Watches inspired by music gear aren’t common, but Citizen’s latest collaboration with Ibanez leans fully into this niche. The Tsuno Chrono Custom Tube Screamer Limited edition takes design cues directly from the famous Ibanez Tube Screamer guitar overdrive pedal, offering a unique blend of style and function for watch and music enthusiasts alike.
- Limited to 500 pieces, available only in Japan
- Dial color and subdials reference the Tube Screamer pedal’s controls
- Quartz chronograph with 1-second timing and 12-hour totalizer
- Price around $277 USD, sold through music and Ibanez stores
Design Details Rooted in a Classic Guitar Pedal
The watch dial’s deep green tone mirrors the Ibanez TS808HWV2 pedal’s iconic color. The three subdials are cleverly named Drive, Tone, and Volume, directly referencing the pedal’s knob layout. Even the stainless steel caseback carries Ibanez branding and graphical nods to the pedal’s input and output jacks. This level of detail makes it a conversation piece for fans of both watches and electric guitars.
A Practical Quartz Chronograph with Vintage Roots
Under the hood, the watch is built on Citizen’s Tsuno Chrono platform, a design lineage that dates back to the 1970s. It houses a battery-powered quartz movement with 1/1 second chronograph functionality and a 12-hour totalizer. The case measures a balanced 38 mm wide and 10.8 mm thick — a size that fits comfortably on most wrists. A date display adds everyday usability, while mineral glass protects the dial. Water resistance is rated at 5 bar, enough for daily wear but not for swimming or diving.
Availability and Price Context for Collectors and Fans
Priced at roughly $277 USD, this limited edition is positioned as an affordable collectible rather than a luxury timepiece. The 500-piece run is exclusive to Japan, sold through music stores and the Ibanez Lifestyle store. Buyers are limited to two units each, which suggests demand could outpace supply quickly. International availability is not confirmed, so overseas fans might face challenges acquiring one without import fees.
The Trade-Off Is Exclusivity and Limited Battery Life
The trade-off is the watch’s battery life, rated at about two years — typical for quartz chronographs but less convenient than solar or automatic options. Also, the limited 500-piece run and Japan-only sales restrict access. It makes more sense for collectors or fans of the Tube Screamer pedal looking for a distinctive, music-themed watch rather than someone seeking a daily wear chronograph with broad availability.
Consider it if you appreciate guitar culture and want a unique limited edition timepiece with solid quartz chronograph functionality. Skip it if you need a watch with wider availability, longer battery life, or higher water resistance for active use.
(Via)
