Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Best Citizen Watches for Men

Updated December 2021
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Citizen AU1040-08E Eco Drive Watch
Citizen
AU1040-08E Eco Drive Watch
Check Price
Bottom Line

Casual elegance and attractive pricing mean this no-frills model fits the bill. Self-charging limits hassles, while the stainless steel aesthetic gives an edge.

Pros

More affordable than other models. Recharges with solar power, no battery required. Luminous hands glow in the dark. Reliable Japanese quartz movement.

Cons

Faux leather band is on the stiff side. Doesn't have a second hand. Not as water-resistant as other contenders.

Citizen AT8110-53E World Chronograph A-T
Citizen
AT8110-53E World Chronograph A-T
Check Price
Bottom Line

A stylish, high-end dress watch with cutting-edge functionality. We love the easy-to-read analog display, stark black dial, and super-accurate atomic timing system.

Pros

Multifunction chronograph with radio sync for pinpoint accuracy. ECO drive technology eliminates need for batteries. World time and 24-hour clock settings. Water-resistance is an added bonus.

Cons

Hands and dial don't glow in the dark. Multiple functions can be confusing. Packaging gets a few complaints.

Citizen AU1060-51E Eco-Drive Axiom
Citizen
AU1060-51E Eco-Drive Axiom
Check Price
Bottom Line

Sleek chrome and black make a bold statement with this contemporary model. Don't expect multi-functionality, but solid comfort and the old-school analog display are winners.

Pros

Sophisticated, upscale appearance at a fraction of pricier watches. Perfect-sized dial face and weight. Solar-powered battery.

Cons

Minimalist dial means no hours or minutes figures. Some complaints of the watch not being scratch-proof.

Citizen CA0295-58E Eco-Drive Nighthawk
Citizen
CA0295-58E Eco-Drive Nighthawk
Check Price
Bottom Line

Understated masculine design and black-on-black color dress up this sporty model for a trendy finish. Edgy charcoal detailing contrasts the ribbed band, but durability isn't the best.

Pros

Stylish jet black and charcoal color. Oversized dial increases visibility, without being heavy on the wrist. Water-resistant to 660 feet. Multifunctional chronograph. Great sporty appeal.

Cons

Not the best visibility in low light situations. Likewise, not the most durable. Think style over functionality.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

32
Models
Considered
180
Consumers
Consulted
20
Hours
Researched
Category cover

Buying guide for Best Citizen watches for men

Since timekeeping is no longer limited to an item that you strap to your wrist, a watch is now more than ever a statement declaring who you are. It is a reflection of your personality and style. If you want to project professionalism and good taste, you’re likely considering purchasing a Citizen watch for men.

No matter what you’re looking for – stylish, sleek, and practical or high-tech dazzle that approaches luxury – there’s a Citizen watch for you. If you are athletic, the company has dive watches that can be submerged up to 650 feet. If the environment is a top concern, you might be interested in Citizen’s Eco-Drive model because it is powered by the sun.

Our buying guide outlines all you need to consider before you invest in a Citizen watch for men, from the band to your budget. For our five favorite men’s Citizen watches, see the matrix above.

i1
Citizen watches were so named because one of the company’s ideals was to manufacture high-quality watches that every citizen could afford.

Key considerations

Before we get to the fun part of choosing your Citizen watch, picking the features you want, there are a few deal-breakers you need to consider.

Band

The band for Citizen watches for men is either a strap or a bracelet. While the style preference is up to the individual, you need to purchase a band that is large enough to comfortably fit your wrist. A band that is too small obviously won’t fit, but one that is too large could slip off or be subject to unnecessary jostling, which could impact the watch’s overall lifespan.

Water resistance

Citizen watches are available in different degrees of water resistance. Some may merely survive a splash, while others are designed to be completely submerged during an activity such as scuba diving. Be sure you choose a watch that best fits your lifestyle.

Budget

Citizen watches for men are available in a range of prices, so you’re sure to find one that matches your budget. At the lower end, you can find a sleek and stylish Eco-Drive model with a water-resistant stainless steel case for around $200. On the other hand, for over $3,000 you can get a high-tech Eco-Drive watch that features satellite timekeeping and synchronized time adjustments for 40 time zones and has a beautiful silver-tone Super Titanium case.

Dyk1
Did You Know?
In addition to making all the parts of a Citizen watch in-house, the company also makes the machines that make the individual parts.
Staff
BestReviews

Features

Since there is an incredibly wide assortment of Citizen watches available, narrowing your options down to the perfect one for you is simply a process of identifying the features you want most. Beyond alarms, perpetual calendars, luminous hands, altimeters, and models that display the phases of the moon, the following are some of the most impressive and desirable features available on a Citizen watch.

Eco-Drive

A Citizen watch with Eco-Drive is powered by light, any source of light, whether it is natural or artificial. If you want an environmentally friendly timepiece that never needs batteries or winding, then this is a feature for you.

Bluetooth

If you want a Citizen watch that connects to your smartphone and alerts you to incoming calls via visual and tactile alerts, you’ll want a Bluetooth-enabled model.

Atomic timekeeping

If timekeeping precision is your top priority, Citizen’s atomic watches are accurate to one second over 20 million years.

Satellite Wave

If you travel, a Citizen Satellite Wave watch may be the best model for you. These watches are equipped to receive time signals from orbiting GPS satellites, so they always display the precise time and date, no matter where you are in the world.

Materials and design

Citizen watches are available in a wide variety of styles, ranging from a Citizen x Marvel Avengers watch to an elegant timepiece designed for upscale affairs. Additionally, the case material and crystal can vary greatly from model to model. When shopping, look for a Citizen watch that meets your aesthetic needs.

I2
The highest level of watchmaker at Citizen is a Super Meister, a title that can only be earned after gaining a minimum of 30 years’ experience in manufacturing watches.

FAQ

Q. I have a Citizen Eco-Drive watch, but it stopped working. Is it broken?

A. Chances are that it is fine and the rechargeable power cell has insufficient power to run the watch. Exposing the watch dial to direct sunlight is the quickest way to refuel your Eco-Drive watch.

Q. Is it a bad idea to leave my Citizen Eco-Drive watch in direct sunlight?

A. It depends on the location as heat buildup is the main concern. When charging your Eco-Drive watch, do not leave it on your car dashboard or any other place where the temperature might exceed 140°F.

Q. The calendar on my Citizen watch keeps changing in the middle of the day. What can I do?

A. This simply means the time is 12 hours off. All you need to do is adjust the time forward or backward 12 hours. The direction you move depends on the model, so be sure to consult the owner’s manual before adjusting.

Dyk2
Did You Know?
High-end Citizen watches are assembled by hand.
Staff
BestReviews