In 1976, CITIZEN pioneered Eco-Drive, a groundbreaking technology that converts both sunlight and artificial light into energy to power a watch. It stores excess energy in a cell, allowing the watch to run for six months or more in complete darkness when fully charged. This ensures your watch remains reliable throughout your daily life.

Eco-Drive eliminates the need for battery replacements, thus avoiding the environmental impact of discarded batteries—equivalent to a pile as high as Mt. Everest annually. For nearly 50 years, Eco-Drive has significantly reduced battery waste, embodying true eco-friendliness and commitment to sustainability.

Responsible Minerals Sourcing

There are several kinds of minerals among the materials needed to manufacture watches.* Minerals, however, come with their own risks. At some point during the mining, smelting and refining process, they could be financing armed groups or making use of child labour. We audit our mineral suppliers annually to ensure they have third-party certification confirming their refineries and smelters as human-rights-abuse free. We are committed to sourcing only minerals untainted by any link to human suffering.

*Tin, tantalum, gold, tungsten and cobalt
 

Lab-grown Diamonds

CITIZEN utilizes lab-grown diamonds that possess the same brilliance and hardness as natural diamonds but are created in controlled environments rather than mined. These diamonds are produced with strict adherence to environmental, safety, and labor standards, making them ethically superior. To highlight their exceptional beauty, CITIZEN uses only Round Brilliant Cut diamonds. Each applicable product is accompanied by a certificate ensuring that only eco-friendly lab-grown diamonds are used, reinforcing our commitment to both quality and ethical practices.
 

Sapphire Glass

We use an artificial glass with the hardness of natural sapphire and 0% impurities, making it ideal for watch crystals. This material is prized for its exceptional transparency and durability. Our choice of this glass not only enhances the legibility of the watch dial but also ensures a lasting aesthetic appeal. Its enduring quality means the watch maintains its pristine appearance over time, making it a timeless piece to be cherished for years to come.
 

Mother of Pearl

Pearl oysters are nurtured for over 1,800 days in the warm, tranquil waters of the southern hemisphere. After the pearls are harvested, the discarded shells are repurposed for watch dials. The natural luster of these shells, akin to that of pearls, adds a refined and subtly radiant elegance to the watch. This unique material not only enhances the watch’s appearance with a translucent, sophisticated shine but also embodies a touch of luxury and distinction.
 

Piñatex®

Piñatex® is an eco-friendly material crafted from the pineapple leaf fibers that are typically discarded by pineapple farmers. After extracting the fibers, the remaining leaves are repurposed as nutrient-rich fertilizer and biofuel, ensuring a zero-waste production process. Piñatex® offers the softness and texture of leather, making it an innovative and sustainable alternative. We use Piñatex®—a brand from Ananas Anam Ltd—for our watch bands, combining environmental responsibility with elegant design.
 

ECOPET®

We collect used plastic bottles and melt them down to produce recycled polyester fiber. For our watch bands, we use ECOPET®, a brand from Teijin Frontier Co., Ltd. This choice helps significantly reduce CO2 emissions compared to products made from petroleum-based plastics. By opting for recycled polyester, we not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also promote a circular economy by repurposing waste materials into high-quality, stylish watch bands. 

UpDRIFT™

The strap is developed through UpDRIFT™, a collaborative initiative between JEPLAN, INC. and Toyoshima & Co., Ltd. UpDRIFT™ addresses marine plastic pollution by transforming recycled plastic bottles collected from beach and river cleanups into raw materials and sustainable products. This strap is not only soft and comfortable against the skin but also as durable as conventional synthetic leather straps. By supporting UpDRIFT™, we contribute to reducing plastic waste and promoting environmental sustainability while ensuring high-quality, long-lasting materials for our watch straps.

Knitted Bands

We use ECOPET® for our material, made from recycled plastic bottles, combined with WHOLEGARMENT® technology. WHOLEGARMENT®, developed by SHIMA SEIKI, employs a seamless knitting technique that eliminates waste from cutting. This advanced process results in a material that is not only washable but also designed to be durable and retain its beauty over time. By incorporating both ECOPET® and WHOLEGARMENT®, we emphasize our commitment to environmental sustainability while ensuring high-quality and long-lasting products. This approach reflects our dedication to caring for the planet and reducing waste.
 

Apple Leather

Apple leather is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather, crafted from apple peels and byproducts from apple processing. This vegan leather boasts a smooth texture while significantly reducing waste and minimizing the reliance on petroleum-based plastics. By repurposing apple byproducts, apple leather not only lessens environmental impact but also promotes a more sustainable approach to material production. Its use supports both waste reduction and a lower carbon footprint, making it a responsible choice for those seeking to minimize their environmental footprint.

Eco-Drive technology reduces battery waste by converting light into energy, eliminating the need for regular battery changes. ECOPET® material, made from recycled PET bottles, helps cut down on waste. Piñatex® natural textile, crafted from pineapple leaves, aids in reducing food waste. UpDRIFT™ recycled fibers, derived from ocean and river plastic debris, address marine pollution. FSC®-Certified Paper, sourced from responsibly managed forests or recycled materials, supports environmental conservation. Apple Leather, created from apple peels and other byproducts, minimizes waste and reduces reliance on petroleum-based materials. These initiatives collectively contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.

We are digitizing instruction manuals in nine languages to cut CO2 emissions by 20 tons and reduce paper usage by 37 tons annually. Under Eco Tree ACTION, CITIZEN will plant one mangrove seedling for each customer who opts out of receiving a box with their new watch. Our sustainable packaging initiative focuses on designing packaging that can be repurposed for other uses after purchase. These measures collectively aim to enhance our environmental stewardship and reduce our ecological footprint.

We are committed to environmental conservation, safety, and better working conditions through the use of lab-grown diamonds. Our responsible minerals sourcing policy ensures that tin, tantalum, gold, tungsten, and cobalt are obtained without any connections to armed conflict or child labor. By prioritizing these practices, we aim to uphold ethical standards and contribute positively to both global sustainability and human rights.

We will transparently disclose CO2 emissions associated with watch manufacturing, covering the entire process from material procurement to disposal. Additionally, we will provide detailed information about the materials used in each watch, including the specific quantities of each material. This commitment to transparency aims to enhance accountability and inform customers about the environmental impact and material composition of our products.