The Accessible Citizen Tsuyosa Automatic now in 37mm

First presented in 2022, inspired by a popular model from the late 1990s (even though its design screams 1980s), the Citizen Tsuyosa instantly became a hit. And for obvious reasons… With its trendy design playing on the vibe of elegant sports watches, its vibrant and fun colours, its solid automatic movement and a rather unbeatable price, considering we’re talking about a venerable integrated manufacture, the recipe proved very successful. Now, the watch that has taken its name from the word for strength in Japanese will become slightly less strong. Indeed, we’re here to talk about the much anticipated reduced version, the new Citizen Tsuyosa 37mm. 

With this collection presented about 3 years ago, Citizen once again demonstrated being one of the most prolific watch brands in the disputed segment of entry-level mechanical models… We’ve seen this recently with the Urban Military NJ0190 Series or the Mechanical Day/Date NY4058 series, both great options in the sub-300 euros segment, with either a sporty look or a classic attire. Yet, the Tsuyosa Automatic punched even harder, launching at the right time, when the market was asking for accessible watch with a 1970s/1980s sporty-elegant vibe. Switzerland came with the PRX, which was also a success. Japan decided to strike on another segment, even more accessible, and that the brand knows perfectly well. And with this Tsuyosa 40mm NJ015 series, Citizen created its best-selling watch… Well, somehow recreated.

Indeed, the Tsuyosa doesn’t come out of the blue entirely, as it can be seen as the modern successor to the equally popular NH299 series, which was one of Citizen’s best-selling mechanical watch lines in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The overall design was there already, but the Tsuyosa added a touch of modernity and fun, being released in many different colours, ranging from ultra-classic black to salmon, camo, orange or cool, on-trend gradient blue or ice blue dials. There was, however, one potential issue with the original Tsuyosa: its size. While its 40mm diameter is suitable for most men, it could be a bit too large for younger enthusiasts (the Tsuyosa is a great gift for a teenager), for women who were looking for a sporty watch, or simply for those who prefer a more compact watch. And Citizen has listened because we now have a mid-size version with the Citizen Tsuyosa 37mm.

Still cool-looking, still mechanical, still mostly the same watch as before, the Citizen Tsuyosa 37mm is basically 3mm smaller and… Well, that’s about it. Jokes aside, Citizen – at least in my opinion – has made the right choice to only reduce the diameter while not touching to anything else on the watch – the specifications are copied from the 40mm version. That being said, it is well known that changing the proportions of a watch can have a drastic effect on the way it wears, feels and looks.

As you can see in our comparison images above, taking the dimensions out of the equation – and in fact, only the diameter changes – everything seems identical. The new Citizen Tsuyosa 37mm has a short case of about 43mm, versus 45mm for the 40mm model. The thickness of the case, due to the use of the same movement, remains almost unchanged at 11.5mm (0.2mm thinner). But of course, the feeling on the wrist is marginally different, with a watch that feels more compact yet a bit thicker – something that has to do with the diameter/thickness ratio.

That being said, it is a very comfortable watch to wear, at least according to my standards. The thickness is present, but never problematic, thanks to a design that somehow “absorbs” some of the height – the casebands are thin while the caseback is rather pronounced, but also the connection between the case and the bracelet sits high, meaning that you don’t necessarily see the thickness of the case. Regarding the diameter, I personally prefer it to the 40mm version, and I feel that this slightly old-school design works better in mid-size, particularly on my 16.5cm wrist… And it also means a smaller dial that looks less empty. The good thing is that you don’t have to worry about liking or not this new Tsuyosa 37mm, as the classic 40mm isn’t going anywhere. It’s here to stay.

As for the rest of the case, nothing has changed. The design, with the barrel-shaped case, is identical, and the slightly recessed crown at 4 o’clock, which streamlines the look and participates in the comfort, remains. The dial is protected by a flat sapphire crystal, with a magnifier over the date window – the latter is closer to the edge due to the smaller diameter. Water-resistance is still 50 metres, there’s still a see-through back and the finishing of the case is copied from the 40mm model, with alternating brushed surfaces and polished accents.

The Citizen Tsuyosa 37mm is released as a collection of 3 watches, with 3 fashionable colours – for now (I’m convinced that more will come). All dials are lightly brushed with applied markers and hands generously filled with luminescent material, and the date is, whatever the colour, printed on a white disc – which isn’t too problematic with the magnifier. Citizen gives the choice between the NJ0200-50X Dark Green (a slightly different shade of green to the 40mm model), the NJ0200-50Z Pastel Pink with a rather discreet pink hue and finally, the all-important NJ0200-50L Ice Blue that has already been a success for the 40mm model.

As for the bracelet, the Tsuyosa 37mm is playing along the same lines as its larger brother, with the same soft and flexible bracelet with rounded links (with a President vibe) that tapers sharply towards the buckle. The bracelet is finished with polished and matte surfaces to match the case, and it is surprisingly supple – it has that 1980s/1990s steel bracelet vibe that we’ve lost on modern watches. It is closed by a folding clasp with push-button release and features 3 small holes for fine adjustment of the length – which requires a tool.

As for the movement, no changes either. The Tsuyosa 37mm relies on the same automatic calibre 8210 as the 40mm edition. This entry-level movement comes with 21 jewels, runs at a 3Hz frequency and stores about 42 hours of power reserve when fully wound. It has a minimum claimed accuracy of -20/+40 sec/day (it often performs better) and includes a stop-seconds function. The decoration is reduced to the bare minimum, with uncoated brass bridges despite the movement being visible under a transparent back – as always, I’d prefer a nice closed back. (Editor’s note: we couldn’t photograph the movement as the watches you see are non-working prototypes).

All in all, the Citizen Tsuyosa 37mm is a welcome addition to the collection, expanding the potential fan base. Proportions are great (at least to my taste), the quality always surprises me considering the price, Citizen made the right choice to only downsize the diameter and not touch anything else (which also means that the complaints some might have with the 40mm won’t be addressed) and the colours offered for this first trio are cool. And yes, the price is still very fair, at EUR 299. The watch is now available from Citizen retailers. For more details, please visit CitizenWatch.eu or CitizenWatch-Global.com.