The value-driven Citizen NJ015 collection is finally set to hit the US market next week
Dániel Dobai- Five configurations of the much-awaited Citizen NJ015 will finally make its US-market debut on May 23
- At US$450, the Citizen NJ015 presents great value for money within the integrated steel design segment
- Familiar at this price-point, an in-house Citizen 8210 beats inside the sporty case
Citizen, as its name suggests, has been making watches for nearly a century. Known for its affordable timepieces, the brand has cemented itself in the market as a reputable watchmaker. Last year, they caused a stir with the launch of a new collection. The Citizen Tsuyosa became an immediate hit in watch enthusiast circles, despite the difficulties of getting one. For a while, the crowd-pleaser Citizen was only available in select Asian markets. Now, five configurations of the Citizen NJ015 will finally be made available for purchase in the USA beginning May 23.
It’s easy to see why so many have jumped at the release of this model. The NJ015 series plays into a number of trends. Starting with the dial, yes, Tiffany Blue is still around; the brand has not invented anything new. They played it safe by integrating various design cues from many popular watches. Overall, the dial bears a striking resemblance to the Rolex Oyster Perpetual’s, with its baton-style hands and applied indices filled with white luminescent inserts that glow green in the dark. And, the cyclops magnification lens, which some will find hit or miss depending on their preferences, is certainly reminiscent of pieces like the Datejust. But, instead of the matt-lacquered finish found on the OP’s, the five Citizen NJ015 watches hitting the US market all have rich sunburst textures. Other configurations do exist, but the five variants coming to the USA have a black, blue, turquoise, yellow, or green sunburst dial.
With a diameter of 40 millimetres and a height of 11.7 millimetres, the retro-style case hits the right spot for many in terms of dimensions. It has a cool 1980s vibe that has been popular for some time now. It also plays into the integrated bracelet craze. The finishing is detailed enough, with both polished and vertically brushed surfaces. The same goes for the three-link, integrated bracelet with its polished inner links and brushed outer ones. All complemented by a simple stamped clasp with plenty of micro-adjustment holes.
There is only one point where it leaves something to be desired. The 50 metres of water resistance is adequate for everyday life, but a bit risky for a seaside holiday. In true Japanese fashion, the crown is at 4 o’clock and is recessed, making hand-winding an adventurous mission.
The featured Citizen 8210 movement has a power reserve of 40 hours, runs at 3 Hz, and can be observed through the exhibition case back. It is essentially a branded version of the long-proven Miyota 8-series movement, only without hacking.
Up until now, you could only get your hands on one of these watches from unorthodox sources. But, in just a few days on May 23, US buyers who have eagerly awaited the chance to purchase a NJ015 from Citizen will finally get the opportunity to nab one.
Citizen NJ015 pricing and availability:
The Citizen NJ015 collection is already available in select markets, but will be available in the USA May 23, 2023 via the Citizen US e-commerce platform. Price: US$450
| Brand | Citizen |
| Model | Tsuyosa |
| Reference Number | NJ015* |
| Case Dimensions | 40 mm (D) x 11.7 mm (T) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters |
| Dial | Black, blue, turquoise, yellow, or green sunburst dial |
| Crystal | Mineral |
| Strap | integrated 3-link bracelet |
| Movement | Citizen 8210 |
| Power Reserve | 40 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Now in Asia, on May 23, 2003 for the US |
| Price | US$450 |