Story Highlight
– Citizen Watch Co. net sales rose 30.3% to ¥98.1 billion.
– Watches segment sales increased 32.1% to ¥54.8 billion.
– Strong overseas growth led by North American demand.
– Full-year net sales forecast raised to ¥395.0 billion.
– 50th anniversary of Eco-Drive celebrated with new model.
Full Story
Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. has released robust figures for the first quarter, ending on June 30, 2026. The company saw a notable year-on-year increase in net sales of 30.3%, amounting to ¥98.1 billion (around £454 million). Operating profit surged by 110.9% to reach ¥9.9 billion (£46 million).
Particularly strong performance was observed in the Watches division, where net sales climbed by 32.1% to ¥54.8 billion (£254 million). Operating profit for this segment experienced a substantial increase of 62.1%, resulting in ¥7.1 billion (£33 million). The operating margin also saw improvement, rising to 13.0% from 10.6% the previous year.
Citizen attributed its sales success to robust domestic demand for finished watches in Japan, alongside impressive growth in international markets, especially in North America, as well as solid sales in Europe and Asia.
In North America, Bulova recorded significant sales growth, driven by distribution through department stores and travel channels, along with a notable expansion in its online retail operations. Additionally, revenue from movements rose considerably, bolstered by strong demand for mechanical calibres.
The company’s other two divisions posted encouraging results as well. The Machine Tools sector saw net sales rise by 35.0% to ¥25.6 billion (£118 million), with operating profit more than doubling to ¥3.2 billion (around £15 million). This growth was supported by a rebound in demand related to AI and semiconductors, both domestically and internationally.
Sales in the Devices and Components segment increased by 19.5% to ¥17.6 billion (approximately £81 million), with operating profit skyrocketing by 235.9% to ¥1.3 billion (£6 million). Citizen linked this strong performance to rising sales of ceramic components for optical communications and consistent demand for photo printers.
In light of these positive results, Citizen has revised its financial outlook for the first half and the full financial year. The full-year net sales guidance has been increased to ¥395.0 billion (£1.83 billion), which is 9.1% higher than previous forecasts. Operating profit expectations have also risen by 17.4% to ¥40.5 billion (£187 million), with profit for the parent company now projected to reach ¥32.0 billion (£148 million).
Moreover, the company has adjusted its annual dividend forecast to ¥53 per share, an increase of ¥3 from earlier estimates.
These results coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Eco-Drive technology, prompting Citizen to launch the “Powered by Any Light” campaign in North America. The brand also unveiled a limited-edition 50th Anniversary Eco-Drive model, featuring a dial made from Tosa washi paper. Additionally, Citizen has introduced the CITIZEN L collection, inspired by jewellery, reflecting its strategy to enhance its presence in the women’s watch market.
