Citizen Zenshin Chrono 42.5mm

Hiding beneath this dial, or potentially in those translucent subdials, are solar receptive cells that turn light into battery power. Eco-Drive has been a great innovation since it was introduced decades ago, but now Citizen seems to have mastered the way they implement this tech, to the extent where it no longer affects the visuals whatsoever.

The hands and markers are, again, clean and neat. The subdials are deeply set, with reflective chamfers to highlight each of them. The sweep of this chronograph hand is also a nice-to-have, considering this is usually only a trait of mechanical or meca-quartz timepieces.

Unfortunately, the chrono is even bulkier than the auto, at a shade under 12mm, but in every other aspect, it’s virtually identical. Same water resistance, same bracelet, same crystal, and same case style as the automatic.

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.