Citizen Tsuyosa Review

When it comes to reliable and affordable timepieces, Citizen is a good brand that consistently delivers. Known for their precision, innovative technology, and stylish designs, Citizen watches have garnered a loyal following worldwide. Among their impressive collections, the Citizen Tsuyosa stands out as a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and affordability.

The Citizen Tsuyosa collection offers a diverse range of styles to suit any taste, with an impressive array of 11 different color options, excluding the Tsuyosa Small Second models. This variety ensures that there’s a Tsuyosa watch for every preference, whether you favor classic hues or bold, eye-catching shades. In this review, we’ll dive deep into what makes the Citizen Tsuyosa a standout choice in its category, examining its design, build quality, features, and overall value.

Design and build quality

The Citizen Tsuyosa is often compared to iconic models like the Rolex Oyster Perpetual or the Tissot PRX, especially in its vibrant Tiffany blue variant. While it certainly echoes the stylish elegance of these high-end watches, it’s important to recognize that the Tsuyosa operates in a different league when it comes to quality and attention to detail. Given its more affordable price point, some compromises are to be expected.

The overall design of the Citizen Tsuyosa is undeniably attractive, with a sleek case and a striking dial that draws the eye. The materials used, while not on par with luxury brands, are more than adequate for its price range. The stainless steel case offers a nice balance of durability and aesthetics, giving the watch a polished look that can transition from casual to dressy with ease.

However, the bracelet and clasp are areas where the cost-cutting becomes evident. The bracelet, though functional, does not exude the solid feel and reliability one might expect from a premium timepiece. It holds the watch securely, but it lacks the heft and luxurious finish found in more expensive models. The clasp, while serviceable, also feels somewhat flimsy and does not inspire the same confidence as those on higher-end watches.

Despite these shortcomings, the Citizen Tsuyosa’s bracelet and clasp do their job effectively. They keep the watch firmly in place and are relatively comfortable to wear. However, the feel is undeniably more on the budget side, a reminder of the trade-offs made to keep the Tsuyosa affordable.

In summary, the design and build quality of the Citizen Tsuyosa strike a balance between style and cost-efficiency. While it may not match the refinement of a Rolex or Tissot, it offers a visually appealing and generally well-constructed option for those seeking a stylish watch without breaking the bank.

Movement and performance

The Citizen Tsuyosa collection is powered by the automatic Miyota 8210 caliber, a movement that underscores Citizen’s reputation for dependable and well-engineered watch mechanisms. The Miyota 8210 is a popular choice in the world of affordable automatic watches, known for its robustness and reliability.

The Miyota 8210 is a self-winding mechanical movement, meaning it harnesses the energy from the wearer’s wrist movements to power the watch. Here are some key features and specifications of the Miyota 8210:

• Jewels: 21
• Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour (vph), or 3 Hz
• Power Reserve: Approximately 40 hours
• Functions: Displays hours, minutes, seconds, and date
• Accuracy: -20 to +40 seconds per day

Performance

The Miyota 8210 is designed to be a reliable workhorse. While it doesn’t boast the ultra-high precision of some Swiss movements, it offers satisfactory accuracy for daily wear. With an accuracy rating of -20 to +40 seconds per day, it is on par with other movements in its class. This level of accuracy ensures that the watch will keep reasonably good time, although it might require occasional adjustments for those who prefer their watches to be extremely precise.

One of the advantages of the Miyota 8210 is its durability. Known for its sturdy construction, it can withstand daily wear and tear with minimal maintenance. The movement is also relatively easy to service, which can be a significant advantage for long-term ownership.

In terms of user experience, the Miyota 8210 performs admirably. The smooth sweep of the second hand, operating at 21,600 vph, provides a pleasing visual experience, although it is slightly less smooth than higher frequency movements. The date function is straightforward to set and read, adding practical utility to the watch.

However, it’s worth noting that the Miyota 8210 does not feature hacking, meaning the second hand does not stop when the crown is pulled out to set the time. This might be a minor inconvenience for those who prefer precise time-setting, but for most users, it’s a non-issue.

Overall, the automatic Miyota 8210 caliber in the Citizen Tsuyosa offers a blend of reliability, decent accuracy, and ease of use, making it a solid choice for an affordable automatic watch. While it may not match the precision of high-end Swiss movements, it provides commendable performance that aligns well with the Tsuyosa’s positioning as a stylish and accessible timepiece.

Price and value for money

The Citizen Tsuyosa is priced at approximately $337, positioning it as one of the best Citizen watches under $300. Considering the features and build quality it offers, the Tsuyosa represents remarkable value for money, standing out in its price segment.

In the world of affordable watches, finding a timepiece that combines a reliable automatic movement, water resistance, and sapphire crystal from a renowned brand is almost unheard of. The Citizen Tsuyosa manages to deliver on all these fronts, making it an exceptional deal for watch enthusiasts on a budget.

The Tsuyosa is powered by the Miyota 8210 automatic caliber, known for its durability and dependability. This movement is a workhorse, providing consistent performance and a decent power reserve of approximately 40 hours. It’s rare to find an automatic movement of this quality in watches within this price range.

The Tsuyosa also offers water resistance, a feature that adds practical value and ensures the watch can handle everyday splashes and occasional submersion. This level of water resistance is not always standard in watches at this price point.

One of the standout features of the Citizen Tsuyosa is its sapphire crystal. Sapphire is highly resistant to scratches, ensuring the watch face remains clear and pristine over time. Many watches in the same price bracket opt for mineral glass, which is more prone to scratches and damage.

When compared to Seiko, the Citizen Tsuyosa’s value becomes even more apparent. For instance, Seiko does not offer a similar combination of features in the same budget range. Seiko’s automatic watches even under $500 often lack sapphire crystals. This makes the Tsuyosa a standout choice for those looking for a feature-packed, reliable, and stylish automatic watch.

At around $337, the Citizen Tsuyosa offers an impressive array of features that are typically found in more expensive watches. Its reliable Miyota 8210 automatic movement, combined with water resistance and a durable sapphire crystal, makes it an excellent investment for both new watch enthusiasts and seasoned collectors. The fact that such a well-rounded watch comes from a reputable brand like Citizen further cements its value proposition.

The Citizen Tsuyosa is a testament to what can be achieved when quality, functionality, and affordability intersect. It’s a rare find in the sub-$300 category and provides exceptional value for money, making it a highly recommended choice for anyone in the market for an affordable, reliable, and stylish automatic watch.

Pros and cons

The Citizen Tsuyosa offers a compelling mix of features and design at an affordable price, but it does come with a few compromises. The sapphire crystal, reliable movement, and wide range of color options are significant advantages, while the magnifying date window, limited water resistance, and lower-quality bracelet are areas where the watch falls short.

Pros

• Sapphire Crystal: One of the major advantages of the Citizen Tsuyosa is its sapphire crystal. Sapphire is renowned for its superior scratch resistance, ensuring that the watch face remains clear and unmarred over time. This is a premium feature that is often found in higher-end watches, making it a significant benefit in this price range.
• Reliable Movement: The Tsuyosa is equipped with the Miyota 8210 automatic caliber, a movement celebrated for its robustness and dependability. It offers consistent performance with a decent power reserve of around 40 hours, making it a reliable choice for everyday wear.
• Availability in Many Different Colors: The Tsuyosa collection stands out with its variety of color options. With 11 different colors to choose from, excluding the Small Second models, there is a Tsuyosa to match any personal style or preference, whether you prefer classic hues or bold, vibrant shades.
• Versatile Design: The design of the Citizen Tsuyosa is both stylish and versatile, allowing it to seamlessly transition from casual to formal settings. Its sleek case and attractive dial make it a great accessory for various occasions, enhancing its appeal as an everyday watch.

Cons

• Magnifying Date Window Glass: While the inclusion of a magnifying date window is intended to enhance readability, it can be somewhat problematic. At certain angles, the date can become unreadable due to reflections and distortions, which can be frustrating for users relying on the date function.
• Limited Water Resistance: The Tsuyosa offers water resistance, but it is somewhat limited compared to other watches in its category. This means that while it can handle everyday splashes and brief submersion, it may not be suitable for activities involving extensive water exposure, such as swimming or diving.
• Low-Quality Bracelet: One of the more noticeable drawbacks of the Citizen Tsuyosa is its bracelet. Although functional, the bracelet does not feel as solid or premium as one might hope. It lacks the heft and refinement found in higher-end watches, and the clasp, in particular, feels somewhat flimsy. While it reliably holds the watch in place, it gives off a cheaper, less durable impression.
• Crown: The crown is a significant downside of Citizen Tsuyosa. It is too small, making it very difficult to operate. Pulling it out can be troublesome, and hand-winding the watch is almost impossible without long fingernails. This design flaw greatly impacts the overall user experience and convenience.

Verdict

The Citizen Tsuyosa is a solid choice for watch enthusiasts, offering impressive features and design at an affordable price. Reviews from real wearers highlight its durability and build quality, noting that the sapphire crystal and hard-wearing stainless steel bracelet hold up well over time. The 40mm size is praised for being versatile and suitable for most wrist sizes.

Users agree that the Tsuyosa provides excellent value for money. With features like the Miyota 8215 movement, over 40 hours of power reserve, a beautiful sunburst dial, and a solid bracelet, it competes well within its price range. Many wearers have expressed satisfaction with its performance, accuracy, and overall aesthetic, making it a popular choice for daily wear. Despite some minor criticisms, such as the difficulty in using the small crown, the general consensus is that the Citizen Tsuyosa is a great value and a stylish, reliable watch.