A Masterstroke of Subversive Horology: The Citizen Tsuyosa x Seconde/seconde/ Collaboration

There is a delicate line in the world of mechanical watchmaking between respecting deep-rooted tradition and taking yourself entirely too seriously. At The Coolector, we have an enduring appreciation for brands that are willing to inject a genuine sense of humour into their designs without compromising on the underlying engineering.

When you take a Japanese horological giant and pair them with one of the industry’s most notorious disruptors, the results are bound to be spectacular. Enter the Citizen Tsuyosa x Seconde/seconde/ Collaboration—a brilliant, highly collectible masterclass in horological subversion that effortlessly bridges the gap between classic integrated-bracelet aesthetics and modern satirical art.

The undisputed centerpiece of this incredibly fun timepiece is the work of Parisian artist Romaric André, the creative force behind the Seconde/seconde/ moniker. Known for his mischievous, pixelated modifications to iconic watches, André has taken his signature irreverence to the dial of the fan-favourite Tsuyosa.

Set against a vibrant, multidimensional blue sunburst dial, the standard minutes hand has been entirely replaced by a blocky, 8-bit retro video game-style katana. But the visual punchline does not stop there.

In a brilliant display of lateral thinking, this pixelated Japanese sword appears to have actually slashed through the applied baton hour indices, cleanly slicing them in two. It is a playful disruption that turns the simple passage of time into a literal, continuous act of slicing through the day.

Housing this miniature work of art is the sleek, 1970s-inspired silhouette that has made the modern Tsuyosa line such an undeniable hit among collectors. The brushed and polished stainless steel case measures a highly versatile 40mm in diameter, with a beautifully concise 45mm lug-to-lug profile and an 11.7mm thickness that sits exceptionally well on the wrist.

It maintains its seamless, streamlined aesthetic thanks to an integrated three-link bracelet, which offers a robust yet comfortable wearing experience. To ensure the custom handset and sliced indices remain the focal point, the dial is protected by a professional-grade sapphire crystal, complete with a cyclops magnification window over the date display at 3 o’clock.

Beneath the playful exterior beats a heart of serious, reliable Japanese engineering. Visible through the exhibition case back is the Citizen Caliber 8210 automatic movement, a 21-jewel workhorse that delivers a solid 40-hour power reserve. However, even the case back has been treated as a secondary canvas by the artist.

Printed directly onto the glass is a custom blue block featuring a cynical yet wonderfully poetic inscription: “Being smaller has never stopped Minutes from slicing Hours into pieces.” It is a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates the ethos of the design, proving that immense character can come from the smallest details.

This release is also a testament to the enduring legacy of Citizen Watch Co. Established formally in 1930, the brand has spent nearly a century creating high-quality, accessible timepieces, achieving everything from Japan’s first fully-waterproof wristwatch to holding records for astonishing quartz precision. This specific collaboration is rated for 50 meters of water resistance, making it more than capable of handling the rigours of daily wear.

Priced remarkably at just $495, the Citizen Tsuyosa x Seconde/seconde/ Collaboration is strictly limited to 3,600 pieces worldwide—a clever nod to the exact number of seconds in an hour.

It is a definitive, must-have choice for enthusiasts who value reliable mechanical integrity but refuse to wear a watch that lacks a distinct, razor-sharp edge.

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