Get ready to have your wrist game sliced—literally. The Citizen Tsuyosa x seconde/seconde/ collaboration is here, and it’s as sharp as it is controversial. Romaric André, the French artist behind seconde/seconde/, is no stranger to turning heads with his playful, provocative watch customizations. Known for his witty and literal interpretations of timepiece design, André has now set his sights on the Citizen Tsuyosa, a 1980s-inspired sporty-chic watch that’s become a commercial darling since its 2022 debut. But here’s where it gets edgy: instead of a classic sword-shaped hand, this limited edition features a literal sword hand—complete with battle scars on the dial. Yes, you read that right. The hour markers? Sliced to pieces. The result? A timepiece that’s equal parts bold, humorous, and divisive. Is it genius or gimmick? You decide.
For those already familiar with seconde/seconde/, this collaboration is a no-brainer. But for the uninitiated, let’s break it down. The Citizen Tsuyosa has been a fan favorite for its accessible take on luxury, blending retro vibes with modern appeal. Its integrated bracelet, bold color options, and recent upmarket evolutions like the Tsuyosa 60 Automatic have solidified its place in the watch world. Yet, this partnership with seconde/seconde/ takes it to a whole new level—or does it? And this is the part most people miss: while the case remains largely unchanged (40mm stainless steel, sapphire crystal, and a 50m water resistance that could use an upgrade), the dial is where the magic—or madness—happens. The pixelated sword hand isn’t just a design choice; it’s a statement. The phrase on the caseback, “Being smaller has never stopped minutes from slicing hours into pieces,” sums it up perfectly. It’s clever, it’s cheeky, and it’s undeniably unique. But is it too much? Some purists might cringe, while others will applaud its audacity.
Beneath the surface, the watch houses Citizen’s reliable in-house calibre 8210, a workhorse movement with a 42-hour power reserve. This limited edition, however, gets a subtle upgrade with an openworked rotor and silver-toned bridges, adding a touch of refinement to the otherwise utilitarian movement. Paired with a 3-link steel bracelet and a folding clasp adorned with sword slashes, it’s a package that’s as functional as it is fun. At EUR 449 (USD 475) and limited to 3,600 pieces, it’s a statement piece that won’t break the bank—but it might spark a debate.
So, here’s the burning question: Is the Tsuyosa x seconde/seconde/ a masterpiece of creativity or a step too far? Let’s be honest—watches are often taken too seriously, and this collaboration is a refreshing reminder to have some fun. But does its playful design sacrifice practicality? After all, those sliced indices might not be the easiest to read. Or is that the point? To challenge our expectations of what a watch can—and should—be? One thing’s for sure: this isn’t your average timepiece. It’s a conversation starter, a work of art, and a bold statement all rolled into one. Love it or hate it, you can’t ignore it. What’s your take? Is this collaboration a stroke of genius or a swing and a miss? Sound off in the comments—we’re all ears.
