Sunday Morning Showdown: Citizen Tsuyosa 37 Vs. Casio Edifice EFK-200

With the summer break still in full swing, it’s time for another Sunday Morning Showdown. In today’s match-up, two watches that could have easily made for your perfect affordable summer watch. But that would also be selling them short, because they are great for daily wear at a friendly price. Daan’s pick this week is the brand-new Casio Edifice EFK-200 that costs €299. It goes up against Jorg’s Citizen Tsuyosa, which carries the same price tag and has become the benchmark for an affordable, stylish daily wearer. It also beat the Casio Edifice EFK-100 and EFK-110 in previous installments of Sunday Morning Showdown. Is three times the charm for Casio? Let’s find out!

Casio is releasing new mechanical offerings quickly after another. The first match-up against the Tsuyosa was in August 2025, when the EFK-100 lost to the Citizen Tsuyosa by a relatively small margin of 58% to 42%. The second time was only four months ago, when the updated EFK-110 lost by a similar margin, taking 41% of the votes, while the Citizen took 59%. In itself, that is not particularly surprising, as the main difference is the updated caliber. In this third match-up, the Tsuyosa takes on the EFK-200. It’s a new model range with a distinctly different look compared to the EFK-100/110. Can this new series finally beat the popular Citizen Tsuyosa? Let’s find out!

Last week on Sunday Morning Showdown…

Before we hand it over to Daan and Jorg, a quick recap of last week’s Showdown. Last Sunday, we put two popular divers against each other at different budgets. Some people seemed confused about why we put two watches up against each other that are miles apart in price. In the end, it’s all about making choices that aren’t always based on similar specs or close prices. In this case, the simple idea was that, not too long ago, it seemed that Longines was eyeing a move to compete with Tudor. But with Tudor’s price increases over the past few years, the brands’ price points have grown increasingly far apart. It sparked last week’s match-up with the simple question of whether the Tudor is your pick, despite costing more than twice as much as the Longines HydroConquest. As it turns out, it was a really close call. The Tudor ended up taking the win with 51% of the vote, compared to 49% for the Longines. Let’s find out if it will be as close this week. Over to Daan and Jorg.

Jorg: Citizen Tsuyosa 37

Do you ever have déjà vu, Mrs. Lancaster? Movie enthusiasts will know what Mrs. Lancaster’s answer was to Phil Connors’ question in the 1993 classic Groundhog Day. My answer is a definite “yes.” Especially after coming up with this week’s pairing for our Sunday Morning Showdown series. Although I wasn’t part of that first installment, I went up against Gerard in the second Citizen versus Casio battle. In that match-up, I made a case for the Citizen just like I will today. A big part is the charm of the Tsuyosa series, which I will get to in just a minute.

But let’s start off with the Casio EFK-200. The thing with this new series and with Casio’s Edifice series is that I appreciate them, but I don’t feel any emotion when I see and wear them. It’s an issue that is mainly caused by its design. They often feel somewhat distant and cold. It’s less prevalent in the brand’s Vintage or Timeless collections, which feature some of the brilliant designs that have become part of my childhood memories. Additionally, I love G-Shock and have been a fan for a long time. So it’s definitely a very specific thing that applies to the Edifice line.

The Citizen Tsuyosa feels right every time

And it’s not that I think there is a whole lot wrong with the designs because both the EFK-110 and the EFK-200 feel well-balanced. But there is an overly industrial feel to them that I am not the biggest fan of. It’s a feeling that isn’t there whenever I’ve worn one of the many Tsuyosas that have passed through the Fratello office. While I am not necessarily a fan of the small seconds series with its highly decorated dials, because that design feels somewhat unbalanced.

But ever since I had the chance to review the first series of 40mm Tsuoysa models in 2022, I have been impressed by them. As I explained in my review, the watches immediately became the best affordable option on the market. The looks aren’t necessarily original, taking inspiration from the Rolex Oyster Perpetual and OysterQuartz. But it immediately gives the Tsuyosa series character and soul. I like that, and that’s why I immediately clicked with the different models.

Shifting from the 40mm models to the smaller 37mm Tsuyosa

After that initial series of 40mm NJ150 models, the second series of NJ151 and NJ153 models introduced some additional dial colors that I adore. Last year, the brand introduced the smaller 37mm version, and it’s my go-to at this point. I started wearing smaller watches over time, so the slightly smaller Tsuyosa follows that personal journey flawlessly. The Tsuyosa 37 has a 37 × 41.9 × 11.5mm case and is not dramatically smaller than the 40 × 45 × 11.7mm Tsuyosa 40. Nevertheless, it feels more visually balanced. On top of that, despite being smaller, it still has plenty of presence on my 18.5cm (7.3″) wrist thanks to the natural flow from the case to the bracelet. As with most integrated-bracelet watches, they tend to wear larger than the size might suggest. The Tsuyosa 37 is no exception.

When it comes to the design, I like how the angular case lines are contrasted by the President-style bracelet. At first glance, it might not make sense. But put a Tsuyosa on your wrist, and the pieces of the puzzle fall into place effortlessly. There is a natural click that I completely miss with the EFK-200, and that is crucial in creating a love for a series. If there is one thing I think the Tsuyosa 37 could be improved on, it’s the dial variations. Especially when you look at the many great 40mm dial options available, the 37mm series could also benefit from additions like the champagne, bright orange, or copper-tone versions.

It’s easy to pick the Tsuyosa; it’s harder to pick a favorite version

Powering the Tsuyosa is the caliber 8210. Essentially, it is the same Miyota 8215 caliber that powers Daan’s EFK-200. Both calibers run at 21,600vph and offer a 40-hour power reserve. As such, there is no technical difference between the two. That leaves looks and build quality. Considering the latter, the Casios feel solid and sturdy. That might suggest the EFK-200 series has better build quality. But that is not the entire truth. The Casios feel sturdier, but the Citizen has a different bracelet that is far more flexible and therefore far more comfortable. On top of that, it looks better, but let’s stick with the comfort.

On the wrist, the Citizen really wins. Besides my preference for the Tsuyosa’s looks, I also like wearing the Citizens more. They are super comfortable, making the Tsuyosa the perfect series for daily wear. I have stated on multiple occasions that the Citizen Tsuyosa series is the best your money can buy at this €300 price point. And I stand by that statement, also after Casio unveiled its new EFK-200 series. But let me know why you think that the Casios are better than the Citizen, Daan.

Daan: Casio Edifice EFK-200

Thanks, Jorg, and good morning to you and the Fratelli. I have to start by saying that I agree with you. I also wasn’t really captivated by the Casio EFK-100 and EFK-110. It’s true that they fixed the size in the second iteration. But I still don’t really like that King Seiko-esque angular case, especially since the case and bracelet don’t look well integrated. However, this new EFK-200 speaks a lot more to me.

The new 38mm case of the EFK-200 bends down drastically toward the bracelet. This makes it look like the case and bracelet were made for each other. It looks a lot more integrated than the previous iterations. In addition, the whole design looks more ergonomic. I haven’t actually seen the watches in person yet, but I can imagine they wear a lot better than the EFK-100 and EFK-110.

A hodgepodge with an identity crisis

I get what you mean, Jorg, when you talk about taking inspiration from the Rolex OP and OysterQuartz. However, in my eyes, that also makes the Citizen Tsuyosa a little bit of a hodgepodge. I like the case itself, but the dial is indeed a direct copy of an OP, including the magnifier up top. Even the dial colors and finishes look like they come straight out of a Rolex catalog. I also feel the dial aperture is too big for the case size. Maybe the bezel is too thin, but the proportions on the Casio are much better.

The other thing is the Tsuyosas’ bracelet. It looks nice with those rounded links, but again, it’s a bit too reminiscent of a President bracelet. I also dislike the polished center link; that’s just not necessary on an integrated sports watch. It’ll only get scratched along the way. But my biggest critique is that the case and bracelet design don’t match. The case is more angular, and the bracelet is more rounded. Where’s the connection between the two?

Its own identity

I think Casio did a great job with the design of the new EFK-200. The cushion-shaped bezel is an original touch, and I like how the polished bevels run all around, including on the bracelet. That’s a much better way to add luster to a design than simply polishing the bracelet’s center link. In addition, I feel the proportions are perfect all around.

The dial and bezel both have the right size, and the bracelet’s taper follows the case shape perfectly. The latter is something I struggle with on the Citizen. It almost looks like the bracelet on the Tsuyosa is a bit too petite. Maybe it tapers too heavily, I’m not sure, but something is off.

Third time’s the charm

So, no, I wasn’t really a fan of Casio’s EFK-series either. However, I think I’m slowly starting to feel something for the new EFK-200. They nailed both the size and the proportions. The more rounded design speaks to me much more than the previous angular one, and, especially compared to the Citizen Tsuyosa, it has a stronger identity of its own.

The only thing I don’t really like about the EFK-200 is the current dial options. If I had to choose, I’d go for the forged carbon option with the steel case and bracelet. But if Casio could introduce some non-fumé, non-textured options, I’d definitely appreciate it. Still, though, I’d gladly take the forged carbon dial EFK-200 over any of the Tsuyosas.

Cast your vote

So, there you have it, another Sunday Morning Showdown. This time with two great options at the lower end of the market. However, that doesn’t mean they’re not great options to choose between. Have you already made up your mind? If so, cast your vote below and leave your comments there as well. And, if you have any other Showdowns in mind, please share your suggestions as well.