Amidst the soaring prices of mechanical watches, one model has proven to be an exceptional hit: Citizen's "Tsuyosa Collection." While launched at an entry-level price starting at 66,000 yen (tax included), its appeal extends beyond its affordability. Its high level of perfection, combining precision, comfort, and design, is what has garnered so much support. This article presents a hands-on review by Roger Ruegger, US editor of WatchTime.
Automatic winding (Cal. 8210). 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 42 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 40mm x thickness 11.7mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. Price: 68,200 yen (tax included).
"Tsuyosa," a new sporty yet chic staple, becomes a global hit
Watch enthusiasts around the world have begun to take notice of Citizen's new collection of mechanical watches with integrated bracelets at very attractive prices. In 2022, this sporty-chic collection was officially launched in Europe and has since expanded to other regions.
Patrick-Philippe Huber, owner of a long-established watch shop in Basel, Switzerland, vividly remembers when this model first arrived in stock. "A customer bought it just 10 minutes after we put it on display in the window," he says. Interestingly, the model featured a sunray-finish yellow dial, one of the most popular colors in the lineup overseas.
The suggested retail price in the US is the equivalent of about 66,000 yen (tax included). It's possible that this price point has led to new purchasing patterns that are different from traditional ones, says Eric Horowitz, managing director of Citizen's US subsidiary.
"The demand for color in watches cannot be ignored. The Tsuyosa was launched globally in late 2022, and the response has been phenomenal. We knew we had to bring this remarkable timepiece to the American market."
Tsuyosa's dials are characterized by a variety of colors, including vibrant hues.
70s details
Automatic winding (Cal. 8210). 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 42 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 40mm x thickness 11.7mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. Price: 68,200 yen (tax included).
The dials of the Citizen and Tsuyosa models feature a sunray finish, perfectly blending with the 1970s-style design reminiscent of luxury sports. Two bar indexes are placed at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions, and the hour and minute hands are coated with white luminous paint.
Automatic winding (Cal. 8210). 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 42 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 40mm x thickness 11.7mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. Price: 68,200 yen (tax included).
Comfortable fit and practical specifications
The case is 40mm in diameter and 11.7mm thick. It features a combination of brushed, polished, and chamfered finishes, and the lugs are perfectly angled. It's designed to provide a comfortable fit for most people. Additionally, the crown at 4 o'clock gives the watch a slimmer appearance, but unfortunately, it's somewhat less user-friendly.
The crystal is made of flat sapphire crystal, and it has a date display with a cyclops lens at the 3 o'clock position. The case back is see-through and is water resistant to 5 bar.
Highly reliable Miyota movement Cal.8210
The movement used is the Cal. 8210, supplied by Miyota, a movement manufacturer and part of the Citizen Group. Miyota was founded in 1959, the same year Citizen established a movement factory in Miyota, Nagano Prefecture. The Miyota brand began in 1980 and has supplied movements to brands around the world.
The Cal. 8210 movement used in this watch measures approximately 26mm in diameter, has 21 jewels, and vibrates at 21,600 vibrations per hour. It features a unidirectional winding system, a daily deviation of -20 to +40 seconds, and a power reserve of approximately 42 hours when fully wound. It can also be wound manually and is equipped with a stop-seconds function. The movement can be observed through the case back, and although some parts, such as the rotor, are gold-colored, it is otherwise unadorned.
The bracelet is also meticulously crafted.
The bracelet is a three-link construction with hairline finish on the side links and polished finish on the center link, and is fitted with a double-push press folding clasp with three adjustable holes.
The end link width is a short 9.1mm, giving it a slight amount of play and a casual feel. The model we tested required almost no link adjustment, and the excellent weight balance between the bracelet and head was striking.
The ideal entry-level model. Is Tsuyosa worth buying?
With the rise of smartwatches and the growing popularity of mechanical watches, many watch brands have tried to make their watches more exclusive over the past few years by limiting production numbers and raising prices. Fortunately, manufacturers like Citizen have not only survived in the battlefield of sub-10 yen mechanical watches, but have also continued to work hard to ensure that buyers on a budget don't have to compromise.
The Tsuyosa Collection, with its particularly modest starting price of 66,000 yen (including tax), is one of the best models in this entry-level category. This watch is simple on the wrist, yet it is both tactilely and visually stunning. Not only is it a well-made sports watch, it's also a lot of fun to wear.
Citizen's Eric Horowitz said, "By combining our in-house mechanical movement expertise with on-trend design and accessible pricing, we wanted to offer a watch that would exceed the expectations of both new and existing customers."
In this respect, the Tsuyosa certainly hits the mark. If you're not looking for chronometer-certified performance from the Caliber 8210, you'd better be prepared to worry about which dial color you get first.
Whether you're a collector looking for a great watch for your next vacation, or a beginner looking to get into mechanical watches, this is a highly recommended choice. Objectively, the crown could be a little easier to operate, and the Cyclops lens is a love-it-or-hate-it option, but other than that, this model ticks many boxes.
