When a watch collaboration truly breaks the mold, it’s impossible not to take notice. And that’s exactly what Citizen and seconde/seconde/ have done with their bold new Tsuyosa Limited Edition. This isn’t your average partnership—it’s a fusion of Citizen’s reliability and seconde/seconde/’s irreverent creativity, resulting in a timepiece that’s as unexpected as it is captivating. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a watch priced under $500 truly deliver this level of artistry and innovation? Let’s dive in.
Citizen has teamed up with the mischievous watch customizer seconde/seconde/ to reimagine the Tsuyosa collection, and the result is nothing short of extraordinary. The star of the show? A vibrant blue sunburst dial that serves as the canvas for a pixelated katana minute hand—a nod to feudal Japan and a signature touch from seconde/seconde/’s Romaric André. But this isn’t just a gimmick; the hour indices appear sliced in half, as if the katana itself had cut through them. It’s a detail that’s both striking and thought-provoking, elevating the dial to a work of art. And this is the part most people miss: even under close inspection, the craftsmanship holds up, with polished framing and almost 3D-like printed slices that defy the watch’s affordable price point.
The playful yet philosophical DNA of seconde/seconde/ permeates every aspect of this piece. The bracelet clasp is engraved with sword slashes, while the exhibition caseback reveals a blackened rotor inscribed with the witty phrase, ‘Being smaller has never stopped Minutes from slicing Hours into pieces.’ It’s a reminder that even the smallest moments can have a powerful impact—a theme echoed in the limited run of 3,600 pieces, representing the number of seconds in an hour. Clever, right?
Beneath the surface, the Tsuyosa’s familiar value proposition remains intact. Powered by Citizen’s automatic calibre 8210 movement, the watch offers a 42-hour power reserve in a 40mm stainless steel case with 50-meter water resistance. However, here’s where opinions might diverge: while the lug-to-lug measurement is listed at 45mm, the cambered lugs and fixed endlinks create an ‘effective’ span closer to 50mm. For smaller wrists, this could be a point of contention—though, having worn a sample myself, I found it surprisingly comfortable after sizing the bracelet. The three-link design and micro-adjustment holes ensure a snug fit, even for wrists under 7 inches.
At $495, this limited edition is a steal for what it offers. But with only 3,600 pieces available worldwide, hesitation could mean missing out. This isn’t just a remix of a blue dial favorite—it’s a statement piece that challenges conventions. And now, the question for you: Does this collaboration push the boundaries too far, or is it a perfect blend of creativity and accessibility? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
