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Citizen vs Seiko: which watch brand is superior?

Geplaatst op 30-09-2025 door Marc Hut

Citizen and Seiko are two leading Japanese watch brands with worldwide renown. Although WatchXL currently only sells Citizen watches, we are often asked what the difference is between these two top Japanese brands. Which one is better? The main question is which brand suits you best! In this blog, we compare Citizen and Seiko in terms of technology, design and value for money.

About Seiko: founded in 1881

Seiko is a Japanese manufacturer of watches and eyewear, founded in 1881 by Kintaro Hattori in Tokyo. The company is best known worldwide for its wristwatches. Seiko has its headquarters in Tokyo, employs approximately 7,000 people and has a turnover of more than 200 billion yen. (Source: Wikipedia)

About Citizen: founded in 1918

Citizen is a leading Japanese watch brand, founded in 1918 as Shōkōsha Tokei Kenkyūsho. Its head office is located in Nishitōkyō, near Tokyo. The name 'Citizen' was introduced in 1924 with a pocket watch and grew to become one of the largest watch manufacturers in the world. Citizen is also active in precision tools and innovative technologies. (Source: Wikipedia)

Innovation & technology:
Many similarities between Seiko and Citizen

Citizen is known worldwide for its Eco-Drive technology: a watch that charges itself using light. With an Eco-Drive watch, you never have to replace the battery; the watch works constantly, even in the dark.

Seiko also has solar-powered timepieces equipped with a Solar movement. Like the Citizen Eco-Drives, these models can also be stored in the dark for months. Handy and functional.

Citizen watches offer advanced features such as radio-controlled time synchronisation, world time zones and diving functions in models such as the Promaster series.

Seiko also has well-equipped models in its range. Chronograph,solar, perpetual calendar, GPS or world time: there is always a Seiko with one or more of these functions.

Lovers of titanium watches can find what they are looking for with both brands: these strong and anti-allergic models are comfortable to wear on your wrist thanks to their light weight. Both brands use a technique that further strengthens the titanium to make it highly scratch-resistant.

Design and wearing style

Seiko offers a wide range of watch styles. Classic, sporty, formal... However, Seiko is slightly better known for its classic style and technology, while Citizen focuses more on innovation. Either way, both brands offer stylish and understated designs.

Citizen combines classic elegance with modern accents and offers a wider range of styles. Think sporty models, robust diving watches and minimalist designs. Citizen Promaster, for example, has long been a leader in diving watches and pilot watches. For those looking for a watch that can be worn both for business and casual wear, Citizen offers many options.

Price and quality: performance at a competitive price!

Citizen watches are known for their excellent value for money. You get high-quality technology, durable materials and reliable performance at a competitive price. Seiko also offers reliability, but often at a slightly higher price, especially for the more exclusive models. However, the brand is in no way inferior to Citizen.

Advantages of Seiko watches

  • Reputation: known for high reliability
  • Craftsmanship: Seiko watches combine craftsmanship with modern technology
  • Proprietary technology: Seiko designs and manufactures all watch technologies in-house
  • Kinetic: Seiko developed Kinetic technology: converting movement into energy and storing it in a battery

Advantages of Citizen watches

  • Eco-Drive technology: runs on light, no more battery replacements
  • Wide range: suitable for every style and occasion
  • Durable and low maintenance: long service life and less servicing required
  • Reliable Japanese quality: precise, robust and innovative
  • Largest watch manufacturer in the world: almost all watch brands (even the expensive ones) contain parts from Citizen or Miyota

Conclusion

Citizen and Seiko are both excellent choices; there is no single best option. Citizen watches appeal to many watch enthusiasts, especially the Eco-Drive models, which offer a unique blend of technology, convenience and style. Seiko remains a strong brand; the Astro collection is phenomenal and very popular among loyal fans of this Japanese brand. For more information, visit the official Seiko website.

 

View all Citizen watches at WatchXL

As an official dealer, WatchXL offers a wide range of Citizen watches, including the popular Citizen Eco-Drive solar-powered models. Seiko is not sold through WatchXL. For more information, visit the official Seiko website.

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