(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK, NY – In September of 1972, Citizen released the Chronograph Challenge Timer, its first mechanical chronograph watch series. A huge hit in Japan and around the world, the brand followed it up just a few months later in January of 1973 with what fans would soon nickname the “Tsuno Chrono” — a “bullhead” version with the chronograph pushers situated at the top of the case rather than on the side. With its handsome “panda” dial configuration and unique feature set, the Tsuno Chrono has long been poised for a comeback.
Now, five decades after its debut, Citizen is proud to introduce the Tsuno Chrono 50th Anniversary Model. Limited to 3,000 pieces worldwide and individually numbered, this special edition is housed in a gold-toned Promaster case that celebrates this special anniversary and references a past Chrono Challenge model seen in Hollywood films. With its distinctly 1970s vibe and eye-catching looks, it melds the already distinctive bullhead aesthetic with a unique gold-and-black colorway to both recall vintage models as well as to create something new and special.
Measuring 45mm in diameter in a gold-toned, stainless steel case, the Tsuno Chrono 50th Anniversary Model features classic bullhead-style, black chronograph pushers at 11 and 1 o’clock that meld seamlessly into a matching black bezel. Meanwhile, a gold-tone winding crown at 12 o’clock and a gold-tone alarm-setting crown at 5 o’clock coordinate with the case color as well as that of the dial. The dial itself provides myriad functionality without feeling crowded: within a black tachymeter scale printed with gold-toned numerals is a
60-minute totalizer at 12 o’clock; a running seconds display at 3 o’clock; a 12-hour totalizer at 6 o’clock; a handy power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock; and an alarm on/off indicator between 4 and 5 o’clock.
A luminous, white sword handset and orange chronograph hands pop against the gold and black dial, providing legibility in low-light situations, while an anti-reflective sapphire crystal protects the dial. Within the watch is the Citizen Caliber E210, an Eco-Drive movement powered by ambient light that features a power reserve of eight months upon a full charge and flyback chronograph functionality. This unique hand assembled movement, when combined with a case water resistant to 200m, makes for an indisputably useful
tool capable of withstanding rough use and an active lifestyle.
Paired to a vintage inspired brown leather strap with a deployant clasp and shipping with a special gold toned Promaster case and a removable leather watch roll, the limited-edition Tsuno Chrono 50th Anniversary Model is a nostalgic throwback to classic Citizen chronograph models as well as to the grooviest decade of the 20th century. Both nostalgic and distinctly futuristic, it’s a timepiece poised to put a smile on collectors’ faces — and to become a future classic itself. The Promaster Tsuno Chrono 50 th Anniversary timepiece will be available on July 6th at www.citizenwatch.com .
