Prepare to be captivated by a watch that's as sharp as its namesake! The Citizen Tsuyosa, a beloved sporty-chic timepiece, has been given a daring makeover by the witty French artist Romaric André, known for his playful watch customizations under the moniker seconde/seconde/.
For those uninitiated, the Tsuyosa is a nod to Citizen's vintage glory, drawing inspiration from its iconic 1980s and 1990s designs. Its success lies in offering an affordable twist on the sporty-chic genre, featuring an integrated bracelet and a name that translates to 'power' and 'strength' in Japanese. But here's where it gets controversial: the Tsuyosa x seconde/seconde/ edition takes a literal approach to its design, replacing the classic sword-shaped hand with a miniature sword that slashes through the hour markers, leaving them in tatters!
This 40mm collaboration model retains the Tsuyosa's signature features: a stainless steel case with polished accents and brushed surfaces, a sapphire crystal with date magnifier, and a reasonable lug-to-lug measurement. Yet, it also inherits some of the original's shortcomings, including a modest 50m water resistance, a slightly recessed crown, and a thickness of 11.7mm. Despite these minor quibbles, Citizen remains a leader in this price range.
The dial is where the magic happens. The minute hand, shaped like a pixelated sword, isn't just a design element; it's a weapon of time, slicing through the hours with precision. The playful message, 'Being smaller has never stopped minutes from slicing hours into pieces,' is printed on the back, emphasizing the concept. This unique design sits atop a gradient, sunray-brushed dial, ensuring the indices remain visible despite their 'sliced' appearance, all coated in luminescent material.
Beneath the tinted crystal caseback, you'll find the Citizen in-house calibre 8210, a reliable engine with a 3Hz beat rate and approximately 42 hours of power reserve. This limited edition elevates the movement's aesthetics with an openworked rotor and silver-toned bridges and plates, a subtle upgrade over the standard Tsuyosa's non-coated brass movement.
The Tsuyosa x seconde/seconde/ is accompanied by a 3-link steel bracelet with alternating brushed and polished finishes, secured by a folding clasp adorned with logos and sword slashes. With only 3,600 pieces available, this bold collaboration is priced at EUR 449 or USD 475. But is it a stroke of genius or a step too far? You decide! Visit CitizenWatch.eu or CitizenWatch-Global.com to learn more and share your thoughts in the comments.
