Compare Citizen Tsuyosa watches: which one’s right for you?

Which Citizen Tsuyosa should you choose?

The Citizen Tsuyosa has quickly developed into one of Citizen's most recognisable automatic watch collections. Its combination of an automatic movement, colourful dials, sapphire crystal and a steel bracelet that flows neatly into the case gives the Tsuyosa its distinctive appearance.

Today, the Tsuyosa is much more than a single watch. Alongside the familiar classic version, you can choose from the Small Second, several Tsuyosa 60 models in 37 and 40 mm, the sportier Shore and even a distinctive combination of Tsuyosa and Promaster Sky.

That means the best choice no longer depends on dial colour alone. Case size, power reserve, water resistance, materials and overall character can also differ considerably between versions.

Start by viewing the complete Citizen Tsuyosa collection at WatchXL to compare the current models and colours.

Want to compare the Tsuyosa with other watches from the Japanese brand? Explore all Citizen watches at WatchXL.

1. The classic Citizen Tsuyosa: the recognisable original

The classic Citizen Tsuyosa with its instantly recognisable colourful dial.

For many watch enthusiasts, the classic Tsuyosa is still the model that immediately comes to mind when they hear the name Citizen Tsuyosa.

The well-known NJ015 models have a case diameter of approximately 40 mm, a steel bracelet that flows neatly into the case and an automatic Citizen movement. At 3 o'clock, you will find the date window with its characteristic magnifier.

Why choose the classic Tsuyosa?

Its strength lies in its simplicity. You get an automatic watch without an overload of complications, but with a distinctive design, sapphire crystal and an unusually broad choice of dial colours.

Many classic models use the Citizen calibre 8210 automatic movement with a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. For everyday wear, that is more than sufficient.

If you mainly want the original Tsuyosa design and do not particularly need a longer power reserve or additional sporty features, the classic Citizen Tsuyosa remains a very logical choice.

2. Citizen Tsuyosa Small Second: more mechanical character

The Citizen Tsuyosa Small Second retains the familiar proportions of the Tsuyosa but gives the dial a noticeably different character.

Instead of a central seconds hand, this version has a separate small-seconds subdial at the bottom of the dial. It may seem like a small change, but it immediately gives the watch a more refined and distinctly mechanical appearance.

Citizen Tsuyosa Small Second with its separate seconds display at 6 o'clock.

Approximately 60 hours of power reserve

Technically, you also get an upgrade. The Citizen calibre 8322 automatic movement offers approximately 60 hours of power reserve when fully wound.

Power reserve tells you how long an automatic watch can continue to run after it has been fully wound and is no longer being worn. This is particularly useful if you regularly alternate between several watches.

Leave the Tsuyosa off your wrist for a day or two and there is a better chance it will still be running when you put it back on. The Small Second is therefore especially interesting if you want to combine the familiar Tsuyosa design with a more refined dial and a longer power reserve.

3. Citizen Tsuyosa 60: 60-hour power reserve in 37 and 40 mm

If you want to retain the recognisable Tsuyosa character but value a longer power reserve, the Citizen Tsuyosa 60 is particularly interesting.

The name already reveals the most important technical difference. The automatic Citizen calibre 8310 offers approximately 60 hours of power reserve. When fully wound, the watch can therefore keep running for around two and a half days without being worn or wound again.

What makes this generation even more interesting is the choice of case sizes. Alongside a 40 mm version, there are several more compact 37 mm models. This makes the Tsuyosa more appealing to smaller wrists and to enthusiasts who prefer more traditional watch proportions.

40 mm for more presence on the wrist

The gold-coloured Citizen NK0022-50A Tsuyosa 60 has a case diameter of 40 mm. The combination of a gold-coloured case and bracelet with a light dial makes this one of the more striking models in the new generation.

Citizen NK0022-50A Tsuyosa 60 in 40 mm with a gold-coloured finish.

37 mm: compact without compromising on the movement

The 37 mm versions are particularly interesting if you want a more compact watch without sacrificing the automatic technology. These models also use calibre 8310 with approximately 60 hours of power reserve.

The Citizen NK0030-51X combines a silver-coloured steel case and bracelet with a fresh blue dial. Thanks to its 37 mm case, it wears noticeably smaller than the original Tsuyosa at around 40 mm.

Citizen NK0030-51X Tsuyosa 60: a compact 37 mm case with approximately 60 hours of power reserve.

Want the same compact proportions with a slightly dressier appearance? The gold-coloured Citizen NK0032-56A is an interesting alternative. Its light dial and gold-coloured finish give this 37 mm Tsuyosa a distinctly more luxurious appearance.

Citizen NK0032-56A Tsuyosa 60 in a compact 37 mm size.

The Tsuyosa 60 is therefore one of the most versatile versions in the current collection. You get the familiar Tsuyosa design, but with a longer power reserve and more choice when it comes to case size.

4. Citizen Tsuyosa Shore: the sportier Tsuyosa

The Citizen Tsuyosa Shore takes the collection in a noticeably sportier direction. Whereas the regular Tsuyosa is primarily designed as a versatile everyday watch, the Shore adds more of the features typically associated with sports watches.

There is also more variety within the Shore range itself. A striking example is the Citizen NJ0238-57E Tsuyosa Shore Limited Edition.

Citizen NJ0238-57E Tsuyosa Shore Limited Edition with sporty styling and luxurious details.

This Limited Edition combines a dark dial with gold-coloured details and a Citizen calibre 8210 automatic movement. Production is limited worldwide and the watch offers approximately 42 hours of power reserve.

With sapphire crystal and 10 bar water resistance, the Shore is also clearly positioned as a sportier option than the classic Tsuyosa models with 5 bar water resistance.

When should you choose the Shore?

Choose the Shore if you like the Tsuyosa design but find the regular version just a little too formal or understated. The bezel, greater water resistance and sportier details give this version considerably more character.

5. Citizen Tsuyosa Promaster Sky: technical, lightweight and robust

The Citizen Tsuyosa Promaster Sky sits furthest away from the more urban appearance of the original Tsuyosa. Here, Citizen combines elements from the Tsuyosa family with the far more technical character of the Promaster Sky range.

A good example is the Citizen NK0044-57E Tsuyosa Promaster Sky.

Citizen NK0044-57E Tsuyosa Promaster Sky: automatic, titanium and distinctly technical.

Super Titanium and approximately 60 hours of power reserve

The 40 mm case and metal bracelet are made from Super Titanium. This lightweight material helps keep the watch surprisingly comfortable despite its robust specifications.

Inside is the automatic Citizen calibre 8314, offering approximately 60 hours of power reserve. Around the dial is a rotating calculation ring, giving the design a clear visual connection to traditional pilot's watches.

Add anti-reflective sapphire crystal and 20 bar water resistance, and this becomes a very different Tsuyosa from the original model.

Choose the Promaster Sky if you are particularly attracted to technical details, titanium, high water resistance and an instrument-inspired appearance. If you mainly want a simple and colourful Tsuyosa for everyday wear, one of the other versions is likely to suit you better.

Which Citizen Tsuyosa is right for you?

The differences become much clearer when you focus on what is genuinely important to you. Below, we compare the main Tsuyosa versions in a mobile-friendly format.

The right version therefore depends on far more than colour alone. Case size, movement, power reserve, materials, water resistance and overall appearance can all differ considerably.

View the Citizen Tsuyosa models at WatchXL and compare the current versions directly in the shop.

Which Citizen Tsuyosa colour should you choose?

Colour remains one of the most enjoyable parts of choosing a Citizen Tsuyosa. A major reason for the collection's popularity is that Citizen goes well beyond the usual black, blue and silver.

Blue and black are easy to combine and work well with both casual and smarter clothing.

Green, light blue and turquoise give the watch more personality and make the dial stand out more clearly.

A yellow Tsuyosa is a real statement. If you already own several watches in neutral colours, a brighter dial can be an especially appealing addition.

Gold-coloured models have also become a more prominent part of the collection. On the Tsuyosa 60 in particular, a gold-coloured case and bracelet give the sporty design a much more luxurious appearance.

Compare the available colours in the Citizen Tsuyosa collection at WatchXL.

Our Citizen Tsuyosa buying advice

Still deciding between a Tsuyosa and another Citizen collection? Explore the complete range of Citizen watches at WatchXL.

Alongside the automatic Tsuyosa models, you will also find Citizen Eco-Drive, Promaster, Super Titanium, radio-controlled watches and many other collections.