The Citizen Tsuyosa collection is an interesting addition to the Citizen line. Whilst Seiko is the premium Japanese watchmaker, Citizen has some models that are really getting some attention. Looking at classic designs, the luxury steel sports watch is dominated by the Gérald Genta designed AP Royal Oak and the PP Nautilus, VC Overseas Automatic and Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chronograph.

The integrated bracelet design is very 1970s vintage inspired, what I think citizen does well is imitate, not innovate. They have looked at the classic integrated bracelets of the 1970s and added some bright and colourful dials. In this respect, the dial colours remind me of the recently upgraded Rolex Oyster Perpetual. Once again, imitation is their strategy here, not innovation.

The stainless steel case is 40 mm, I reckon this is a decent size as 42 mm is a little big for most wrists, so the 38 mm to 40 mm dial sizing seems to be about right. The recessed crown at the 4 o’clock position is interesting from a styling perspective. The chamfered bezel suits the style, it is simple yet elegant, let’s not over complicate things here. Yes, this chamfered stainless steel bezel is more likely to scratch, but this is life.

The NJ0150-81E reference is the black dial, NJ0150-81L is blue, NJ0150-81Z yellow and the NJ0150-81X is green. For my tastes the yellow dial is the most interesting as blue and black dials are pretty much what every watchmaker produces. The green dial was so 2021, people still desire a green dial, but I have previously asked how long this trend will continue.

The Calibre 8210 Miyota movement is an in-house movement, this has 21 jewels, beats at 21,600 vph and has a 40 hour power reserve. Interestingly, the unfinished movement is visible through the display caseback, not the greatest finish for a watch movement. But one cannot be too critical at this price point, it is an opportunity for Citizen to improve their finishing in the future with increased and improved automation.

The rounded three link bracelet is unusual, I immediately think of the semi-circular President bracelet of the Rolex Day-Date, this is not a design I have ever been drawn to. What Citizen are doing here is pulling designs from a number of different sources and combining these styling cues from a number of watchmakers into a single steel sports watch.

So now that I have checked out the NJ0150-81Z specifications online, it is time to head into a jewellery shop to try one on in person. I have not done this yet, so I have no real idea of the finish or the quality of manufacturing. The Citizen Watch Company is in no way a high-end watchmaker, what they do well is mass produce reasonable quality automatic timepieces at a very good price.

For around a $550 retail price, I need to set appropriate expectations. It is all about wrist feel for me at that particular price point. What I don’t want is a flimsy and lightweight watch on my wrist, I do like the feel of a heavier piece on my wrist, I don’t like a bracelet that rattles on my wrist or pulls hairs on my arm. The clasp must be functional and not bind up or pop open, the watch with its yellow dial is a casual timepiece worn with a t-shirt and shorts or denim jeans.