IFL Watches Citizen Tsuyosa Concept Collection: An Artistic Tribute to Japan

In the world of watch enthusiasts, a new limited-edition timepiece always creates a buzz. Recently, IFL Watches unveiled an impressive new series-the Citizen Tsuyosa Concept Collection-which serves as an artistic tribute to Japanese culture. As a photographer and watch collector, I found myself deeply intrigued by this unique series. The combination of artistry and horology in these timepieces not only resonates with my passion for capturing the beauty of watches through photography but also highlights the cultural richness of Japan.

Citizen's Tsuyosa collection features hand-painted dials of historic Japanese cities, blending traditional art with modern watchmaking.

Introduction to IFL Watches

Although IFL Watches is a relatively young brand, its bold and innovative design philosophy has already made waves in the watch industry. Founded in Stockholm, IFL Watches is renowned for its unique customizations of classic timepieces. The brand often collaborates with established watchmakers to breathe new life into iconic designs. This collaboration with Citizen represents the pinnacle of their creativity.

IFL Watches, a young Stockholm brand, transforms classic timepieces with bold customizations. Their collaboration with Citizen showcases innovative design.

Citizen’s Legacy and the Tsuyosa Series

As a photographer, I value the intricate craftsmanship of watches, from dial textures to polished cases. Watch photography goes beyond images-it tells the story of design and artistry. The Citizen Tsuyosa Concept Collection challenges me to convey both its cultural inspiration and technical precision through my lens.

Citizen, a century-old Japanese watchmaker, is renowned for precision and reliability. The Tsuyosa series, celebrated for its timeless design and value, became IFL Watches’ canvas for this project. They transformed it with four hand-painted dials, each honoring a historically significant Japanese city.

Citizen's Tsuyosa dials burst with vibrant colors that catch the eye. Each watch face offers a unique personality through its distinctive hue.

Design and Specifications

From a technical perspective, the collection retains the core strengths of the original Tsuyosa series. It features a 40mm stainless steel case with a thickness of 11.7mm and a length of 49mm-dimensions that are ideal for most men’s wrists. The case primarily showcases brushed finishing, while the polished bezel adds a touch of elegance. The crown is positioned at 4 o’clock, seamlessly blending into the overall design.

The Hand-Painted Dials: The Soul of Artistry

The standout feature of this collection is undoubtedly the hand-painted dials. Each dial is meticulously crafted by skilled artists to depict the unique charm of four Japanese cities. This fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern design beautifully reflects Japan’s harmonious blend of heritage and innovation.

Hand-painted dials depict four Japanese cities, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Tokyo Concept (top left), Hiroshima Concept (top right), Osaka Concept (bottom left), and Kyoto Concept (bottom right).

• Tsuyosa Tokyo Concept

Captures the intimate warmth of Tokyo's yokocho alleys with glowing lanterns and steaming ramen shops, highlighting the cozy, authentic heart of daily Japanese life rather than its modern skyline.

• Tsuyosa Osaka Concept

Pulses with nightlife energy through deep blues and electric purples, featuring mysterious silhouettes that blend ancient samurai spirit with contemporary urban culture in a cyberpunk-meets-historical aesthetic.

• Tsuyosa Kyoto Concept

Embodies cultural elegance with a meticulously rendered temple extending into the distance like a sumi-e painting, where golden light plays across traditional architecture to evoke centuries of contemplation.

• Tsuyosa Hiroshima Concept

Honors resilience through the serene "floating" Itsukushima torii gate in soft dawn colors, creating a meditative reflection on peace, permanence, and the delicate nature of time.

Movement and Performance

The collection is powered by Citizen’s in-house 8210 automatic movement. Operating at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, it offers a power reserve of 40 hours. According to Citizen’s specifications, the movement achieves an average accuracy of ±20 seconds per day. While this may not rival some high-end Swiss movements, it delivers impressive performance given its price point.

Citizen’s 8210 movement offers a 40-hour power reserve and ±20 seconds/day accuracy, balancing reliability and affordability.

Pricing and Exclusivity

Each model in this collection is limited to just 50 pieces and is priced at €890. While this is significantly higher than the standard Tsuyosa models, the price reflects the exclusivity and craftsmanship involved in creating these hand-painted dials.

Cultural Canvas for the Wrist

What makes this collection particularly compelling is how it celebrates different facets of Japanese culture through skilled artistry. Each dial tells a distinct story-from Tokyo's intimate street scenes to Osaka's vibrant nightlife, from Kyoto's historic temples to Hiroshima's symbols of peace. The four timepieces collectively showcase Japan's remarkable ability to preserve traditional aesthetics while embracing contemporary expression.

The Citizen Tsuyosa serves as the perfect foundation for these artistic visions, combining reliable Japanese watchmaking with hand-painted creativity. For collectors seeking something beyond conventional timepieces, this limited series of 50 pieces per design offers a meaningful connection to Japanese heritage that transforms a daily accessory into a meaningful cultural expression.

Written by Toni, images by others as noted