Citizen’s latest iteration in its Tsuyosa mechanical lineup is a welcome rebirth of the model in a more refined size: the Tsuyosa 37 mm “Time Slip” (ref. NJ0200‑50E). Announced as a limited release, this variant combines striking aesthetics, wearable dimensions, and thoughtful finishing to elevate everyday automatic watches.

This special edition is strictly limited to 8,000 unnumbered pieces worldwide, making it not just any watch, but a collectible nod to Tsuyosa’s growing design legacy.

Dial Aesthetic: Black Gradient with Gold Accents

Where this model truly stands out is in its dial execution. The “Time Slip” features a deep black gradient dial with a subtle texture that darkens toward the outer edges. This effect creates a sense of visual depth and drama—especially under natural light—making it one of the most elegant dials we’ve seen in the Tsuyosa series.

The hands and applied hour markers are finished in gold-tone, providing a warm contrast against the dark background. It’s a bold yet tasteful color combination that gives the watch a slightly dressier tone without sacrificing its sport watch DNA. A framed date window sits at 3 o’clock, and unlike some previous models, the inclusion of a magnifier above the date gives the dial a touch of vintage practicality. The lume-filled hands ensure nighttime readability while maintaining a clean, uncluttered design overall.

Compact Dimensions, Refined Presence

The “Time Slip” continues Citizen’s recent expansion of the Tsuyosa line in a more compact 37 mm case, measuring just 11.5 mm thick. While the original Tsuyosa made waves in its 40 mm format, the move toward this smaller sizing began earlier in 2024 with pastel and vibrant dial editions aimed at a broader, more style-conscious audience. This latest limited edition takes that more wearable size and pairs it with a darker, more mature design language.

With a lug-to-lug length of around 40 mm, the 37 mm Tsuyosa hits an appealing middle ground—comfortable on a wide range of wrists while still maintaining enough visual presence to feel like a proper modern sports watch. For those who found the 40 mm version a touch too bold or simply prefer vintage-style proportions, this case size continues to offer a more balanced alternative.

Movement: Reliable and Familiar Mechanics

Powering the Time Slip is Citizen’s in-house Caliber 8210 automatic movement. This is a tried-and-true workhorse from the Miyota family, known for its solid reliability and ease of maintenance. Beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour, the movement provides a power reserve of approximately 42 hours—enough to get you through the weekend if you put it down on a Friday evening.

Crucially, the movement supports both manual winding and hacking seconds—welcome features that improve usability, especially when setting the time precisely. Flip the watch over, and you’ll find a display caseback that shows off the rotor and mechanical heartbeat, giving wearers a satisfying glimpse into the automatic movement inside. It may not be the most elaborately decorated caliber, but the view serves as a reminder of the mechanical value housed within this under-$500 watch.

Design & Finish: Integrated Style and Ergonomic Charm

Like the rest of the Tsuyosa family, the Time Slip leans heavily into the integrated bracelet aesthetic. The stainless steel bracelet features brushed outer links and polished center links, lending just the right amount of contrast without veering into flashiness. It flows seamlessly into the case, creating a unified and upscale look that rivals much more expensive sport watches.

One subtle but important design cue is the crown positioning at 4 o’clock. It tucks in nicely against the wrist and preserves the symmetry of the case, while also improving overall comfort. The case itself has brushed surfaces with polished accents along the chamfered edges, giving the watch dynamic light play and elevating it beyond simple tool watch territory.

Up top, you get a flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, a major win at this price point. Combined with 50 meters of water resistance and a slim 11.5 mm profile, the Time Slip is ready for nearly any daily scenario—from commutes and coffee shops to dinner dates and casual travel.

How It Compares to Other 37 mm Tsuyosa Variants

Since its launch, the 37 mm Tsuyosa line has expanded to include bright, bold and playful dial colors like ice blue, deep green and bold purple. Those models are youthful and eye-catching, aimed at buyers who want their watch to pop. By contrast, the Time Slip opts for restraint and refinement. Its black dial and gold details give it a more mature, versatile feel—making it ideal for office wear or evening outings where a louder color might feel out of place.

It’s the most elegant execution of the Tsuyosa design so far. While the others play with boldness and vibrancy, the Time Slip leans into timeless appeal—arguably making it the most enduring of the bunch.

Final Thoughts

The Tsuyosa 37 mm “Time Slip” is Citizen at its best—offering an automatic sports watch with timeless styling, compact proportions, and reliable mechanics, all for an approachable price. The limited edition nature adds collectibility, but it’s the wearability and design refinement that make it a standout.

If you’ve been eyeing the Tsuyosa line but wanted something a little more discreet, more elegant, and more suited to daily versatility, the Time Slip may be the perfect fit. With its gradient black dial, gold accents, and updated 37 mm case size, this release feels like the most grown-up Tsuyosa yet.

Tsuyosa “Time Slip” – Specs

• Case Diameter: 37 mm
• Thickness: 11.5 mm
• Lug-to-Lug: ~40 mm
• Movement: Citizen Caliber 8210 (automatic, ~42h power reserve)
• Frequency: 21,600 bph (3 Hz)
• Manual winding & hacking: Yes
• Crystal: Sapphire with AR coating
• Dial: Gradient black with gold-tone markers and hands
• Date: Framed window at 3 o’clock with cyclops magnifier
• Caseback: Display (screw-down)
• Water Resistance: 50 m (5 bar)
• Crown Position: 4 o’clock
• Bracelet: Integrated stainless steel, brushed and polished
• Limited Edition: 8,000 pieces (not numbered)
• Approx. Price: $495 / £299.00