It is undeniable that in recent years there has been a surprising change in mechanical watchmaking in both directions. While the prices of traditional brands have increased quite dramatically, we have seen a significant change on the other side of the spectrum. What once cost thousands of euros can now be had for a fraction of that: workmanship, materials, in-house movements and true design identity are now all in the sub-1,000 euro range. Among the brands leading this evolution, Citizen is one of the true champions of innovation and consistency. The Japanese manufacturer has been making watches for over a century and its focus has always been the same: to make the best mechanical, quartz or light-powered technology available to every citizen of the world (hence the name). A typical example is the Zenshin 60 Super Titanium.
This approach of affordability and substance is clearly expressed in the Tsuyosa and Zenshin collections, and the latest Zenshin 60 Super Titanium models are a perfect demonstration of Citizen's ideas. Priced at 499 euros, they offer an all-titanium construction, an in-house automatic movement, a sapphire crystal, resistance to daily wear and tear and a workmanship that few competitors can match. And even when it comes to design, it has quite a bit of flair.
Since the series release in 2025, some have asked for additional strap options, perhaps a rubber version, to match the sporty, integrated feel of the design. Others have wondered whether Citizen could optimize the movement for greater accuracy. But as it stands, the Zenshin 60 remains one of the strongest value propositions, a reliable everyday companion. And it's not that it feels more expensive than it is that makes it so attractive; It's also the overall quality. Here are our impressions that shaped this conclusion.
A legacy of Titan innovation
To understand what makes the Zenshin 60 so special, it's helpful to revisit Citizen's long relationship with Titan. In 1970, Citizen launched the world's first titanium wristwatch, the X-8 Chronometer. At the time, titanium was considered hard to machine, too tough to machine, too “fickle” to polish, and susceptible to damage to the tools used to shape it. Engineers at the Citizen's Watch Technology Research Laboratory called it “Triple Trouble.”
The Citizen X-8 Chronometer, the world's first commercially available titanium watch
But instead of giving up, Citizen redoubled its efforts and invested years in solving the many challenges facing Titan. The result was a revolutionary combination of manufacturing processes and surface treatments that turned the once difficult metal into one of the brand's key strengths. Supertitanium was created, an improved form of titanium that has been hardened using the brand's own Duratect treatment to produce a material that is five times harder than stainless steel, half the weight, hypoallergenic, corrosion-resistant and virtually scratch-proof. The Zenshin 60 has no chance of having the same know-how. For an affordable watch, the amount of material science and engineering is exceptional.
The super titanium case
The design of the Zenshin 60's 40.5mm Super Titanium case builds on last year's NJ0180 “Titanium Tsuyosa” series, but takes it a step forward. The shape, a slightly tonneau-like center section, remains, but the 12-sided bezel gives the watch a stronger, more contemporary presence.
The case is 11.25 mm thick, feels slim and balanced, with compact proportions and a short lug-to-lug span (47.5 mm, including the center link that connects the case to the bracelet). The workmanship is worth discovering: brushing along the flanks, smooth transitions to highly polished bevels and a shiny bezel that frames the dial. There are no sharp edges or unfinished details and therefore feels comfortable.
And the advantages of titanium are obvious. The watch weighs around 100 grams and is therefore light on the wrist. The Duratect treatment, a key element of Super Titanium, keeps it looking flawless even after daily wear and protects it from scratches that a steel case would leave. The water resistance is 100m, so the device is definitely suitable for swimming (no more than that, as there is no screw-down crown), and the light weight makes you forget you're wearing it.
Multiple attractive textured dial options
Citizen's designers clearly understand the appeal of restraint. The Zenshin 60 features one of the most nuanced dials in the affordable watch segment. Each of the four variants (Ice Blue, Dark Blue, Copper and Green) features a deep vertical pattern inspired by the rough, striped surface of mineral formations. A fumé gradient that darkens towards the outer edge adds to its beauty.
The recessed and snail-shaped small seconds sub-dial between 4 and 5 o'clock is adopted from the previous Zenshin NJ0180, but now clearer and more refined. By removing the date window, Citizen gave the dial a more sophisticated look. The applied baton indexes (double index at 12) and the wide pencil hands are sharp and filled with luminous material. Use a magnifying glass to surprise yourself with the quality of workmanship of the applied indices. It's shockingly good (for the price): the edges are sharp, the surfaces are polished and the alignment is precise.
Several online comments pointed out that the texture and depth of the dial feels like a Grand Seiko or Oris. While it's easy to understand the enthusiasm and some exaggeration, it's hard to deny how beautifully the Zenshin 60 plays with light and looks completely different depending on the angle and lighting.
A solid automatic movement
Flip the watch over and the caseback reveals the automatic caliber 8322, a recent evolution of Citizen's in-house mechanical line. This movement replaces the 8213 from last year's model and the improvements are significant.
The power reserve increases from 40 to 60 hours, allowing an autonomy of almost three days. It beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour, consists of 21 jewels and has a stop-seconds function. The workmanship is neat and functional and justifies the decision to show the movement. The blued screws add a nice touch – the 8213 caliber in the NJ0180 was as rough as can be with its uncoated brass surfaces.
The accuracy is between -20 and +40 seconds per day, which is typical for watches in this series. However, many owners report that performance is well within these limits. Some enthusiasts have asked whether Citizen might one day regulate the caliber more strictly. Given Citizen's manufacturing capabilities, we could see such an update in the future. We certainly can't expect chronometer performance in this price range, but slightly stricter standards would only increase the watch's overall appeal.
The integrated titanium bracelet
One of the joys of wearing the Zenshin 60 is its bracelet. Its lightness and flexibility make it an ideal daily companion, whether worn tightly on the wrist or slightly loose. Made from super titanium, with matte brushed and polished accents, it feels soft, light and even silky. The single row design with U-shaped links blends well with the case and creates the integrated look that is so popular today. The folding clasp has been improved compared to previous versions and features integrated push button triggers that make opening and closing easier. Some have expressed interest in seeing Citizen experiment with quick release systems or rubber strap options to match the sportier appeal of the watch, but as it stands the strap offers style and comfort and I personally prefer the titanium strap as it adds character and value.
A real value proposition
If you spend a lot of time looking at a lot of watches, it's hard to believe that this one is selling for 499 euros. That's the important part of the story here: although it's well-made, it offers exceptional value for money in a very competitive environment. The titanium Tissot PRX Powermatic 80, its most obvious competitor, offers 80 hours of autonomy and Swiss origins, but costs 875 euros. Seiko, Citizen's closest competitor, doesn't offer anything in this segment of integrated models, at least not in this price range. If you continue to look for alternatives from established brands (not micro brands), you'll be hard-pressed to find anything that can compete with the Zenshin, especially when you factor titanium into the equation.
Still, Citizen feels like a product that was born naturally, neither chasing trends nor trying to look like something popular, even if market analysis was the basis for the Zenshin 60 series. It trusts in its own design and technology, and that trust is transferred to the owner. It is a watch with elegance and utility, innovation and restraint, tradition and progress.
Sure, there is room for further development. A rubber strap would expand its versatility and future upgrades to the caliber could improve precision. But these are small wishes. The Zenshin 60 is therefore a reminder that progress is continuous and that great watchmaking should be within everyone's reach.
For more information, visit CitizenWatch.eu or CitizenWatch-Global.com.
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