Citizen Tsuyosa x seconde/seconde/ Limited Edition: A Katana-Wielding Timepiece with Blue Sunray Dial

After dropping a series of cryptic teasers over the past week, Citizen has finally lifted the curtains on its new limited-edition Tsuyosa watch created in collaboration with French artist seconde/seconde/. The result is a visually arresting automatic watch featuring a unique blue sunburst dial and a minute hand inspired by a Japanese katana sword. Only 3,600 units will be available globally.

Design That Slices Through Convention

The dial is where seconde/seconde/'s out-of-the-box design language takes center stage. Rendered in a rich sunburst blue, the dial catches the light dynamically, but the fun part comes from the pixel-art katana minute hand slicing across the face, with all the applied hour markers appearing as if they've been cut straight through by the sword.

This playful theme extends throughout the watch's details. The bracelet clasp carries engraved "cut" marks, while the exhibition caseback features a message from seconde/seconde/: "Being smaller has never stopped Minutes from slicing Hours into pieces," explaining the design's narrative.

Technical Specifications

The watch retains the Tsuyosa's approachable proportions, housed in a 40mm silver-tone stainless steel case with an integrated three-link bracelet. It weighs 136 grams and fits wrists ranging from 145mm to 208mm, thanks to a push-button folding clasp.

A sapphire crystal protects the dial, while a magnified date window at 3 o'clock and luminous hands and markers preserve everyday usability. Water resistance is rated at 50 meters, making it suitable for daily wear but not serious aquatic use.

Movement and Performance

Inside is Citizen's automatic Caliber 8210, a workhorse mechanical movement with hacking seconds, manual winding capability, and a power reserve of around 42 hours. The movement beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour and is visible through the transparent caseback, reinforcing the watch's mechanical appeal.

Limited Availability and Pricing

The Citizen Tsuyosa x seconde/seconde (NJ0157-81L) ships in custom packaging designed by the artist Romaric André, featuring cut marks left by a katana. Limited to 3,600 units worldwide, the watch will be available through select Citizen retailers and the company's online stores across the US, Japan, Europe, Asia, and Oceania for $495 / ¥73,700 / €449.

This collaboration represents Citizen's continued push into the fashion-forward watch segment, following successful partnerships with other artists and designers. The Tsuyosa platform provides an accessible entry point into mechanical watches, while seconde/seconde/'s distinctive aesthetic adds collectible appeal for enthusiasts who appreciate watches that don't take themselves too seriously.

The combination of traditional watchmaking with contemporary design elements creates a timepiece that bridges multiple audiences – from mechanical watch purists who appreciate the Caliber 8210 to design enthusiasts drawn to the katana-themed execution. At under $500, it positions itself as an accessible luxury item that doesn't compromise on either mechanical authenticity or creative expression.