The Top Men’s Citizen Watches in 2023, Per a Fashion Director

Citizen watches are fantastic because they provide something for everyone. From a performance standpoint, the Japanese watchmaker competes head-to-head with Swiss luxury watch companies while maintaining far lower prices. Some of Citizen’s proprietary technology even beats its more expensive rivals. But Citizen really shines when it comes to choice and price. While its finest performance watches—including precision automatic movements and titanium cases—barely breach the $1,000 barrier, you can purchase a handsome, heirloom-quality watch for only $30.

We adore how Citizen strikes a balance between maintaining high quality standards with in-house watchmakers and operating as a well-oiled organization that sells more than 200 million watches annually. And given its wide range of styles and pricing points, we suggest Citizen as a go-to brand for men who are new to wearing watches as well as those who want to add to their watch collections. We asked our fashion director, Ted Stafford, to put a ton of tickers through their paces in order whole identify our 18 top picks for the finest men’s citizen watches.

Because of how closely connected the sea is to Japanese culture, Citizen’s Promaster Dive watch collection is its most popular. This titanium model is not just Citizen’s best watch; it is also a dive watch with performance capabilities on par with those of its more expensive rivals.

We adore the black and charcoal color scheme since it complements our suits and tuxedos well. It really is a watch that does every task to the highest standard. Stafford describes it as “lightweight, tough, and built for extreme adventure.”

Citizen BN0166-01L Promaster Dive

This massive dive watch, which has a 44 mm case, is a true pro. In addition to being constructed to survive in water, the color scheme was influenced by the blues and greens of the ocean. Additionally, it is powered by Citizen’s Eco-Drive quartz movement, which does not require a battery change and can be recharged from any type of light source. Stafford describes it as “extremely unique, with special colors to reflect the seven seas.”

Citizen NJ0150-56X “TSUYOSA” Collection

For this, Citizen searched the archives. Absolute classic elements include the angular case edges, magnified date bubble, President steel link bracelet, small hands, and dashed indices. The green face, on the other hand, stands out without being overt.

Citizen EO2028-06L Promaster Dive

For guys with smaller wrists or those seeking a monochromatic sport watch, the Promaster Dive’s 36.5 mm case size is a preferable option. The face and hands also have fewer embellishments, giving the piece a retro ticker watch appearance from the 1960s or 1970s. Anyone who lives near water would love this watch as a daily or vacation accessory. “The colorful style is a standout and well-suited for diver enthusiasts,” says Stafford.

Citizen AW0092-07Q Rolan

Citizens can dress up with the best of them in formal settings. The all-gold Rolan, which has a faux crocodile band made of brown leather, looks stunning with a navy jacket or any light summer suit. It’s a traditional vintage-style dress watch, according to Stafford. It’s a great option for both formal settings and consistently polished attire.

Citizen AW0090-02X Rolan

Rolan provides this dark green dial with a black leather band that goes well with tuxedos and just about any formal wear if you want an even dressier choice. It’s a good choice for an exquisite outfit, according to Stafford.

Citizen JR4061-00F Promaster Sailhawk

Because it is designed for genuine sailing, the Sailhawk is loaded with horological technology, including a yacht racing timer, a solar-powered moment, and 200-meter diving resistance. Even if you live on land, knowing how to use all the built-in timers on this watch is half the fun. All of these functions fit comfortably inside the 44 mm case without crowding your wrist. According to Stafford, “it’s a top pick for the most ardent water sport enthusiasts.”

Citizen BM8560-02X Garrison

Citizen drew inspiration from military watches for the Garrison. A 42 mm face with large numbers and hands provides excellent visibility, and the earthy color palette makes the watch suitable for everyday wear. The watch’s distinctive titanium design and strong leather band make it a smart choice for even the most daring wearers, according to Stafford.

Citizen CZ Smart Hybrid

The CZ Smart Hybrid is one of the newest men’s Citizen watches. It offers high-tech capabilities like biometric measures, heart rate tracking, and an 18-day battery life. And compared to other smart watches on the market, we feel that this one looks far more fashionable.

Citizen BJ7138-04E Promaster Nighthawk

We adore the covert design of this tool watch, which is crammed with useful features like dual time zone tracking, bright hands, and water resistant up to 600 feet. According to Stafford, “It’s built tough and strong for the most adventurous guys.”

Citizen AW1690-51E Arezzo

What’s not to appreciate about a dress watch that fits every occasion for under $400? The Arezzo plays equally well in a black tie setting as it does when worn with jeans and a simple white t-shirt.

Citizen CA7090-52A Brycen

Everything about this watch is inspired by the 1970s, the heyday of chronographs (think Paul Newman and Steve McQueen), but it has been modernized with a solar-powered movement. It works well as a weekend watch or as a replacement for your daily watch.

Citizen AU1040-08E Corso

No used goods? No issue. Wearable for business or more formal occasions, this black-on-black dress watch has a streamlined design that is hellbent on being elegant.

Citizen CA0837-65L Attesa

In the last ten years or so, chronographs have grown in popularity to the point where they may now be worn as dress watches. Consider the Attesa, which has a sleek contract and a navy blue face with yellow embellishments. It looks especially upscale because to its titanium case and band.

Citizen Satellite Wave GPS Freedom

With a global reception and perfect timekeeping across all 40 time zones, Citizen’s Satellite GPS system ensures that you never lose signal. Additionally, you may dress up or down with the Blade Runner-inspired design of this solar watch.

Citizen NA1025-10E Series 8

This fashionable wristwatch features an all-black design that dresses up any outfit. It is composed of carbon composite materials, the same ones used to make airplanes. We adore its transparent back, which lets you view the sleek automatic Series 8 movement.

Citizen Garrison

Go green with Citizen’s Eco-Drive, which is totally powered by light (rather than merely solar) and eliminates the need for battery replacement altogether. The olive tone and patterned stitching of the strap give it a relaxed safari vibe.