Watch writer Shinichi Sato introduces the highly anticipated new release for 2026, the Citizen Collection "TSUYOSA" Ref. NJ0157-81L, a collaboration with seconde/seconde/. The key point is that the name TSUYOSA evokes "power" and "strength," and the second/seconde/ incorporates a sword as a design element. While reflecting on TSUYOSA, we will delve deeper into the theme of this piece, which is connected to the sword-designed minute hand and the indices cut in half.
Text and Photographs by Shin-ichi Sato
[Article published on January 20, 2026]
Citizen Collection "TSUYOSA" Collaboration Model with seconde/seconde/ Released
Among the new watches for 2026, writer Shinichi Sato has his eye on the collaboration model between the Citizen Collection "TSUYOSA" and seconde/seconde/ (hereafter referred to as Seconde/Second/). This is the first time the two have teamed up, and the worldview of Seconde/Second/ is incorporated into the simple design of TSUYOSA.
Automatic movement (Cal. 8210). 21 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 42 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 40mm, thickness 11.7mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. Price: 1,061,500 yen (tax included).
A quick review of "TSUYOSA"
The base model, the Citizen Collection TSUYOSA, was originally a mechanical model that Citizen sold overseas. It was highly praised and popular for its simple, versatile design and its reliability, while remaining within an affordable price range for a mechanical watch. It was also equipped with Citizen's Cal. 8210 automatic movement, which is renowned for its reliability. This recognition led to growing demand for sales in Japan, and the model was officially launched in 2023. It is now popular as an "affordable mechanical watch."
A compact model with a 37mm diameter case that joined the TSUYOSA lineup in 2025. Automatic (Cal. 8210). 21 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve of approximately 42 hours. Stainless steel case (37mm diameter, 11.5mm thick). Water resistant to 5 bar. 66,000 yen each (tax included).
The TSUYOSA design is characterized by the line that connects the side of the case to the bracelet, the crown at 4 o'clock, the contrast between the edgy case and the circular dial, and a simple dial with bar-shaped indexes and hour and minute hands. The balance of each part is carefully adjusted to create a harmonious look, and the finish will appeal to even the most discerning watch enthusiasts. New colors are released every season, so you can choose from a colorful variety of options.
A collaboration model with Second/Second/ is born
TSUYOSA's newest release, announced on February 20, 2026, is a collaboration model with Second/Second/, created by Romaric André, an artist and watch customizer based in Paris, France. The Second/Second/ is inspired by the name TSUYOSA, which evokes "power" and "strength," and incorporates a sword motif on the minute hand as a symbol of this.
Secondo/Secondo/ is known for its approach to highlighting the contrast between traditional craftsmanship and modern design, and has collaborated with many famous brands. All of these collaborative models are characterized by their humor and wit, and often feature pixelated motifs reminiscent of anime and games.
This design approach can be seen in this model. The sword motif is pixelated, giving it a nostalgic yet pop impression. The most distinctive feature is the indices, with the minute hand rotating to look as if it has cut the indices in half with a single stroke.
The theme of this work and the blue-based design details
The theme of this piece is "Being smaller has never stopped minutes from slicing hours into pieces," which translates to the message that "even if you appear small and weak, you can overcome the great difficulties that stand in your way." This message is also engraved on the case back.
Second/Second/ connects this theme to the design in which the minute hand, pointing to the minute, which is a small thing, cuts through the 12-hour index as a symbol of time, which is a large thing. This piece humorously and visually expresses the strength and courage to face the difficulties of life.
The slashed Index has a dynamic feel, as if it were being slashed with the force of an Iaido sword. The pixelated sword evokes the world of games, and the sword's trajectory as it slashes Index is depicted as an effect, further evoking the game world. In many games, the story revolves around a weak protagonist overcoming hardships and defeating a powerful obstacle, so perhaps the theme of this work and the pixelated approach favored by Second/Second/ are in harmony. The main color of this work is blue, a hue reminiscent of "Japan Blue." It is vibrant and not too bright, giving it a chic impression. It seems easy to incorporate into business settings, and it seems like an interesting option to add a chic yet casual playful touch.
Standard size and comfortable fit
The case diameter of this model is 40.0mm and the thickness is 11.7mm (both design values). This diameter is the current standard for informal watches and is likely to be widely accepted in the market. While I, who prefer compact models, found it slightly large when wearing it, the short lugs and wide adjustable bracelet allow for comfortable adjustment of the bracelet to fit your wrist. The crown is located at the 4 o'clock position, meaning it doesn't touch the back of your hand, contributing to a clean look and a compact impression when worn.
The bracelet is made up of connected kamaboko-shaped links, creating a rounded design. This contrasts with the edgy case design and is a distinctive feature of TSUYOSA. There is a moderate amount of play in the links, which also seems to have a positive effect on the fit.
"TSUYOSA" is the perfect introduction to enjoying the charm of mechanical watches
This model will be sold for 73,700 yen (tax included). The TSUYOSA itself, including this model, is priced under 70,000 yen, making it an affordable price range for a mechanical watch. The automatic movement, Cal. 8210, provides a power reserve of approximately 42 hours, more than enough for daily use, and is also a Class 1 antimagnetic watch, offering reassuring performance in an age where many devices emit magnetism. My personal opinion on the power reserve is that once you gain experience running a model with a power reserve like this one consistently—understanding the relationship between your daily life and the amount of mainspring winding, and mastering the trick to preventing it from stopping due to underwinding—you will become adept at using mechanical watches, and in that sense, I would suggest this is the perfect entry point to mechanical watches.
We hope that you will take a look at not only this model but also Citizen's TSUYOSA series and choose an attractive one.
