X chronograph, went viral on social media, causing worldwide sell-outs and driving up demand for the most coveted references. The century-old brand has fully entered sneaker and streetwear culture, alongside today's most hyped pieces.

A unique technology: how does Eco-Drive work?

Eco-Drive is Citizen's signature technology. Hidden beneath the dial is a photovoltaic cell that converts any light source — sunlight, an office bulb, a bedside lamp — into electrical energy, stored in a rechargeable cell that powers the movement continuously. On the CA4500-16X chronograph, the B620 calibre delivers up to 9 months of power reserve on a full charge, even in total darkness.

The benefits are real: no battery to replace, so no trip to the watchmaker every two years; constant quartz precision with no winding or daily upkeep; and a more sustainable watch that avoids disposable batteries. This blend of practicality and Japanese engineering has made Eco-Drive one of the best-selling watch technologies in the world.

The iconic models in the collection

The undisputed star of our selection is the Citizen Eco-Drive CA4500-16X: a 44 mm aviator-inspired chronograph with a cream dial, Arabic numerals, three sub-dials, luminous hands and a brown calf leather strap, water-resistant to 10 bar. Now one of the brand's most sought-after references, it is often impossible to find in store — exactly the kind of piece MTHOR tracks down for you. Around it, discover the other CA4500 chronograph variants, the Citizen Tsuyosa with its colourful dials and integrated bracelet that conquered Instagram and TikTok, the rugged divers of the Promaster Diver range, and higher-end lines such as the Series 8. Our stock evolves with releases and sell-outs: limited editions, discontinued colourways and collector pieces join the collection regularly.

Why buy your Citizen watch from MTHOR

MTHOR Shop specialises in selling authenticated products. Every watch in our Citizen collection goes through a rigorous check by our team of experts: we verify the consistency of the box, papers and reference, the dial, hands and indexes, the case and caseback engravings, as well as the strap, buckle and movement finishing. For the most advanced checks we rely on specialised tools such as a UV lamp or microscope. Every order ships with a seal, tangible proof that quality control was performed and authenticity validated. Learn more about our authentication process.

We offer worldwide delivery in 2 to 8 days, to your door against signature, with real-time tracking by email and WhatsApp, interest-free payment in 4 instalments via Klarna or Scalapay, and a customer service team based in France available Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. If anything goes wrong, our 14-day return policy protects you.

FAQ — Citizen at MTHOR

How can I verify the authenticity of a Citizen watch?

Every watch sold on MTHOR is checked by our team of experts before shipping: box and papers, engraved reference, dial, movement and finishing are systematically verified, with the help of specialised tools such as a UV lamp or microscope. Your order arrives with a seal certifying the check. Discover our authentication process in detail.

Will the CA4500-16X fit my wrist?

The Citizen Eco-Drive CA4500-16X has a 44 mm case, around 13 mm thick. It's a chronograph with real presence, ideal for medium to large wrists. Its leather strap adjusts easily and can be punched by any watchmaker for a perfect fit.

What box comes with my watch?

Your Citizen watch ships in its original box with its factory accessories and documents where the reference includes them. The box condition is verified during our quality control and the whole package is protected for transport.

What is the delivery time?

We ship worldwide, with home delivery against signature within 2 to 8 days. You get real-time tracking by email and WhatsApp, whatever your destination.

Will I have to pay customs fees?

No, you pay no customs fees. MTHOR covers all customs duties and taxes, whatever your destination in the world. The price shown on the site is the final price you pay: no bad surprises on delivery.

Can I return my watch if it's not right for me?

Yes. You have 14 days after receipt to return your watch, provided it's in its original condition (never worn, box intact, seal unbroken). Refunds are processed within 24h of receiving the return.

To go further

Also explore our full Watches collection, where Citizen sits alongside other sought-after pieces and limited editions. To learn everything about the quality of our products, see our detailed authentication process.