The CITIZEN Database: Fields, Usage, Tips, and Tricks

Introduction
Database Fields
Search Tips and Tricks

Introduction

When performing research for my article on the general history and timeline of The CITIZEN branded models I found it relatively difficult to find information, and what I did find was often incorrect or incomplete. To try and provide details for others interested in the brand I have assembled what I hope to be a complete listing of all models in The CITIZEN range its launch in 1995. This is Citizens top of the line branded models and includes quartz, Eco-Drive, and mechanical models. For more information on the brand check out the article Citizen’s “The CITIZEN” – History and Timeline.

The database can be found at Plus9Time from the link on the side bar, or directly at https://plus9time.com/tcdb/

Details for the database were found in the Japanese market dealer catalogs from June 1995 to present day. I also utilized information from both the current Japanese Citizen website and previous versions via archive.org to help identify any limited editions or models that were not included in the dealer catalogs.

The database is broken down into four main areas. The first is the TCdb Model search  where to get details on specific watches. At the top of the page are numerous fields allowing your search terms to be narrowed down to find specific models you may be looking for. Once you click search the models matching the criteria are listed in the table below.

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The CITIZEN Database: Fields, Usage, Tips, and Tricks

TCdb Model Search

The next area is the TCdb Stats where some basic statistics are able to be seen. This displays details for the number of models released per calibre, models per case material, and also the number of releases per year.

TCdb Stats

TCdb Stats

The third area provided specific details for the different calibers. This can also be accessed by selecting the calibre when looking at a specific model. The calibre section shows the type of movement, when it was first introduced and additional details.

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TCdb Calibre Search

TCdb Calibre Search

The final area is a Browse section where larger thumbnails of the watches can be seen. At the top of the page is a section that allows various filters to be applied to the results to provide similar capabilities to the main search page but in a more visual form.

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TCdb Browse

TCdb Browse

It can be used on both desktop (preferred) or mobile. To switch between sections select the icons at the top of the page. On mobile select the blue three bar icon and a menu will show the different areas.

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TCdb Menu Options

TCdb Menu Options

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Mobile Search

Mobile Search

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Mobile Menu

Mobile Menu

Database Fields

Below is a description for the different fields in The CITIZEN database. Understanding these fields will help users searching the database for a specific model.

The following fields are available for calibre details.

Calibre: Name of calibre
Initial Year: Year that the first The CITIZEN model was introduced with this calibre
Type: General type of calibre, e.g. Quartz, Mechanical, or Eco-Drive. While Eco-Drive models are also quartz these have been separated to allow easy differentiation of light charged models
Accuracy: General rated accuracy specification
Date: Does the calibre provide a date function
Complications: Other basic complications to help visually identify the calibre, e.g. power reserve or seconds sub dial
Operation Frequency: The general operating frequency of the watch. For mechanical this is beats per hour (bph), Eco-Drive and Quartz models this is crystal oscillation frequency
Power Reserve: Power reserve for calibre. For mechanical this is from a full wind, for simple quartz it is battery life, and Eco-Drive is reserve from full charge
Jewels: Number of jewels in movement
Manual: This provides a link to the manual if available
Additional Features: Any additional functionality of the calibre, e.g. perpetual calendar or date quickset
Notes: Any additional notes
Gender: The standard marketed gender of watches using this calibre. This is usually determined by size with “ladies” models having a smaller calibre size

The following fields are available for the individual watch models.

Model #: Model number of watch
Movement Type: General type of calibre, e.g. Quartz, Mechanical, or Eco-Drive. While Eco-Drive models are also quartz these have been separated to allow easy differentiation of light charged models
Calibre: Movement calibre used in watch
Case #: Case number for the watch. This is shown on the case back and is sometimes the same when the case is shared between models, e.g. two models with different colored dials but otherwise the same will usually share a case number. 
Case Material: The material the case is made from, e.g. Stainless Steel, Titanium, 18K Yellow Gold.
Case Treatment: If the case has a special hardening treatment. Citizen group their treatments under the brand “Duratect” and this is available in different finishes and hardnesses
Dial Color: The basic color of the dial
Dial Finish: If the dial has a specialized finish, e.g. 
Dial Marking: If the dial has any marking other than the Citizen logo, this can be the Chronomaster logo, Chronomaster logo, Automatic script, or a script and logo
Case Back: The design of the case back. Early models have an oval with the year at the top and the text “Close to the Hearts of People Everywhere”. Later models have a Chronomaster logo in the center. This logo comes in two variants with a complex intricate design later replaced by a simplified design. See below for examples of the case back variations.
Hands: If the hands have lume or are a special color this is noted
Date: Does the calibre provide a date function
Diameter (mm): Diameter of the case in millimeters
Thickness (mm): Thickness of the case in millimeters
Strap/Bracelet: Is the watch shipped with a bracelet, strap, or both
Lug Width: Width of the lugs for strap or bracelet
Edition: Some models have a specific name or anniversary noted. Not all limited editions have specific edition names
LE Qty: If a limited edition has a fixed production quantity this is noted
Release Year: Initial year the model was released
WR: Water resistance if the watch
Price JPY (ex tax): The Japanese recommended retail price excluding take when the model was introduced
Notes: Any additional notes
Image: Official image of the watch

Case Back Variations

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Close to the Hearts of People Everywhere Square

Close to the Hearts of People Everywhere Square

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Complex Eagle Logo

Complex Eagle Logo

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Simple Eagle Logo

Simple Eagle Logo

The database can be searched in a number of different ways. Here are a few examples showing how the data can be searched to provide information of the models you may be looking for.

If you have a watch but do not know the model number you can enter the calibre and case numbers found on the back of the watch. For example Calibre is A660 and Case Code is T006906. Note some cases are shared so you may need to refer to dial color to identify the specific model.

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Calibre is A660 Case is T006906

Calibre is A660 Case is T006906

If you want to find all models with Eco-Drive Movements and Green dials you can combine these search criteria.

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Movement Type Eco-Drive Dial Green

Movement Type Eco-Drive Dial Green

To find all the limited edition models with a fixed production quantity you can search where LE Qty is not blank.

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LE Quantity is not Blank

LE Quantity is not Blank

In addition to the main Search page the Browse section can also have search filters applied. Select the Add Filters option at the top of the page. For example you can find all gold cased models by selecting Case Material is 18K Yellow Gold OR Case Material is 18K White Gold.

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Browse Filters

Browse Filters

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18K YG or 18K WG

18K YG or 18K WG

If you were looking for a stainless steel cased model with a blue dial you can combine these two conditions.

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Stainless Blue Filter

Stainless Blue Filter

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Stainless Blue Results

Stainless Blue Results

By correctly utilizing the search criteria you can create quite flexible and powerful searches of the database.

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