Pop colours, integrated design, automatic movement... and an unbeatable price.
The concept of the sporty-chic watch, also named luxury sports watch – that of the integrated steel watch of the 1970s made popular by AP and Genta with the Royal Oak – is hotter than ever, with interpretations found in all segments of the industry. Recently, we’ve seen serious entry-level brands entering the race, with Tissot and its PRX stealing the show. There’s now a new and very well-armed contender on the field, a new sporty-chic automatic watch with integrated bracelet coming from Japan, with an unbeatable price… Meet the new Citizen Tsuyosa Collection.
This new Citizen Tsuyosa Collection isn’t the brand’s first entry into the luxury sports watch race. Indeed, two important models are to be mentioned. First is the high-end, beautifully finished and mechanically advanced The Citizen Caliber 0200 – a RM 36,000 watch with fine mechanical movement, superior finishing and beautiful design. Next to this is the Citizen Series 8 collection, slightly more accessible watches that here again play on the trend for integrated designs and sporty-chic look. And now, the style moves into the brand’s core collection, understand by that accessible automatic watches, with these new Citizen Tsuyosa watches. Cool, summery colours, well-shaped case and a price that is usually attached to your classic department store fashion watch…
The Citizen Tsuyosa Collection is released in 11 different tastes, all with the same habillage and mechanical base. As such, these watches are built around a well-sized 40mm case, made of stainless steel and finished with either vertically brushed surfaces or polished accents. The influence of The Citizen Caliber 0200 is undeniable, with overall the same angular tonneau-shaped case, the same sort of bevels on the sides and a classic, circular bezel. Of course, these two watches play in different leagues, but the overall inspiration is unmistakable. Differences are to be noticed, such as the simpler polished bezel, the different end-links and bracelet/case connection and, a signature element of entry-level Citizen watches, a crown positioned at 4 o’clock. No mention was made yet about the lug-to-lug or the thickness, but we’ll surely try to have models for a hands-on review soon.
The case, despite its accessible vocation, appears to be neatly finished and is also well equipped. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal, with a magnifier over the date. The caseback has a see-through crystal and the watch offers a decent water-resistance of 50 metres. Participating greatly in the design and appeal, the Citizen Tsuyosa Collection comes exclusively with a stainless steel bracelet, with a sort of “President-like” design, due to the rounded, thin links. The connection with the case is ensured by a central mid-link and the overall bracelet flows nicely with the case. It’s secured to the wrist by a folding clasp.
As said, the Citizen Tsuyosa comes in 11 tastes. Some classic colours, and some far more daring editions. All dials have a sleek look with minimal literature and feature applied markers and hands with a decent amount of luminous material. It is available either in black or blue, for a classic, elegant look, but also with a dark green, bright yellow dial and also tiffany blue (if you dare…) All dials have a sunray-brushed pattern.
Inside the case, no surprise. The Tsuyosa Collection features the in-house calibre 8210, which is a pillar of the entry-level series – also shared with the Promaster watches, yet with day-date display. This automatic movement runs at 3Hz frequency and stores up to 40 hours of power reserve. It here presented in a relatively unfinished way, with golden-coloured elements.
AVAILABILITY & PRICE
The new Citizen Tsuyosa Collection of automatic watches with integrated bracelet will be priced at a very reasonable RM 1,840… Which truly is great value for the money considering the origin of the watch and all its features.