Citizen, the world’s largest watchmaker by units sold, celebrates 100 years of excellence with a special anniversary release. Inspired by the original 1924 Citizen pocket watch, this commemorative piece is limited to only 100 examples. The very first, #001 of the Citizen 100th Anniversary Special Limited Edition Pocket Watch, will be auctioned at Sotheby’s, with proceeds benefiting 1% for the Planet, a global organization dedicated to ensuring a thriving future for our planet and its generations to come.
In the early 20th century, pocket watches sold in Japan were imported from overseas. The Shokosha Watch Research Institute was determined to change that and introduced its first Japanese-made pocket watch in 1924. While the pocket watch was a success, it remained nameless. That’s when Tokyo Mayor Count Shinpei Goto, a friend of the Shokosha Watch Research Institute’s founder Kamekichi Yamazaki, proposed “Citizen,” a name chosen with the hope that the watch would become a part of everyday life for as many as possible. By 1930, the company officially switched from the Shokosha Watch Research Institute to the Citizen Watch Company to manufacture watches that became essential to their owners.
The new Citizen 100th Anniversary Special Limited Edition Pocket Watch is based on that pivotal pocket watch from 1924, complete with a similar dial layout with Breguet numerals and a small seconds subdial. However, what is new to the commemorative version is the striking new pattern on the dial, crafted via electroforming, clear coating, and polishing. The texture is meant to mimic freshly fallen snow, evoking the passage of time.
The sapphire crystal back of the pocket watch offers a view of the in-house manually wound Caliber 0270. Similar to the original movement, this one benefits from decorative techniques such as diamond beveled edges and Côtes de Genève finishing. As is customary for Citizen, accuracy is key; thanks in part to its free spring balance wheel, Caliber 0270 is accurate to -3 to +5 seconds a day, far surpassing chronometer standards. The movement operates at 28,000 beats per hour and supplies 55 hours of power reserve.
The dial and movement are housed inside a 43.5mm lightweight titanium alloy case, designed to fit nicely in the palm. Attached to the case is a cord crafted exclusively by Domyo, a renowned Tokyo-based company that has been producing Kumihimo braided cords since 1652. Dyed in a rich indigo hue and handmade from pure Japanese silk, the cord pays homage to the original pocket watch while also celebrating the Japanese culture that Citizen proudly represents globally.
“We are delighted to continue our 100th-anniversary celebration with Sotheby’s as we reach a global audience of collectors and enthusiasts who share our values of craftsmanship and environmental responsibility,” says Jeffrey Cohen, President of Citizen Watch America. “With proceeds benefiting 1% for the Planet—every tick towards sustainability matters as we honor our legacy of contributing toward a better future.”
Long before sustainability gained widespread attention, Citizen was already leading the way with eco-friendly materials and groundbreaking innovations like Eco-Drive technology, which powers watches using light. This dedication to making a positive impact remains central to Citizen’s mission as the brand continues to strive for a better future.
Along with the pocket watch, the book Citizen: The Essence of Time, published by Assouline and written by Jack Forster, is part of the auction lot. Packed with beautiful photographs and detailed information about the company’s iconic timepieces, innovative advancements, and commitment to sustainability, this tome chronicles Citizen’s remarkable journey over the past century.
Vincent Brasesco, Sotheby’s Vice President and Watch Specialist, comments “We are delighted to celebrate the Centenary of Citizen by offering this exceptional watch that honors history while looking toward the future. In that forward-looking spirit, and beyond the beauty of the watch itself, we are proud that sale proceeds will be going to 1% for the Planet to further environmental conservation and awareness efforts globally.”
Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet added, “We are thrilled to celebrate Citizen’s 100 years of working history and dedication to humanity for a healthier planet, and on this momentous anniversary it is an honor to be the recipient of this exclusive auction featuring their Limited Edition #1 Pocket Watch and specially curated commemorative book. We admire Citizen’s long-standing commitment to collective action in supporting the planet, as highlighted by their slogan, ‘Every Citizen Plays a Part in Sustainability.’ This resonates deeply with our core values at 1% for the Planet: grow stronger together and celebrate commitment.”
The Important Watches auction will take place on Friday, December 6th at Sotheby’s New York headquarters, with a public exhibition open on Thursday, December 5th. The #001 Citizen 100th Anniversary Special Limited Edition Pocket Watch (Lot 251) has a pre-sale estimate price of $10,000 to $15,000 USD. For more information about the Sotheby’s Auction and the #001 Citizen 100th Anniversary Special Limited Edition Pocket Watch, please visit the event’s page.
