Power To The People: Citizen and Seconde/Seconde/ Team Up for a Video Game-Inspired Tsuyosa
The Tsuyosa collection’s first-ever collaboration cuts like a knife, and it feels so right.
By Rhonda Riche
Editor-At-Large
Since it was first released in 2022, Citizen’s Tsuyosa line has been a fan favorite amongst enthusiasts. “Tsuyosa” translates into “power” or “strength” from the Japanese. And among the many charms of this collection is that it delivers the wrist presence of a chunky 1970s stainless steel timepiece with an integrated bracelet but offered at an affordable price.
It has also proved to be a versatile family, introducing a wide spectrum of dial colors and case sizes. For anyone looking to get into the watch game, the Tsuyosa is an excellent place to start.
But even experienced collectors will be keen to get their hands on the new Citizen Tsuyosa x seconde/seconde/.
For his latest collaboration, French artist and watch customizer Romaric André (the creative force behind seconde/seconde/) has reimagined the face of the Citizen Tsuyosa by reinterpreting the ideas of power and strength through the lens of Japanese video games.
We think it’s a real winner, and this is why.
It’s Been a Slice
Bringing color and humor to the everyday is a signature of both seconde/seconde/ and the Tsuyosa line. And this watch, which features a pixelated Katana sword serving as a minute hand, certainly serves up a fusion of fun and art. But there is also strength in the design of this 8-bit sword.
For example, the indices look like they have been sliced in half by the razor-sharp weapon. Moreover, the clasp of the bracelet also features sword slashes, and the caseback is printed with a powerful message from seconde/seconde/: “Being smaller has never stopped Minutes from slicing Hours into pieces.”
“As a creative always trying to fuse opposites in order to create impactful contrast, it is such an exciting venture to collaborate with a brand like Citizen,” explained André in a press release for the new piece. “Just a French guy on one side. And a huge and historical Japanese brand on the other. The best collaborations are usually those that bring together parties that initially seem to be at opposite ends of the spectrum.”
The Message
Not gonna lie, although we are not yet two full months into 2026, it has been a challenging year for many people. We could all use a little cheer and inspiration. And this collaboration is happy to oblige, helping boost people’s spirits with its caseback message.
So, what does it mean? “Even someone who appears to be small and weak at first glance has the power to overcome enormous obstacles,” explained André. “The image of the smaller Minutes slicing the larger Hours into pieces is a humorous concept that evokes the courage to take on any kind of challenge in life.”
It’s also fun to celebrate creativity. The solid styling of the Tsuyosa allows this special collaboration to feel quirky without coming across as too twee. More importantly, it’s easy to wear and read.
The sapphire glass features a date magnifier for improved visibility, and the exhibition case back allows the wearer to admire the steady beat of the Calibre 8210 automatic movement with a 40-hour power reserve. The three-link metal bracelet provides extra comfort.
Tsuyosa and seconde/seconde/ collectors will both want to add this example to their watch box.
Pricing & Availability
Limited to 3,600 pieces (because one hour can be chopped into 3,600 seconds), the Citizen Tsuyosa x seconde/seconde/ is available now for $495 and comes in a limited-edition box designed by seconde/seconde/.
For more information, check out the Citizen website.