Watches of the Month for July 2026: The Confident Citizen Shore & the Easy-to-Read Maurice Lacroix Pontos

The Citizen Tsuyosa Shore kicks off July’s “Watch of the Month” feature. It’s a model that has its own unique, calm, and confident style. With a blue dial and a steel case that looks refreshing even in the summer heat, it’s the kind of watch that captures your attention subtly, but all the more firmly for it.

While the first model in July went for a sporty-elegant vibe, the Maurice Lacroix Pontos offers a completely different kind of charisma. A quiet confidence that doesn’t need to shout to be noticed. A black DLC case, green rubber that gives it a sporty flair, and the whole thing comes together with surprising lightness.

Why I Think the Citizen Tsuyosa Shore Will Beat Seiko by a Margin of Less Than Five

For many years, the answer to the question “Which affordable automatic watch should I buy?” was almost suspiciously simple. Seiko. Or another Seiko. And if you wanted something a little sportier, you usually ended up with the Seiko 5 Sports line anyway, known among fans as the 5KX.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that. On the contrary. Seiko has earned its position through hard work, and to this day, its watches remain among the most sensible in their category. But after getting to know the new Citizen Tsuyosa Shore, I feel that, for the first time in a long while, a model has emerged that has a chance to shake up that certainty. And perhaps more than most people realize today.

Citizen has finally figured out what customers really want

That might sound a little harsh, since Citizen has been making great watches for many years. But when we look at the affordable automatic sports watch segment, Citizen has long had two options: either the classic Promaster dive watches or something a bit more elegant. 

Then came Tsuyosa. And suddenly it turned out that people don’t actually just want another diving watch. They want watches that look modern—watches that work for the office, vacations, and weekend fun—watches with an automatic movement, high-quality craftsmanship, and, ideally, don’t cost half their paycheck. Tsuyosa has hit the mark perfectly in this niche. And in my opinion, Shore is aiming even more precisely.

They aren’t grebes. And that’s exactly why they work.

When Citizen unveiled the Shore, the initial reaction was simple: “So, a Tsuyosa with a bezel?” Yes. And surprisingly, it’s a much better idea than it might seem. These aren’t full-fledged dive watches, after all. They don’t have a screw-down crown. They aren’t water-resistant to 200 meters, nor do they aim to compete with professional dive watches. Unlike some competitors, including the Seiko 5KX.

Most of us need a watch for vacation, for the beach, for the pool, for a boat trip, for a day out on the town, and sometimes for the office. And that’s exactly where Shore watches make perfect sense. You get a rotating bezel, 100-meter water resistance, a sporty look, and a great color. And yet, you don’t feel like you’re wearing a piece of diving gear ready to descend into the Mariana Trench. That’s where I see the greatest strength of this entire model.

Case diameter 40 mm, lug-to-lug 45 mm, height 12.5 mm. I could stop right here. But these are the specifications that make the watch work on the wrist. And it works brilliantly. Compared to some of its competitors, the Shore looks surprisingly compact and understated. It’s not small, but it’s not unnecessarily bulky either. In short, it’s a size that most people can enjoy today. And that’s perhaps more important than an extra 100 meters of water resistance.

Inside, you’ll find the in-house 8210 mechanical movement with automatic winding, hacking function, 21 jewels, a date display, and a 40-hour power reserve. All of this will tick away at a steady frequency of 21,600 half-vibrations per hour. A reliable, low-maintenance workhorse, ideal for everyday use.

They look more expensive than they actually are

And then some! This was already a strong point of the original Tsuyosa, and Shore builds on that. While sapphire crystal is becoming more common these days, it’s still by no means a given in this price range. Add in the integrated strap, the striking dial, and the overall excellent craftsmanship, and you get a watch that looks more expensive than its price tag suggests. 

This is most evident in the Marine Blue version. I’ll admit without hesitation that this is the one that won me over immediately. The shade of blue, with a slight hint of turquoise and petrol blue, looks fantastic in the sun. One moment it’s a vivid blue, the next it’s almost greenish, and it constantly changes character depending on the light. It’s the kind of dial that you won’t get tired of even after the first week. And that’s not something you can take for granted, even with significantly more expensive watches. 

Integrated thrust is not a problem

I know that integrated straps still divide watch enthusiasts into two camps. Some love them. Others, at the mere mention that the strap can’t be replaced, start nervously searching for a tissue to wipe their brow. I myself belong to the second group. But with Tsuyosa, the integrated strap has been part of the model’s identity from the very beginning. And if Citizen is going to use it, it has to work. 

Thanks to its smaller links, the three-link President bracelet is very comfortable and conforms well to the wrist. This is further enhanced by the well-designed clasp with push buttons and micro-adjustment capability. And in my opinion, it’s precisely this everyday practicality that determines whether a watch ends up on your wrist or back in its box—or, in the worst case, up for sale.

What about Seiko?

Are Shore watches better than Seiko 5 Sports? It depends on what you expect from a watch. 

Seiko has a strong history, ties to the legendary SKX, and a huge fan base. But Citizen is making several points that are becoming increasingly hard to ignore. A sapphire crystal, more compact dimensions, and a comfortable integrated strap. And a design that doesn’t feel like a reinterpretation of an older model, but rather like a product in its own right. That’s exactly why I think the Shore isn’t just another alternative, but a true competitor.

They aren’t the best watches in the world. But in the price range they’re in, I think they’re one of the most interesting models available today. And if I had to pick just one version? Marine Blue, without a doubt. Because if Citizen is going to dethrone Seiko, it should look damn good doing it.

Pros:

• Compact dimensions
• Sapphire glass
• Vibrant colors
• Water resistance up to 100 m

Cons:

• The integrated tension mechanism does not allow for any other belt configuration
• More Difficult to Handle with a Smaller Crown

The Sun in Black Armor – Maurice Lacroix Pontos S Solar 

The Pontos S Solar is definitely not just another sports watch that would easily fit into the Maurice Lacroix portfolio. It is a watch that will undoubtedly win over many fans thanks to its practicality and thoughtful design. 

It doesn’t rely on eccentricity or excessive creativity, but on functionality. Even so, just one of its details is enough to brighten your whole day. The black DLC-coated case and bright green rubber strap give the model a distinct identity. Confident, a bit rugged, yet always refined. It sits on the wrist with such assurance that there’s no doubt this is a watch for everyday wear.

A Design with Its Own Rhythm 

The first impression is one of contrast. The steel case with a matte black DLC finish—which, by the way, is flawlessly executed (no sharp edges, no cheap glare)—lets the shape of the bezel and crown stand out. The bright green strap, on the other hand, perfectly evokes the energy of summer. 

The dial details are clean and simple—a feature you’ll certainly appreciate in a sports watch, where readability is one of the key factors in its popularity. The hour markers, hands, and bezel of this new model retain the typical “Pontos” geometry, which works perfectly even in this pure-bred outdoor design. No unnecessary complications—just what makes sense. Overall, the watch looks robust, but definitely not clunky.

The dial of these captivating solar-powered watches is designed to be easy to read in any situation. The high-contrast hour markers and bold hands, thanks to Super-LumiNova luminescence that works reliably even in low light, provide an instant read of the time. 

Independence in the Light 

At the heart of the new Pontos watch is the Swiss Ronda Solartech 215 movement with five jewels. And as the name suggests, it is a solar-powered movement that offers a certain degree of independence. A brief exposure to light is all it takes for the watch to regain its power immediately. There’s no need to monitor the power reserve or use a winder, as with automatic watches. The solar power keeps the watch running for up to 8 months, which is a significant difference compared to standard quartz watches that rely solely on a battery. So this isn’t just an “eco” label—it’s a real simplification of everyday wear.

Made for the Elements 

Sapphire crystal, a screw-down crown and case back, a DLC-coated case with enhanced scratch resistance, and water resistance to 200 meters make the Pontos S Solar a reliable companion even in the water. The rubber strap resists sweat and salt water and sits comfortably on the wrist even during extended wear. In terms of design, this is a model that can easily handle a weekend by the water as well as a workweek without compromise.

A Watch That Never Loses Its Rhythm

This new release adds a new dimension to the Pontos line. Solar technology makes this model a practical companion. DLC coating and rubber ensure durability and style, and its technical specifications confirm that this isn’t just a nice watch, but a great companion for many occasions.

The Pontos S Solar appeals to people who want a watch “for everything”—from the office to weekend getaways to water activities. It’s the perfect choice for those who appreciate a technical design that doesn’t require daily maintenance, yet still want to wear something with character. If you’re looking for a model that works reliably and looks exceptionally good without compromise, you’ve come to the right place.

Pros:

• The contrast between the black DLC coating and the strap's vibrant color
• Water resistance: 200 m
• Sapphire crystal
• Excellent readability
• Resilience
• A stylish date watch with a clean design
• Super-LumiNova
• Easy strap replacement thanks to the quick-release mechanism, ideal for more conservative users

Cons:

• On a smaller wrist, the 42-mm case may look clunky
• I'd prefer a date window at the 6 o'clock position