Watch writer Shinichi Sato introduces the sporty model added to the Citizen "TSUYOSA" collection as a much-anticipated new release for 2026. Based on the well-balanced TSUYOSA design, the watch features a unidirectional rotating bezel, a more precise seconds scale, a dot on the tip of the seconds hand, and other fine details, giving it a sporty look that is quite different from previous models.
This marine blue model combines vividness and chicness, making it my favorite color out of the four models released. Automatic movement (Cal. 8210). 21,600 vibrations per hour. Power reserve: approximately 42 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 40.0 mm, thickness 12.5 mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 67,100 yen (tax included).
Text and Photographs by Shin-ichi Sato
[Article published on January 22, 2026]
A sporty model has been released for the popular mechanical model "TSUYOSA"
Among the new watches announced in 2026, writer Shinichi Sato has his eye on a sporty model added to the Citizen "TSUYOSA" collection. The design of the TSUYOSA informal watch has been enhanced with a unidirectional rotating bezel and a one-third second scale, resulting in a sporty diver's watch-like styling. This time, we'll review TSUYOSA and delve deeper into the appeal of this model.
A quick review of "TSUYOSA"
The base Citizen Collection TSUYOSA is highly acclaimed for its affordable price point for a mechanical watch, yet equipped with Citizen's Cal. 8210 automatic movement, renowned for its simple design and reliability. Originally a popular collection developed by Citizen overseas, the collection was officially launched in Japan in 2023, likely due to growing demand for sales in Japan. Initially, a 40mm diameter model was offered, with a compact 37mm diameter model added in 2025. New colors are continually being released for both sizes, demonstrating its popularity. Fans will be delighted to see a wide range of options available for this "affordable mechanical watch."
The design code of TSUYOSA is a simple dial consisting of a line that connects the side of the case to the bracelet, a crown at the 4 o'clock position, and bar-shaped indexes and hour and minute hands. Let's take a closer look at the design of the sporty model that was just announced.
A sporty model with a unidirectional rotating bezel
The case silhouette, crown placement, the contrast between the edgy case and the circular dial, the bar-shaped indexes and hands, etc. are inherited from the previous model. The most notable feature is the unidirectional rotating bezel with a minute display, which has a scale of 1 minute increments up to 15 minutes, reminiscent of a diver's watch.
This navy blue watch appears blue in photographs due to the strong light in the exhibition venue. Its dark, chic look indoors may transform into a bright, bluish atmosphere outdoors. Automatic movement (Cal. 8210). 21,600 vph. Power reserve of approximately 42 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 40.0 mm, thickness 12.5 mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 67,100 yen (tax included).
This model is water resistant to 10 bar. Citizen does not advertise it as a diver's watch, but the automatic movement installed is Cal. 8210, which is a Class 1 antimagnetic watch, so it has sufficient performance for everyday use.
Four color variations will be available for the debut. The Ref. NJ0230-59L features a silver case and bracelet with a navy blue dial, the Ref. NJ0231-56L with a marine blue dial, the Ref. NJ0232-53X with a gold case and moss green dial, and the Ref. NJ0234-58X with a silver and gold combination design and a coral red dial. All of the colors are inspired by the seaside and nature, making them perfect for active scenes and appearing to blend well with the skin, making them appealing.
In addition to the two models with silver-colored cases photographed by me this time, gold-colored and silver and gold-colored combination models have also been released. Automatic movement (Cal. 8210). 21,600 vibrations per hour. Power reserve of approximately 42 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 40.0 mm, thickness 12.5 mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. (From left) 72,600 yen, 70,400 yen (both including tax).
Focus on the details that create a sporty look
The case diameter is 40mm, the same as the previous model, but the width of the unidirectional rotating bezel makes the dial feel slightly more compact. The author's impression of this watch's compactness when he first saw it was likely due to the difference in dial size.
A closer look reveals the addition of functional details that complement active scenes. The unidirectional rotating bezel has knurling around the outer edge to make it easier to operate. The indexes and hour and minute hands have the same linear design as before, but this model features a new dot detail near the tip of the second hand. Additionally, a fine one-third-second scale, as seen on tool watches that require precise measurement, has been added.
These are functional details, but the notches on the bezel and the one-third second scale add visual information, creating a sharp, sporty impression. The dot on the second hand is also a nice touch that adds to the sporty feel. The accumulation of these details gives this watch a finish that is quite different from the traditional informal watch style.
Standard size and comfortable fit
The case diameter of this model is 40.0mm and the thickness is 12.5mm (both design values). This can be said to be a standard size for a diver's watch. On the other hand, many diver's watches have large, protruding crowns and prominent crown guards to protect them. In contrast, this model has a crown located at the 4 o'clock position, giving it a clean impression and making it feel more compact than its numerical value would suggest. We believe it will be well-received as an urban sporty watch.
When I tried it on, I found that the short lugs and wide adjustable bracelet length made it possible to achieve a comfortable fit by adjusting the bracelet length to fit my wrist. The crown's location at 4 o'clock also ensures that it doesn't come into contact with the back of my hand, further improving the wearing comfort.
"TSUYOSA" is the perfect introduction to enjoying the charm of mechanical watches
The new models announced have slightly different prices depending on the color, but all are under 7 yen, making them an affordable price range for mechanical watches. The power reserve of the Cal. 8210 movement is approximately 42 hours, which is more than enough.
This writer feels that the new design, which has been added with a different taste, is likely to be popular. TSUYOSA is characterized by a well-balanced design, with each part of the simple elements carefully balanced, and this good balance is also demonstrated in this sporty redesign.
Previously, due to the background of being an overseas development model, it seems that it was often released overseas first and later in Japan, but this model was released simultaneously worldwide. This shows that Citizen is focusing on TSUYOSA without limiting it to a specific region, and it is also appealing that new colors and designs are continually being added. We hope that you will pay attention to Citizen's TSUYOSA, not just this model, and find one that suits you.
