When Citizen announces a new Tsuyosa model, I always pay close attention to the release.
This collection has been a hit among fans since its debut in 2022. I've had the chance to test several Tsuyosa models, each leaving a pleasant impression. In the latest release, the Japanese brand collaborated with Romaric Andre, known as seconde/seconde/, creating an unusual interpretation of Tsuyosa. The concept is based on the Japanese word tsuyosa (強さ), meaning "strength" or "power," embodied in an original dial that demonstrates how "a smaller size never hindered minutes from slicing hours apart." What does this mean? Let's delve into the details.
History and Evolution of the Tsuyosa Collection
If you follow the watch industry, you've likely encountered Tsuyosa. Over time, the collection has expanded. It all started with the model later known as Tsuyosa 40 in 2022, followed by the Tsuyosa Small Second in 2024. Last year, the Tsuyosa 37 was added to the line, reviewed by Thomas. These are perfect entry-level mechanical watches for men and women with slim wrists. Over the course of the collection's existence, I can highlight at least five Tsuyosa models that caught my attention. This series is deservedly popular due to its thoughtful design and quality. In the latest release, Citizen collaborated for the first time with Romaric Andre (seconde/seconde/), resulting in a smart watch that brings a smile with every glance.
Citizen × seconde/seconde/ Tsuyosa Limited Edition: The Essence of Collaboration
The new Citizen × seconde/seconde/ Tsuyosa Limited Edition is an example of an unusual and successful collaboration. According to Romaric Andre himself, "the best collaborations occur when seemingly polar opposites come together." In this case, seconde/seconde/ is a small creative workshop, while Citizen is a large Japanese company with a rich heritage. Such seemingly odd unions can lead to unexpected and interesting results if the creative partner is given the freedom to realize their ideas.
In this project, seconde/seconde/ was given such an opportunity. The inspiration for the dial came from the meaning of the word Tsuyosa - "strength" and "power." In search of symbols of Japanese strength, seconde/seconde/ settled on the katana - the famous Japanese sword. The dial became a visualization of the concept, where "a smaller size never hindered minutes from slicing hours apart."
Dial Design: Play and Functionality
The blue sunburst dial became the perfect backdrop for the katana, symbolizing strength. The minute hand is styled as a katana in pixel art, reminiscent of old Japanese video games. Part of the sword's handle is painted the same blue as the dial's background. This pixelated element adds uniqueness and modernity to the traditional image. A fun touch - the minute markers are "sliced" in half by the katana.
The feature is that the "slices" are visible on the dial itself, creating the illusion of truly cutting the indices. However, the halves of the markers are not shifted far apart, maintaining the readability of the time. The concept is original, and the execution is thoughtful and high-quality.
Concept Extending Beyond the Dial
However, the project's idea is not limited to the dial design. The President-style bracelet is highly comfortable and equipped with a folding clasp featuring both companies' logos, between which crossed swords are depicted. On the caseback, there is a black semicircular area with the quote "Being smaller has never stopped Minutes from slicing Hours into pieces" in white - the perfect summary of seconde/seconde/'s concept for this limited Tsuyosa.
Another interesting aspect is the limited edition of 3600 pieces. This number is symbolic, as according to the concept, the katana slices one hour into 3600 seconds. This approach transforms the watch from merely a visually amusing accessory into a deep creative project with a message that brings a smile.
Technical Specifications of Citizen × seconde/seconde/ Tsuyosa Limited Edition
The idea and design impress, but technical parameters are also important. For those familiar with the Tsuyosa collection, there are no surprises. The case is made of stainless steel with a diameter of 40 mm, a thickness of 11.7 mm, and a length of 49 mm, with water resistance up to 50 meters. The President bracelet is not only comfortable but aesthetically complements the look. The clasp with dual logos is equipped with a quick-release button.
Inside is the Citizen 8210 caliber with automatic winding, a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, 20 jewels, and a power reserve of about 40 hours. The mechanism is partially visible through the sapphire crystal caseback. It's a simple and reliable caliber, ideal for everyday use.
Wearing and Impressions of Citizen × seconde/seconde/ Tsuyosa Limited Edition
On the wrist, the new limited model demonstrates the comfort characteristic of the entire Tsuyosa series. The 40 mm diameter is suitable even for an 18.5 cm wrist like mine, and the flexible bracelet comfortably wraps around the wrist. These characteristics largely explain the popularity of Citizen Tsuyosa as an everyday watch.
The dial provides particular pleasure. Its playful design makes you return your gaze to the watch several times a day. If you remove the watch and pull the crown to the "4 o'clock" position, you can activate an animation: turning the crown causes the katana to rotate around the dial, as if slicing the indices but without damage. This adds interactivity and makes the time-setting process genuinely engaging.
Final Impressions of Citizen × seconde/seconde/ Tsuyosa Limited Edition
As you can see, I had a lot of fun spending time with this limited edition Citizen Tsuyosa. Despite numerous previous collaborations by seconde/seconde/, this new work proves that there are still many interesting and fresh ideas for such projects. I want to express my respect to Citizen and seconde/seconde/ for creating one of the most amusing and original releases of recent years.
The limited edition of 3600 pieces and the price of around $475 make these watches one of seconde/seconde/'s most accessible collaborations. I'm confident that the model will quickly sell out among fans. The affordable price and original execution turn this limited Tsuyosa into a desirable object for collectors and enthusiasts of unusual watches.
For me, the Citizen × seconde/seconde/ Tsuyosa Limited Edition is an excellent example that creativity doesn't have to be complex. Sometimes a simple but brilliantly executed idea is enough, and that's exactly what Citizen and seconde/seconde/ have given us.
For more information, we recommend visiting the official Citizen website.