Citizen Zenshin Mechanical Super Titanium Salmon Dial NJ0180-80Z (similar to NJ0180-80A, NJ0180-80H, NJ0180-80L, NJ0180-80M & NJ0180-80X) - Individuality Without Extravagance, A Review (plus Video)

In June 2024, Citizen unveiled its refreshed Zenshin collection (formerly known as the Forza line), doubling down on its sleek, integrated bracelet design philosophy, a growing trend in modern tool-meets-luxury watches.

I’d been circling Citizen’s Tsuyosa series for months, drawn to its bold colors and accessible price point. But the moment the Zenshin debuted, my priorities shifted. What sealed the deal? Three pillars: the use of Citizen’s proprietary Super Titanium™, a featherlight yet scratch-resistant material that’s 40% lighter than stainless steel; the inclusion of an in-house automatic movement (Caliber 9051, with a 42-hour power reserve); and that seamlessly integrated bracelet, which merges ergonomic comfort with a cohesive, high-end aesthetic. This wasn’t just another watch—it felt like Citizen’s statement piece for the decade, blending technical innovation with wearability.

Now, anyone who knows me understands my weakness for green dials, yet the Zenshin’s salmon pink variant stopped me mid-scroll. Its warm, copper-tinged hue dances between playful and sophisticated, catching light like a vintage patina. The dial’s vertical brushing adds texture, while applied markers and a date window framed in polished titanium elevate its refinement. Against the matte gray tones of the Super Titanium case and bracelet, the salmon creates a harmonious contrast that feels both retro and utterly contemporary. Rationality didn’t stand a chance—I walked into the boutique and left with it on my wrist.

The Series

In June 2024, Citizen unveiled the Zenshin collection, a refined evolution of what was initially the Forza line. The rebranding to Zenshin (meaning "progression" or "moving forward" in Japanese) reflects Citizen’s ambition to blend heritage with innovation, targeting enthusiasts seeking modern aesthetics rooted in horological tradition. This collection builds on the success of the Tsuyosa, Citizen’s earlier integrated-bracelet series, but distinguishes itself through advanced materials and mechanical sophistication. While the Tsuyosa captivated with its vibrant colors and accessible pricing, the Zenshin elevates the formula with proprietary Super Titanium, automatic movements, and a design ethos inspired by 1970s angularity—a nod to the era’s bold experimentation in watchmaking.

 

The original allure of the Tsuyosa lay in its affordability and quartz precision. However, the Zenshin’s launch pivoted toward a more discerning audience. Key differentiators include:

• Super Titanium: Citizen’s proprietary alloy, enhanced with Duratect surface-hardening technology, making it 40% lighter and five times harder than stainless steel. Unlike regular titanium, which is prone to scratches, Duratect employs a plasma ion oxidation process to create a ceramic-like layer, ensuring durability without sacrificing comfort.

• Automatic Movement: The Zenshin houses the in-house Caliber 8213, a mechanical movement that appeals to purists, whereas the Tsuyosa uses quartz.

• Design Refinement: The Zenshin’s angular case, textured dials, and integrated bracelet evoke a retro-modern aesthetic, contrasting with the Tsuyosa’s simpler, rounded lines.

 Initially launched with three models (black, blue, and silver dials), the Zenshin lineup now includes six options under the series with Salmon Pink, Forest Green, and Charcoal Gray added in the mix. This expansion responds to market demand for versatile colorways that straddle casual and formal wear. The Salmon Pink variant, in particular, taps into a growing trend among collectors for warm, vintage-inspired dials—a niche previously dominated by luxury brands like Rolex (e.g., the "Tropical" dials) and F.P. Journe. Citizen’s execution, however, offers this sophistication at a fraction of the price. All have a MSRP of RM2,880. Below is a table of the six models.

White Dial NJ0180-80A	Black Dial NJ0180-80H	Blue Dial NJ0180-80L
Light Blue Dial NJ0180-80M	Green Dial NJ0180-80X	Salmon Dial NJ0180-80Z

The Watch

Made out of Super Titanium, a proprietary alloy to Citizen, the watch is 40% lighter and five times harder than stainless steel when compared to a similarly designed watch in stainless steel. This achieved using Duratect, a surface-hardening technology that Citizen employs. It has the seventies-inspired angular case with a round bezel plus integrated bracelet coupled with textured dial. The polished bezels and chamfers contrast with the remaining brushed surfaces while the tapered bracelet has Y-shaped links and short folding clasps.

The Zenshin’s 40.5 mm case strikes a balance between contemporary size and wearability, with a 47.5 mm lug-to-lug ensuring it sits comfortably on wrists 6.5" and up. At 11.0 mm thick, it slips easily under sleeves, rivaling slimmer dress watches. The Super Titanium construction keeps the weight at 99 grams—for comparison, a similarly sized stainless steel watch would weigh ~150–170 grams. The brushed and polished surfaces create a dynamic play of light, while the fixed round bezel subtly recalls vintage sports watches like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak or the Citizen X8 Chronometer.

The dial surface has a spackle-like textured finish achieved through a fine-grained finishing technique, evoking the soft shimmer of Grand Seiko’s "Snowflake" dials but with a warmer, sunburst effect. This texture becomes more pronounced under direct light, adding depth without overwhelming the eye. Practical elements include:

• Luminescent Markers: BGW9 lume on applied indices and hands glows a soft green, though it’s less intense than professional dive watches.

• Sub-Second Dial at 4:30: A quirky placement that avoids symmetry, drawing attention to the mechanical nature of the watch.

• Integrated Date Window: Framed and color-matched to the dial, it avoids the "afterthought" appearance seen in some entry-level models.

 

Protecting the dial is a flat sapphire crystal that extent slightly above the edge of the fixed bezel. Side impact damage is still possible. 

A sterile crown with gear-tooth edge and using the simple push-in/pull-out system is used on the watch. As an automatic watch with the ability to manually wind the watch, the size of the crown appears small and hence harder to manipulate. I would suggest a bigger crown be used instead.

The screw-down case-back comes with a display window protected by sapphire crystal. Through it, one can see the in-house movement 8213. The Caliber 8213 is a 21-jewel automatic movement operating at 21,600 BPH (3 Hz), with a 40-hour power reserve. While its accuracy (-20/+40 seconds per day) falls short of COSC standards (-4/+6), it’s comparable to other entry-level mechanical movements (e.g., Seiko’s 4R series). The exhibition case-back showcases a gold-toned rotor with perlage finishing—a decorative touch uncommon in this price bracket. However, the small crown (4.0 mm) can be challenging for manual winding, a trade-off for the watch’s streamlined profile.

 

I love integrated bracelet on a watch. The Zenshin is no exception. The integrated bracelet tapers from 24mm to 20mm, with Y-shaped links that articulate smoothly. While the clasp uses stamped metal for the folding mechanism (a cost-saving measure), the Super Titanium construction ensures it remains lightweight and snag-free. Two micro-adjustments offer a tailored fit, though the lack of half-links may limit precision for some.

The only feedback I got on the watch is the bridge between the the two halves of the bracelet. Citizen decided to use stamp sheet instead of machine parts. It cheapens the watch but considering the price point, I supposed some compromise would have to be taken. 

The whole design allows the watch to be rater rated to 100 meters. This is quite good. Meanwhile, below is the photo of the watch in the dark with the luminous paint in action.

Priced at RM2,880, the Zenshin competes with:

• Tissot PRX Automatic: A stainless steel integrated design with a higher accuracy Powermatic 80 movement but heavier build.

• Seiko Presage Sharp Edge: Offers textured dials and a similar price but lacks the titanium advantage.

• Baltic MR01: A microbrand alternative with salmon dial and retro styling, though smaller at 36mm.

The Zenshin’s Super Titanium gives it an edge in durability and comfort, while its design bridges the gap between casual and formal.

The Wearing Experience

Slipping the watch onto my wrist, the feather-light Super Titanium material makes its presence barely noticeable; a boon for all-day wear. The case sits proportionally on my average-sized wrist (6.75 inch circumference), neither overpowering nor too discreet. The bracelet, equally crafted from Super Titanium, molds comfortably with a secure clasp, avoiding the hair-pulling snags common with lesser bracelets. It slides effortlessly under shirt cuffs, straddling the line between sporty and dressy.

 

 

 

The salmon dial is the star, its sunburst finish catching light dynamically, while applied indices and hands add depth. The date window at 3:00 integrates seamlessly, avoiding visual clutter. A sapphire crystal exhibition case back reveals the mechanical heart—a mesmerizing view of the automatic movement’s intricate rotor and gears. Lume on hands and indices ensures readability in dim settings, though the dial’s warmth softens the glow to a subtle green.

 

 

Unexpectedly versatile, the Zenshin transitions from casual weekends to formal events effortlessly. Paired with a linen shirt and chinos, the dial’s warmth complements earthy tones; with a navy suit, it adds a touch of individuality without ostentation. Its understated elegance avoids flashiness, appealing to those who appreciate subtlety with character. 

 

The Citizen Zenshin Mechanical Super Titanium Salmon Dial is a testament to thoughtful design and innovation. Its lightweight build, striking yet versatile dial, and reliable movement make it a compelling choice for enthusiasts and daily wearers alike. While the salmon hue may not cater to all tastes, it distinguishes itself in a sea of conventional timepieces. For those seeking a blend of heritage, durability, and understated flair, this watch is a worthy companion. Below is a video of the watch on my wrist.

 

 

The Citizen Zenshin Mechanical Super Titanium Salmon Dial is more than a Tsuyosa successor; it’s a statement of intent. By marrying advanced materials, retro-futuristic design, and accessible horology, Citizen caters to enthusiasts seeking individuality without extravagance. While the movement’s accuracy and stamped clasp components hint at its price point, these are thoughtful compromises that prioritize wearability and aesthetics. For those tired of ubiquitous black-and-steel watches, the Salmon Pink variant offers a bold yet refined alternative, proof that innovation need not come at a premium.

  

Specifications

Reference: NJ0180-80Z

Case Material: Super Titanium
Width: 40.5 mm 
Lug-to-Lug Length: 47.5 mm
Lug Width: 11.5 mm

Thickness: 11.0 mm

Crown: Push/pull crown

Crystal: Flat sapphire

Case-Back: Screw-down with sapphire window

Dial: Salmon pink

Hands: Hours and minutes with luminous paint, sub-second hands polished
Bracelet: Super Titanium with folding clasp

Weight: 99 grams

Water Resistance: 100 m 
Movement: Caliber 8213

Power Reserve: 40 hours

Frequency: 21,600 BHP

Jewels: 21

Accuracy: -20～+40 seconds/day

Functions: Date, hours, minutes & sub-seconds (hacking)

MSRP: RM2,880
Vendor: Timekeeper, NU Sentral

Purchase Date: 1 May 2025

Purchase Price: RM2,350

Warranty: Three (3) years

Serial Number: 8213-0097D01

Photo Gallery