When it comes to finding some of the most affordable automatic watches on the market, at least from established and reputable brands, Citizen's offering is hard to beat. Whatever style you're looking for, the brand has something for you. Looking for a chic, sporty watch with 1980s flair? Tsuyosa is here for you. Want something more formal for business days? Check out the Day/Date NY4058 series. A sporty pilot's watch? On the other hand, Citizen has something for you. And if you want to explore the depths, there is also the Challenge Diver. And to kick off 2026, Citizen has just introduced two new series, the casual NJ0210 and the diving-inspired NJ022… All at prices well under 250 euros.
The proven automatic caliber 8210, the heart of all 6 new models
The name of the brand is no coincidence. For over 100 years, Citizen's stated mission has been to offer the right watch for every budget and every requirement. From premium models to affordable watches, the brand offers something for everyone and every budget. Nevertheless, there are no compromises when it comes to quality, reliability and precision. In addition to a number of new solar-powered watches (as you know, not our thing here at MONOCHROME…), Citizen has just released several new models with automatic movements, classic design and, to get straight to the point, some of the best quality/price ratios on the market from established manufacturers (because yes, Citizen does almost everything in-house).
The NJ0210 automatic dress series
We agree that the entire name “Dress Watch” remains controversial… Classic, casual, suitable for everyday use would undoubtedly be the more appropriate names for this series. Anyway, let's not waste any time on this. What we have in mind with these new automatic models are classic watches that are meant to be worn daily, from the office to a more active weekend. The 40mm diameter and 13.02mm thick case (one of the drawbacks of these entry-level collections) is made of stainless steel and features nice stepped lugs and a thin, polished bezel. The dial is protected by a mineral glass and another allows a view of the movement. The water resistance is 50 m.
Three versions of this new series will be released, in black, blue or silver white. Overall the dial is quite detailed with an angled inner flange with a 60 minute scale and a detailed railway track next to the hour markers. The faceted hands are polished, without lume (which somewhat limits the use of the watch) and the date is set at 3 o'clock. Depending on the dial, you can choose between a leather strap in a matching color or a more casual 5-row steel bracelet.
Inside the case is the well-known caliber 8210, the same movement as the Tsuyosa, but here in a slightly more attractive version with brushed and silver-colored bridges. This automatic movement runs at a frequency of 3 Hz, stores approximately 40 hours of power reserve and has a minimum accuracy of -20/+40 seconds per day. The price for the new Citizen Automatic Dress Series NJ0210 is 239 euros on the leather strap and 249 euros on a steel bracelet. Available now.
Brief specifications: 40mm x 13.02mm steel case – mineral glass front and back – 50m waterproof – automatic caliber 8210, 3Hz, 40h power reserve – leather bracelet with pin buckle or steel bracelet with folding clasp – NJ0210-05E black, NJ0210-13L blue, NJ0210-56A white – from 239 euros To 249 euros
The NJ022 Automatic Diver Style Series
If you're looking for something sportier without breaking the bank, don't miss the new NJ022 series. First of all, it must be noted that these are not real diving watches, but rather sports models with moderate water suitability – there is no rotating bezel or screw-down crown. If you are looking for an accessible, suitable diving watch, the Challenge Diver should be on your list.
These new NJ022 automatic models are compact steel watches with a diameter of 38.5mm and a more reserved thickness of 11.5mm. Equipped with mineral crystals on both sides, the water resistance is 100m, suitable for classic summer activities. As I said, the bezel is fixed, but still features a metal insert with a 60-minute scale.
Three versions are available, all with tone-on-tone bezels and grained dials: classic black (NJ0221-50E), green (NJ0220-52X) and a more muted gray/silver model (NJ0229-07A), the latter worn on a light pink urethane strap while the other two opt for a three-row stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp. Inside is the automatic caliber 8210. These diving-style models are inexpensive 239 euros on the strap and 249 euros on the bracelet.
Brief specifications: 38.5 mm x 11.52 mm steel case – front and back made of mineral glass – 100 m water resistant – automatic caliber 8210, 3 Hz, 40 hour power reserve – leather strap with pin buckle or steel strap with folding clasp – NJ0220-52X green, NJ0221-50E black, NJ0229-07A silver – from 239 euros To 249 euros
Further information can be found at citizenwatch.eu.
https://monochrome-watches.com/2026-accessible-citizen-automatic-nj0210-dress-and-nj022-diver-style-series-introducing/