Since its very beginnings, watchmakers have continually strived for the most accurate time keeping possible.

In 2011, CITIZEN first invented a unique satellite timekeeping technology, “Satellite Wave”, which enables watches to receive time signals from GPS satellites and display precise time and date.

Precise timekeeping anywhere in the world

With coverage across 40 of the existing UTC standard time zones, watches with Satellite Wave will ensure the most accurate time you will find in any conventional watch. Whether you trek through the desert, cruise the oceans or climb a snowy mountain, you never need to worry about having the correct time.

Coverage in 40 time zones

* Outline drawing of time zone layout. Actual times may differ in line with conditions in each country or region.

World’s fastest* satellite time reception at 3 seconds

Satellite Wave technology allows your watch to adjust to a new time zone with amazing speed and ease. Receiving a satellite signal in as little as three seconds, Satellite Wave has the world’s fastest signal reception speed from GPS satellites.

* As of March 2015 using a light-powered analog watch (according to research data by CITIZEN WATCH CO., LTD.)

Satellite Timekeeping System

The Satellite Timekeeping System allows our watches to set the correct time and date by receiving time signals from GPS satellites orbiting 20,000 kilometers above the earth.

[Unique algorithm]

CITIZEN not only cares about accurate timekeeping , but also about watch usability. We have developed unique algorithms to make Satellite Wave the fastest* in the world when receiving data from GPS satellites, doing so in as little as three seconds. Our Satellite Timekeeping System takes only half the time to adjust compared with models we introduced in 2011 – a testimony of our continuous and tireless work to improve our products.

High-speed watch hands

Our watches contain the latest in high-speed motors for watch hands. CITIZEN’s efforts in this area of technology make the transition to the correct time stunningly beautiful and fast.

*As an analog light-powered satellite synchronized watch, according to our own research in March 2015.

Telling You the Precise Time, Everywhere

Our goal of providing people with the correct time, regardless of where in the world they live and work, led to the development of Satellite Wave technology. When we started, there were no GPS chips designed specifically for watches to display the correct time. Undaunted, we set about establishing our own technologies to successfully open the door to the future of watches.

The World’s First Watch Powered by Light and Capable of Setting the Time by GPS Satellites

The Eco-Drive SATELLITE WAVE, the world’s first light-powered satellite-synchronized watch released in 2011, was the culmination of arduous efforts by CITIZEN’s engineers. Its stylish and futuristic case and dial design evoked images of the earth and outer space.

From the Challenge of Speed to the Future

We have been driven to continually push beyond the limits of technology motivated by the belief that true value to the wearer lies in setting our watches to the correct time as quickly as possible. As a result, only three years after the introduction of our first Satellite Wave watch we introduced the Eco-Drive SATELLITE WAVE F100. Halving the minimum time needed for the watch to receive satellite signals, from six seconds, to an industry-leading three seconds*.

We have not only improved reception speed, but also achieved new size and design variations thanks to more energy-efficient and compact GPS chips, and astoundingly rapid hand movement to set the time. Yet we know we have not reached our goal, and continue to devise ways to refine our innovations.

* According to research conducted in March 2013 by CITIZEN using analog, light-powered, satellite signal watches