Series 8 890 Automatic Blue Ref. NB6060-58L

Citizen presented us with some really impressive offerings last year, splendidly demonstrating the brand's incredible mastery in the art of Japanese watchmaking, especially with the development of their latest in-house Cal. 0200 automatic movement earlier in the year which took the watch world by storm. It was no doubt, one of Citizen's most stunning creations yet, however, these pieces belonged to Citizen's highest-tier segment which were associated with relatively hefty price tags. Closing the gap between Citizen's entry-level models and their most premium offerings, Citizen unveiled their latest Series 8 collection based on their Japan-only release seen back in 2008, a truly value-packed series of sporty automatic watches boasting an especially sleek case design and a respectable mechanical performance.

Citizen Series 8 890 Automatic Blue Ref. NB6060-58L

As one of the world's leading manufacturers of movements and watches for over 100 years, Citizen is a venerable Japanese watch brand that holds a rich history of traditional watchmaking, advanced horological innovations, and quality craftsmanship. In 1976, Citizen created the world's first ever light-powered analogue quartz watch that captures light and converts it using an inbuilt solar cell. This marvellous invention known as the "Eco-Drive" established Citizen as an early pioneer in advocating for the environment, as well as being a significant stepping stone that shaped the brand's future. Nevertheless, the prestigious Japanese watchmaking brand produces all of their components and movements entirely in-house in Japan, while offering them at a relatively modest price segment, a true feat to behold.

Citizen described the Series 8 collection as 'redefining the power of a sports watch with infinite possibilities', a nod to the figure 8 on its side as a symbol of infinity. The Citizen Series 8 890 Automatic Blue Ref. NB6060-58L explores this expression with a beautifully sized 40.5mm stainless steel case crafted with sharp and defined lines, evoking a delightful sense of sophistication. Measuring with a lug-to-lug distance of 48mm and a thickness of 11.7mm, you can expect it to wear exceptionally well on the wrist while holding a strong elegant character. Suitable for most men's wrist and is sure to standout.

Multi-finished case

Further emphasizing on Citizen's impeccable watchmaking capabilities and fine attention to detail, the case receives a predominantly hairline brushed finish on the case, which extends to the bevelled lugs and the bezel to complete the sporty look. Details extends further in the attention to the edges of the case which is given an extra dimension to bring the watch together. Driving a luxurious touch to the overall design, the high level of fit and finish follows through to the 20mm steel H-link bracelet, which carries a gracefully brushed finish. Considering the fluid nature of the bracelet, each individual link smoothly articulates to hug the wrist extremely well as it captures the light in different angles.

The Citizen Series 8 890 Automatic Blue Ref. NB6060-58L finds beauty in simplicity with an ultra-legible blue checkered pattern dial which is a reference to traditional Japanese design. Done in a way which makes the dial mesmerising as it reflects light differently depending on light conditions. Nevertheless, each individual element of the dial is executed skilfully with a set of faceted luminous-filled hands and applied markers. Having a matching date window, presented in a bevelled window, at the 3 o'clock position keeps the dial uniform throughout, resulting in a dial that is really pleasant to look at. A piece of impact and shatter resistant sapphire glass rests above the dial, keeping it crystal clear with a coat of anti-reflecting treatment. This is held together by a bidirectional internal rehaut diver bezel which is controlled by a knob placed elegantly at the 2 o'clock position.

Citizen’s proprietary luminous glow in the dark

Under the hood, the Citizen Series 8 890 Automatic Blue Ref. NB6060-58L is powered by Citizen's in-house Cal. 9051 automatic movement, a true performance powerhouse from the 90-series of movements, launched in conjunction with the Series 8 line up. Astonishingly, the 24 jewel movement features a boosted magnetic resistance as a result of the movement's hairspring and escapement components being fabricated from non-metallic alloys, allowing the movement to be capable of maintaining performance even when placed 1 centimeter away from a device emitting a magnetic field of 16,000 A/m. Operating with a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour (BPH), the movement has a power reserve of approx. 42 hours when fully wound. Encased underneath a screw-down solid caseback, the watch has an effective water resistance rating of 200m.

Overall, the Citizen Series 8 890 Automatic Blue Ref. NB6060-58L is a fantastic value proposition from Citizen, showing off a clean but exceedingly refined design that's so easy to fall in love with. Citizen has impressed us once again, delivering a well-specced and detailed modern timepiece that will easily fit right into any collection.