Citizen signing a deal to be the official timekeeper of Disneyland and Disney World earlier this year was met with little more than a shrug by its hundreds of retail partners, but this was just the tip of an enormous iceberg agreement that will see Citizen working with Disney on its biggest franchises ranging from Pixar and Star Wars to Marvel and its Avengers superheroes.
Comic Con in New York this month demonstrated the potential new markets for Citizen as the Japanese watchmaker unveiled eight Marvel timepieces, inspired by some of the comic book universe’s most popular Avengers: Black Panther, Spider-Man, Captain America, and the Hulk.
The reach was multiplied by the cross-media appeal of Marvel. Citizen appeared at Comic Con with actor, comedian and YouTube sensation, Josh Peck, who officially unveiled the timepieces and acted as the brand’s Comic Con representative throughout the weekend.
Citizen’s Marvel watches include two Black Panther timepieces both including a Wakandan-inspired tribal pattern on the dials and sharp silver indexes and hands, reminiscent of the pendants on T’Challas necklace. The Marvel logo is etched into the case back.
Two Spider-Man timepieces come in the superhero’s iconic red and blue colors. A chronograph version is offered in stainless steel with bracelet and with the modern Spider-Man logo placed inside one of the chronograph sub-dials. The second version is featured on a black rubber strap with the Spider- Man logo at the 12 o’clock position and a white web spread across the dial.
A Captain America watch carries his symbolic shield and ‘A’ insignia on the dial and has a camouflaged strap that reminds people of his back story as a soldier in WWII.
Citizen’s Hulk watch has oversized Arabic numerals highlighted in green, as well as a heavy Buffalo grain strap that reflects the Hulk’s larger than life character.
All timepieces are priced from $275 – $625 in the United States. UK prices and availability have not been revealed.
“We are excited to share with everyone the first timepieces Citizen has exclusively designed for Marvel,” said Jeffrey Cohen, president, Citizen Watch America. “Earlier this year, we announced our partnership with Marvel and were highly anticipating the opportunity to create product around the many inspiring stories of Marvel characters and super heroes. We expect that all enthusiasts and fans alike will find a watch they can relate to and wear in support of their favorite character or for the unique design elements.”
“Marvel is thrilled to partner with Citizen to give fans a piece of the Marvel Universe to take with them wherever they go,” said Dan Cruz, Vice President, Digital Media & Integrated Sponsorships at Marvel. “As the sponsor of our Citizen Lounge, located at the Marvel booth at New York Comic Con, Citizen is the perfect fit for these Marvel-inspired timepieces, reflecting the incredible characters and stories fans have followed for decades.”
