Manhattan, NY MBI Group was retained as general contractor for the build-out of Citizen Watch’s headquarters, located on the 10th floor of 1120 Avenue of the Americas. The 25,000 s/f space was designed by TPG Architecture. 

“MBI Group is proud to have completed the build-out of new offices for Citizen Watch, a globally-recognized brand known for creating precise, beautiful and high-quality timekeeping products,” said Alex Getelman, executive managing director of MBI Group. “The design aesthetic of the brand’s headquarters reflects the sleek and innovative approach that the watchmaker is known for.  We were proud to complete this project on a tight schedule to meet Citizen’s required occupancy date. MBI Group has over 30 years of experience successfully constructing, renovating and building out corporate interiors in New York City and beyond.”

The scope of the project included a new elevator lobby and reception area featuring curved ceilings and specialty stone; conference rooms and private offices with extensive glass and custom millwork; open workstations; a media room; lunchroom, wellness room; and pantries. A special requirement for Citizen Watch was a merchandise product room and retail set-up showroom, which included LED lighting set in a matching pattern recessed within the floor along with custom, high-gloss ceiling panels. The LED lighting reflects onto over 11,000 watch main plates strung on 1,226 vertical cables. The main plates were manufactured in Citizen’s Japan factory and serve as the foundation for the watch movement and all the various parts.  The showroom installation was designed by Paris-based DGT Architects in conjunction with lighting and sound direction by Yutaka Endo. The initial installation appeared in Baselworld and Milan Design Week in 2014 and the concept was re-engineered for Citizen’s corporate office.  The showroom also provided access to one of the two large terraces, featuring bison wood pavers.