Rock for your wrist: The Citizen x Ibanez Tube Screamer collaboration (TSTCC808) is here!
When two absolute icons from completely different worlds come together, something spectacular often happens. That’s exactly what we are experiencing now with one of the most exciting collaborations of the year: The Japanese traditional watch brand CITIZEN has teamed up with the legendary guitar and effects manufacturer Ibanez. The result of this creative fusion is an absolutely unique timepiece that makes the hearts of watch collectors and gear heads worldwide beat faster: The TSUNO CHRONO Custom Tube Screamer Limited (TSTCC808).
This strictly limited watch is much more than just a simple accessory. It is a tribute to rock history, wrapped in a piece of highly precise watchmaking art.
The Heritage: Two Milestones of the 1970s Merge
To understand why this crossover is so brilliant, you have to take a look back at the 1970s. Back then, two products came to life that would achieve cult status in their respective industries:
CITIZEN “Tsuno Chrono”: In 1973, Citizen introduced its first true chronograph. Due to the distinctive placement of the crowns and pushers on the top edge of the case (instead of the right side), the watch quickly earned the affectionate nickname “Tsuno Chrono” (German for “Horn Chronograph”) or “Bullhead” in English-speaking regions. This quirky, highly ergonomic design remains an absolute retro classic to this day.
Ibanez “Tube Screamer”: Almost simultaneously, Ibanez revolutionized the music world. The small green pedal made tube amplifiers scream and delivered exactly the warm, dynamic overdrive sound that would shape rock and blues for decades to come. Whether Stevie Ray Vaughan, Kirk Hammett, or Noel Gallagher – hardly any legendary guitarist got by without the Tube Screamer.
With the TSTCC808, these two worlds now merge into a unique unit. The goal? To transfer the indescribable feeling of turning the knobs to shape the perfect guitar sound into the everyday motion of reading time.
Design Details: A Dream for Equipment Lovers
Anyone familiar with the Tube Screamer will love the attention to detail Citizen has put into this model. The design is specifically based on the current hand-wired flagship model of the pedal series, the TS808HWV2:
The legendary Tube Screamer green: The dial shines in the exact deep green of the pedal. It is a rich, elegant green that shimmers beautifully in the light but is subtle enough to match any outfit and occasion.
The “effect knob” subdials: The absolute highlight for musicians! The three totalizers (the small subdials on the main dial) are visually modeled after the control knobs of the pedal. Accordingly, they are labeled exactly like the original: DRIVE (here as a 60-minute counter), TONE (for the 12-hour display), and LEVEL (for the small seconds).
The detail-loving case back: Turn the watch over, and the celebration continues for fans. Besides the engraved logos of Ibanez and “Tube Screamer Overdrive Pro,” there is an engraving that imitates the classic jack sockets of the pedal – including the labels INPUT and OUTPUT.
The complete work of art: The surroundings are just right too. The watch comes in an exclusive, specially made collector’s box, also inspired by the elegant design of the TS808HWV2 pedal. As a bonus, each watch includes a high-quality Original Graphic Card featuring the distinctive case of the pedal as an art motif.
Technical Facts at a Glance
Beneath the iconic case design lies proven, robust technology from Citizen, making the watch a perfect and reliable companion for every day.
| Feature | Specification |
| Model Number | TSTCC808 |
| Limited Edition | Strictly limited to only 500 pieces worldwide |
| Case Dimensions | Width: 38.0 mm / Thickness: 10.8 mm (perfect unisex size) |
| Material | Case and bracelet made of robust stainless steel |
| Bracelet Type | Flexibly adjustable stainless steel band (for wrists from 135 to 202 mm) |
| Movement | High-precision, battery-powered quartz movement (accuracy: ±20 sec./month) |
| Battery Life | Approx. 2 years |
| Glass | Durable crystal glass |
| Water Resistance | 5 BAR / 50 meters (splash-proof, no problem for hand washing/rain) |
| Additional Features | Date display with quick correction, 1/1-second chronograph, luminous hands and luminous indices (Night Light) |
| Weight | Comfortable 97 grams |
The Verdict: A Must-Have for Collectors
The Citizen x Ibanez Tube Screamer TSTCC808 costs 44,000 yen (approximately 270–280 euros before import taxes) and officially launches on May 15. Since the watch is primarily distributed through music stores in Japan and the worldwide quantity is limited to just 500 pieces, this collector’s item is likely to sell out in record time. It is the perfect mix of nerd factor, rock ’n’ roll attitude, and timeless vintage design.
Great News for All Gear Heads in Europe!
You don’t have to struggle through Japanese online shops or risk exorbitant import fees. We have great news for you: The extremely rare Citizen x Ibanez Tube Screamer (TSTCC808) will soon also be available at Pats Guitars!
So keep your eyes open, subscribe to our newsletter, and secure your copy before this piece of music history is sold out. Those who step on the pedal too late will miss out!