Citizen Super Titanium Small Seconds NJ0180-80 Cool Affordable Elegance

Citizen, a vanguard in the watchmaking industry renowned for blending innovation with elegance, has once again pushed the boundaries of horological excellence. Since launching the world's first titanium watch in 1970, the brand has continually refined its expertise, culminating in the development of Super Titanium - a material designed to enhance wearer comfort. This commitment to innovation shines brightly in the newly launched Citizen Super Titanium Forza collection, which introduces three distinct models: the Forza Chrono, the Forza Three-Hand, and the Forza Mechanical. Each model, available in three colorways, showcases Citizen's proprietary Super Titanium construction, with the Chrono and Three-Hand featuring Eco-Drive movements, while the Mechanical boasts an automatic caliber.

In this article, we will focus on the sole Mechanical model - a collection that marries Citizen's cutting-edge Super Titanium technology with the elegance and precision of an automatic movement featuring a small seconds complication. The lineup currently includes four models: NJ0180-80A, NJ0180-80L, NJ0180-80M, and NJ0180-80X, with two additional regional models: NJ0180-80Z and NJ0180-80H. Join us as we delve into the details of this remarkable collection that appeal to watch enthusiasts and casual wearers alike.

Versatile Color Options in the Citizen Super Titanium Collection: The deep green NJ0180-80X (left) and the light green NJ0180-80M (right) showcase the dynamic dial choices available in this premium timepiece lineup.

Design and Aesthetics

The design of the Citizen Super Titanium Small Seconds collection is a blend of modern elegance and functional sophistication. The NJ0180 series is distinguished by its unique dial color and limited edition status. The dial features a sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully, enhancing the watch's visual appeal. The small seconds subdial, positioned at the indices "4" and "5 o'clock", adds a touch of refinement and balance to the overall design.

The case, crafted from Citizen’s proprietary Super Titanium, is not only visually striking but also incredibly durable. The sleek lines and polished surfaces of the case contribute to the watch's contemporary aesthetic. The bracelet, made from the same Super Titanium material, complements the case perfectly, offering both style and comfort. Alternatively, leather strap options are available for those who prefer a more classic look.

The Special textured dial of the Citizen Super Titanium Collection with its sophisticated blue dial.

Among the popular color variants in the Mechanical collection are the NJ0180-80A with its striking silver dial, the NJ0180-80L with its sophisticated blue dial, and the NJ0180-80M featuring a light green dial. The NJ0180-80X, with its deep green color, is the most demanding option in the lineup. Beyond these four core models, the collection also includes two additional variants found exclusively in the EU markets - the copper salmon NJ0180-80Z and grey NJ0180-80H dials.

Materials and Build Quality

Super Titanium, developed by Citizen, is a game-changer in the watch industry. This material is treated with Citizen’s proprietary surface-hardening technology, making it five times harder than stainless steel. As a result, the watches in this collection are highly resistant to scratches and everyday wear and tear, ensuring they retain their pristine appearance for years.

Despite its robustness, Super Titanium is remarkably lightweight, with the entire watch, including the bracelet, weighing just 99 grams. This provides a comfortable wearing experience without compromising on durability. Additionally, Super Titanium is hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive skin. The watches also boast water resistance up to 100 meters, making them suitable for swimming and snorkeling.

The deep green color NJ0180-80X looking elegant on the wrist, with Citizen’s proprietary surface-hardening technology.

Movement and Mechanism

The automatic movement powering the Citizen Super Titanium Small Seconds is a testament to the brand's commitment to precision and reliability. The small seconds complication, a distinctive feature of this collection, is not only aesthetically pleasing but also adds an element of technical sophistication. This feature allows the wearer to keep track of seconds on a separate subdial, enhancing the watch's functionality and visual interest.

The copper salmon dial NJ0180-80Z close look showing the light-brown dial colour with the binding inscription of "Citizen" and "Automation Titanium".

The movement is the in-house Citizen Caliber 8213 automatic movement, featuring 21 jewels and boasting a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. This ensures that the watch remains accurate even if not worn for a couple of days. With a frequency rate of 21,600 beats per hour, the smooth sweeping motion of the second hand, characteristic of automatic movements, further enhances the overall charm and appeal of the watch.

The NJ0180-80A features a striking silver dial color along with an elegantly crafted integrated titanium white bracelet.

Wearability and Comfort

One of the standout features of the Citizen Super Titanium Small Seconds collection is its wearability. The lightweight nature of Super Titanium, combined with the ergonomic design of the case and bracelet, ensures that the watch sits comfortably on the wrist. The case dimensions are well-proportioned, making the watch suitable for various wrist sizes and comfortable for extended wear. The bracelet's links are designed to provide a snug fit without pinching or pulling hair, adding to the overall comfort.

The grey dial NJ0180-80H exudes a sophisticated, modern look on the wrist.

Specifications

• Model: NJ0180-80
• Movement: 8213-21A
• Power Reserve: 40 hours
• Glass: Sapphire crystal
• Case Material: Super Titanium ™
• Case Coating: Duratect TIC
• Special Features: Screw-down case back, Transparent case back
• Water Resistance: 10 bar (100 meters)
• Diameter: 40.5 mm
• Height: 11 mm
• Length: 50 mm
• Weight: 99 grams
• Bracelet Material: Super Titanium ™
• Price: USD 625

Comparisons and Market Position

In Citizen’s extensive lineup, the Super Titanium Small Seconds collection stands out due to its unique combination of advanced materials, elegant design, and technical sophistication. Compared to other models in Citizen’s portfolio, the NJ0180-80 collection offers a higher degree of scratch resistance and lightweight comfort thanks to the use of Super Titanium.

When compared to similar watches from other brands, the Citizen Super Titanium Small Seconds holds its own with its innovative material technology and competitive pricing. The collection is positioned in the mid-to-high-end market segment, appealing to a diverse audience that values both aesthetics and functionality.

Conclusion

The Citizen Super Titanium Small Seconds collection, particularly the NJ0180-80X model, represents a perfect blend of innovation, design, and functionality. From the use of Super Titanium to the precision of the automatic movement, this collection offers a compelling package for watch enthusiasts and general readers alike. Whether you are drawn to its elegant design, superior materials, or the prestige of owning a limited edition piece, the Citizen Super Titanium Small Seconds collection is a testament to Citizen’s legacy of excellence in watchmaking, and a worthy addition to any watch collection.

Written by Victor, images by others as noted

External References

• The Cool and Affordable Citizen Super-Titanium Small Seconds NJ0180 Series
• Hands-On With The Citizen Super Titanium Automatic Small Seconds
• Citizen NJ0180-80X Super Titanium Small Seconds Review: Elegance Meets Durability in Super Titanium