Introduction: A Refresh with Purpose
Since its 2022 refresh, the Citizen Tsuyosa line has stood out in the crowded field of affordable, sport-inspired watches with integrated bracelets. The Tsuyosa 60 Automatic represents a thoughtful evolution over the original Tsuyosa NJ015 family, building on strengths while addressing several criticisms. If you’ve wondered just how good this upgraded model is, you’ve come to the right place.
What Stays the Same—and What Improves
Two sizes have defined the Tsuyosa lineup: 40mm and 37mm. The Tsuyosa 60 Automatic keeps the 40mm case profile and its compact, wrist-friendly 45mm lug-to-lug measurement, coupled with a 11.7mm thickness. The stainless steel case retains the vertical brushing with polished bevels, a hallmark of the model’s clean, sporty-elegant look. While some might prefer a taller profile for presence, the 60 Automatic’s dimensions help it sit legibly on a wide range of wrists.
Externally, the 60 Automatic earns a refreshed bracelet design. The five-link jubilee-style bracelet, with a brushed outer tier and polished inner links, feels more refined than the prior three-link construction. The new concealed butterfly clasp looks cohesive with the case, though it lacks micro-adjustment holes for on-the-fly sizing. The caseback remains a screw-down affair with a see-through mineral window, and the crown sits at 4 o’clock for ergonomic use, albeit a bit recessed for some hands.
Dial and Legibility
Citizen introduces a dial with more texture—an understated stamped, guilloché-like pattern that adds depth without sacrificing legibility. The hour markers and hands stay brightly lumed, matching the case’s color and ensuring good readability in daily conditions. The date window benefits from a flat sapphire crystal with a magnifier, a feature retained from the NJ015 that continues to elevate perceived value in this segment.
Movement and Performance
The Tsuyosa 60 Automatic shifts to the calibre 8310, replacing the 8210 from the NJ015. The most notable mechanical upgrade is the power reserve, now rated at 60 hours—an improvement of about 20 hours—and a more robust sense of reliability on extended wear. The movement retains a 3Hz beat rate with hacking seconds and is regulation-friendly, typically delivering better accuracy than the stated -20/+40 seconds per day in real-world use. Aesthetically, the 8310 is a marked upgrade: rhodium-plated components, blue screws, an openworked rotor, and striped bridges give it a more premium visual cadence than the earlier variant.
Practical Considerations
The Tsuyosa 60 Automatic continues to wear with a splash of versatility suitable for daily office wear or casual weekend outings. Water resistance remains 50 meters, which is adequate for daily splashes but not for swimming or diving. If you want a watch with more water resilience, you’ll likely look elsewhere. For those who value a comfortable, understated sport watch with a touch of dressy polish, the 60 Automatic hits a sweet spot.
Variants, Availability, and Price
Citizen launched three dial variations for the Tsuyosa 60 Automatic. The NK0020-55E features a classic uncoated steel case and black dial; NK0024-54X offers a two-tone yellow gold IP with a green dial for a 1980s vibe; and NK0023-57L dons rose gold on the case with a dark blue dial. While the prices circulate around EUR 379 or USD 575 in steel with a black dial, the value proposition becomes the core selling point. In this segment, the Tsuyosa 60 Automatic sits between entry-level Swiss options and higher-end microbrands, offering a compelling blend of design, features, and price.
Value Proposition: Is It Worth It?
Compared with peers like Seiko 5 Sports and mid-range options from Tissot PRX competitors, the Tsuyosa 60 Automatic delivers competitive value. It may not match the finishing and brand prestige of Swiss brands, but it offers real design language, a modern dial texture, a more refined bracelet, and a longer power reserve in a package that feels premium for the money. If your goal is a versatile, well-built daily wearer with a contemporary look and honest pricing, the Tsuyosa 60 Automatic makes a strong case.
Conclusion: Good, Not Perfect, Great Value
Citizen has refined the Tsuyosa with the 60 Automatic, upgrading the movement, dial texture, and bracelet while maintaining the original’s accessible price point. The result is a watch that feels more premium and more complete without crossing into luxury territory. It isn’t flawless—the 50-meter water resistance and the lack of micro-adjust on the bracelet are minor quibbles—but the overall package is hard to beat in its class. If you want a stylish, reliable daily wearer with a modern aesthetic and an appealing price, the Tsuyosa 60 Automatic deserves serious consideration.
