Photography by Sean Lorentzen
Citizen has been on an absolute tear of late, leaning hard into the integrated bracelet sports watch market with the Tsuyosa Collection and, most recently, the new Series 8 and Zenshin collections. The Zenshin Collection (N.B.: The collection was originally called the Forza collection) includes two time-and-date models (one automatic, one Eco-Drive) and a new Eco-Drive chronograph — all in Citizen’s Super Titanium and featuring an array of eye-catching dials. We had an opportunity to go hands-on with the new Zenshin Chronos to see if they are as nice on the wrist as they look on the page.
The fact that the Zenshin Chrono is crafted from Super Titanium will be no surprise for anyone who’s followed the brand. Citizen pioneered the use of titanium in watchmaking, starting with X-8 Chronometer back in 1970, and it hasn’t let off the gas since. The key with Super Titanium is that you not only get the light weight, corrosion resistance, and hypoallergenic properties for which titanium is known, but you also get a scratch-resistant surface-hardening treatment that keeps the titanium looking fresh and clean, ameliorating one of the criticisms sometimes levied at the material.
Titanium was a solid choice, especially for the Zenshin Chrono, as it measures in at a not-insubstantial 42.5mm in diameter. Were this a mechanical chronograph, that diameter would make for a hefty watch, indeed, but with the mix of titanium and lightweight Eco-Drive quartz movement powering the Zenshin Chrono, you get a relatively large chronograph that manages to wear quite comfortably on the wrist. While part of the wearing experience comes from the case shape with its short lugs, the most important aspect is how the watch itself integrates with the bracelet.
With an aggressive taper and single-link design, the Zenshin collection is a great example of exactly why integrated bracelet watches will never fully go out of style. By designing a watch without the constraint of needing to fit aftermarket straps, Citizen was able to focus solely on the ergonomics and aesthetics of a single bracelet-based design. The look of the single-link bracelet won’t be for everyone, but it reminds me a bit of a stripped-down and angular Moser Streamliner bracelet — and that’s not a bad thing, as that is one of the most visually and physically sumptuous bracelets on the market. The bracelet is finished off with a simple foldover push-button clasp. Nothing fancy, as expected at this price point, but it works.
Citizen may be best known for its titanium cases and myriad technologies under the hood, but thanks in large part to “The Citizen” line, the brand is finally getting some long-overdue recognition for its stellar dials (just take a look at those Washi paper dials on The Citizen — chef’s kiss). Indeed, Citizen seems to be leaning heavily into its dials with many new releases, and the colors and textures we get on the Zenshin collection are really the highlight of this new line.
While you get other color options in the three-hand Zenshin models, the Zenshin Chrono is offered in silver, blue, and salmon. The texture has an organic feel with a metallic sheen, which creates a dynamic dial that is truly superb at this price point of well under $1k. The silver is a solid choice if you’re after a subdued and dressier option. And while salmon may be the most nebulous descriptor of any color, in this case, you get hues that lean more toward honey and gold than pink. Last is the standout pick — at least in our view — the blue dial. Call it teal, sky blue, Tiffany blue — whatever you call it, it’s a gorgeous dial, especially when paired with the black chronograph registers and titanium case.
The Zenshin Chrono features a 1/5 second central seconds counter, 60-minute register, running seconds, 12/24 hour time, and a date function. In other words, all most of us need is a chronograph powered by an Eco-Drive quartz movement. Given that Eco-Drive is solar-powered, there’s no need to worry about replacing batteries or, really, anything at all. It’s tough to beat an Eco-Drive watch as a set-it-and-forget-it option in the watch box. With the Zenshin Chrono, you also get 100 meters of water resistance and a sapphire crystal, so all bases are covered.
In many ways, it’s surprising to see Citizen follow up the Tsuyosa with another series of integrated bracelet sports watches with textured dials so close on the heels of that line’s success. However, while the Tsuyosas are classically styled and conservative, the Zenshins are markedly more sporty and modern and will likely appeal to different consumers. Though integrated bracelet watches may not be for everyone, Citizen flexing its dial creativity is certainly something we should all be excited about, especially when watches like the Zenshin Chrono retail for $625 USD. For more information on Citizen and the Zenshin Chrono, please visit the Citizen website.
