The New, Ultra-Accessible Citizen Automatic NJ0210 Dress and NJ022 Diver-Style Series

When it comes to finding some of the most accessible automatic watches on the market, at least coming from established and reputable brands, it is hard to beat what Citizen has on offer. Whatever the style you’re looking for, the brand has something for you. Looking for a chic, sporty watch with a 1980s vibe? The Tsuyosa is here for you. You want something more formal for business days… Check the Day/Date NY4058 series. A sporty pilot watch? Then again, Citizen has something for you. And there’s also the Challenge Diver, if you want to explore the depths. And to kick off 2026, Citizen has just unveiled two new series, the casual NJ0210 and the dive-inspired NJ022… All priced well below 250 euros. 

The name of the brand is no coincidence. Indeed, for over 100 years, Citizen’s stated mission has been to offer the right watch for every budget and every requirement. From premium models to affordable watches, the brand has something for everyone and every budget. And yet, there’s no compromise on quality, reliability and precision. Besides an array of new solar-powered watches (as you know, not our cup of tea here, at MONOCHROME…), Citizen has just released several new models with automatic movements, classic designs and, let’s go straight to the point, some of the best quality/price ratios on the market of established manufactures (because yes, Citizen does almost everything in-house).

The automatic dress series NJ0210

Let’s agree that the whole “dress watch” name remains debatable… Classic, casual, everyday-styled would be, without a doubt, more suitable names for this series. Anyway, let’s not lose time on this. What we’re looking at with these new automatic models are classic watches that are meant to be worn daily, from the office to a more active weekend. The case, which measures 40mm in diameter and 13.02mm in thickness (one of the drawbacks of these entry-level collections), is made of stainless steel and features nice stepped lugs and a thin polished bezel. The dial is protected by a mineral crystal and another one allows for viewing the movement. Water-resistance is rated at 50m.

Three versions of this new series are released, in black, blue or silvery-white. For all, the dial is fairly detailed with an angled inner flange marked with a 60-minute scale and a detailed railroad track next to the hour markers. The faceted hands are polished, without lume (limiting the use of the watch a bit) and a date is set at 3 o’clock. Depending on the dial, you’ll have the choice between a colour-matched leather strap or a more casual 5-row steel bracelet.

Inside the case is the well-known calibre 8210, the same movement as used in the Tsuyosa, but here presented in a slightly more appealing version with brushed and silver-toned bridges. This automatic movement runs at a 3Hz frequency, stores about 40 hours of power reserve and has a minimum accuracy of -20/+40 seconds per day. The new Citizen Automatic Dress Series NJ0210 is priced at EUR 239 on leather strap and EUR 249 on steel bracelet. Available as of now.

Quick specs: 40mm x 13.02mm steel case – mineral crystal front and back – 50m water-resistant – automatic calibre 8210, 3Hz, 40h power reserve – leather strap with pin buckle or steel bracelet with folding clasp – NJ0210-05E black, NJ0210-13L blue, NJ0210-56A white – from EUR 239 to EUR 249

The Automatic Diver-Style Series NJ022

If you’re looking for something sportier, but then again, without breaking the bank, then the new NJ022 Series shouldn’t be overlooked. First, it must be noted that we’re not looking at true dive watches here, but more sports models with moderate aquatic capabilities – no rotating bezel or screw-down crown here. If you’re looking for an accessible, proper dive watch, then the Challenge Diver should be on your list.

These new automatic NJ022 models are compact steel watches measuring 38.5mm in diameter, with a more restrained thickness of 11.5mm. Equipped with mineral crystals on both sides, the water resistance is rated at 100m, suitable for classic summer activities. As said, the bezel is fixed but still features a metallic insert with a 60-minute scale.

Three versions are available, all with tone-on-tone bezels and grained dials: classic black (NJ0221-50E), green (NJ0220-52X) and a more muted grey/silver model (NJ0229-07A), the latter being worn on a light pink urethane strap, while the two others opt for a 3-row stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp. Once again, inside is the automatic Calibre 8210. These diver-style models are priced at EUR 239 on strap and EUR 249 on bracelet.

Quick specs:  38.5mm x 11.52mm steel case – mineral crystal front and back – 100m water-resistant – automatic calibre 8210, 3Hz, 40h power reserve – leather strap with pin buckle or steel bracelet with folding clasp – NJ0220-52X green, NJ0221-50E black, NJ0229-07A silver – from EUR 239 to EUR 249

For more details, please visit citizenwatch.eu.