New hands-on images of the Citizen Tsuyosa x seconde/seconde/ limited edition watch reveal how its polarizing pixel-art katana design translates to real-world wear, with the bright blue sunray dial and distinctive 8-bit minute hand looking even more striking in natural light than in promotional renders.
The Citizen Tsuyosa x seconde/seconde/ limited edition watch continues to generate buzz with fresh hands-on images that showcase how its unconventional design translates from studio renders to real-world wear. The collaboration between Citizen and the French design studio seconde/seconde/ has produced a timepiece that fans either love or hate, with its distinctive pixel-art aesthetic making it one of the most polarizing releases in recent memory.
New images shared by Reddit user u/crimsontidepride on r/CitizenWatches provide an early, detailed look at the watch's execution, revealing that the visual concept holds up remarkably well in natural conditions. The bright blue sunray dial proves particularly effective, catching light beautifully and creating a dynamic appearance that shifts from bright electric blue to deeper tones depending on viewing angle. Interestingly, the dial appears more saturated in these real-world shots compared to promotional material, suggesting the actual product may have richer color depth than initially indicated.
The pixel-art katana minute hand remains the undeniable centerpiece of the design. In the hands-on images, its stepped, block-like 8-bit texture is pronounced and well-defined, living up to the retro gaming aesthetic that seconde/seconde/ is known for. The clever design element where several hour markers appear visually "cut" where the sword passes through holds up under close inspection, demonstrating the attention to detail in the execution.
While the katana hand dominates visually, the standard hour and seconds hands maintain clean, conventional shapes. This design choice appears intentional, ensuring the katana remains the focal point without visual competition. The contrast between the elaborate minute hand and the understated hour markers creates a balanced composition that prevents the design from becoming overwhelming.
The bracelet clasp receives special attention in the images, showcasing engraved "cut" marks along with both the Citizen logo and seconde/seconde/ branding. The finishing appears predominantly brushed, with polished center links on the integrated three-link bracelet providing welcome contrast. This combination of finishes adds depth and sophistication to the overall aesthetic.
On-wrist shots suggest the 40mm stainless-steel case maintains Tsuyosa's reputation for compact, approachable proportions. The exhibition caseback reveals the automatic Caliber 8210 movement, accompanied by a unique printed message that reads, "Being smaller has never stopped Minutes from slicing Hours into pieces." This playful text perfectly encapsulates the watch's conceptual approach while adding personality to the technical specifications.
From a technical standpoint, the watch features sapphire crystal, 5 bar water resistance, and stainless steel construction - specifications that align with Citizen's quality standards while keeping the price accessible. The combination of these practical features with the bold design makes it an intriguing option for collectors seeking something distinctive without sacrificing everyday wearability.
The collaboration represents an interesting intersection of traditional watchmaking and contemporary digital culture. seconde/seconde/'s signature approach of reimagining watch hands with unexpected shapes and themes finds a particularly apt expression in the katana design, which plays with the concept of time being "cut" or divided in a literal and figurative sense.
For those considering adding this limited edition to their collection, the hands-on images suggest the watch delivers on its conceptual promise. The design that might seem challenging in studio renders appears to work even better in natural light and on the wrist, with the blue dial's dynamic qualities and the katana hand's pronounced texture creating a compelling visual experience.
The polarizing nature of the design means it won't appeal to everyone, but for those who appreciate watches that make a statement and embrace unconventional aesthetics, the Citizen Tsuyosa x seconde/seconde/ limited edition appears to be a successful execution of a bold concept. The attention to detail in both the visible and hidden elements suggests it's a thoughtfully crafted piece that rewards closer inspection.
As limited edition collaborations continue to grow in popularity within the watch industry, this Citizen release demonstrates how established brands can successfully partner with contemporary designers to create pieces that feel fresh and relevant while maintaining the technical reliability expected from the manufacturer.
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