Introducing the Citizen Series 8

Late last week we brought you news of the launch of the latest tentpole from Citizen, the all new The Citizen, featuring a caliber made in partnership with La Joux-Perret. If you like the idea of a higher end, mechanical, Citizen sports watch with a modern, integrated design, but aren’t ready to shell out the $6,000 they’re asking for The Citizen, they have an answer for you in the Series 8 collection. These watches were announced alongside The Citizen, but more quietly. This is also a relaunch of a product line that debuted in Japan in 2008, and is now available worldwide. Let’s take a closer look. 

The collection consists of two new models, the 870 and 831, each with two distinct variants. According to Citizen, the idea behind these watches is to build a collection of “functional and practical” timepieces with a decidedly modern and tough aesthetic. With one exception, all of these watches come mounted on stainless steel bracelets and have a generally burly and sporty profile. The watches all feature sapphire glass, 100 meter water resistance, and make use of magnetic resistant movements, and Citizen seems to be positioning them as an everyday wear solution for someone who might put his watch through more than the standard desk diving. 

The 870 will be available in both white and black dial variants, and features a unique two piece bezel design. Besides the bezel, this registers as a fairly standard sports watch, but is nonetheless attractive and it appears to have a sleekness to it that would make it an easy day-in, day-out choice. It runs on Citizen’s caliber 0950 automatic movement inside a case that measures 40mm in diameter. The retail price of the 870 is $2,000, and like all of the Series 8 watches, it will be available in early autumn. 

The 831 has an octagonal case and comes in either a basic black dial or a blue dial with a sunburst finish. That blue version is the outlier of the Series 8, with a gold toned case affixed to a leather strap. These watches also have solid, lume filled hands, and the cases have prominent crown guards which give the case asymmetrical and toolish look and feel. 

Both the steel and gold tone variants retail for $1,200 and run on Citizen’s caliber 9051. The 831, in addition to being the less expensive Series 8 watch, is also the thinnest by a small margin, with its 40mm case measuring just 10mm tall. The price and size combination here is very appealing, particularly if your taste runs toward a more subdued sports watch look. 

In addition to the 870 and 831, Citizen will be releasing a third model in the Series 8 collection, the 830. This watch also comes in two variants, and features a striking multi piece dial with a mother of pearl layer under a metallic lattice piece. Unlike the 870 and 831, the 830 will not be sold by United States based Citizen retailers. Collectors, of course, have a tendency to bring JDM models stateside rather quickly, so it’s likely these will be turning up here on the secondary market sooner or later.

For more information on the new Series 8 watches from Citizen, check out their website right here.