The Citizen Series 8 890 is a new contender entering the integrated-bracelet octagon
Adam Reeder- Citizen adds to its mechanical Series 8 line of watches with three new steel sports models.
- These new 890 models all take dial inspiration from the sights of Citizen’s native Japan and case inspiration from one of the most popular Swiss sports models ever.
- Available on either a stainless steel case and bracelet or a yellow gold PVD version, you have options.
Citizen has just released their new Series 8 890 in three different colourways. The Series 8 line is Citizen’s stable of steel mechanical sports watches that utilise its three current automatic calibers, the 0950, 9051, and 9054. Citizen’s Series 8 watches are designed to entice fans of some of the most popular sports watches on the market, and the 890 is the most recent addition to the line. The 890 joins the similarly positioned 830, 831, 870, and 880.
Both the blue and grey dial, warm gold PVD versions of the 890 have a checkered pattern that is, according to Citizen, intended to mimic the Tokyo evening skyline. Citizen has also released a limited-edition pink copper dial variant which is said to echo the image of a cloud of blooming cherry blossoms. All three dials offer dimension and interesting light play. The dial design appears to be intended to soften the harshness of the angular lines of the case and bracelet; a task in which it succeeds adequately. The choice of large circular applied indices rather than batons also seems to soften the intentionally brutish aesthetic of the 890.
The case and bracelet design is familiar in silhouette and spirit. Harkening back to the birth of the steel luxury sports watch in the 1970s, the geometric bezel and integrated bracelet of the 890 are well-designed. The execution is likely good enough to allow safe passage into the crowded club of brands releasing (and reissuing) this popular archetype.
The familiar three-piece case construction and large octagonal fixed bezel give the watch an air industrial heft, implying a durable build. The case measures 42.6mm across and has a thickness of 11.7mm which, along with the look, makes it a potential affordable alternative to the likes of the AP Royal Oak Offshore. For those wishing for a smaller size, Citizen’s Tsuyosa line is there to fill that gap, however, the 890 may have been better served to have an overall diameter closer to 41mm with the trend in watches heading more toward the smaller end of the spectrum.
While style was obviously a major factor in the design of these new models, Citizen intended them to be solid tool watches. With 200 metres of water resistance, the 890 isn’t a watch that simply looks the part. The internal bi-directional rotating bezel offers another layer of dive watch DNA for those who like to get their feet wet.
The 890’s case houses the aforementioned Citizen caliber 9051. The movement is Citizen’s in-house automatic (equivalent to Miyota’s 9000-series considering their ownership of the movement maker) that powers a few of the Series 8 models. The movement has a power reserve of 42 hours and an average daily accuracy of -10 to +20 seconds. It is a respectable automatic movement from a brand more often recognised for its battery powered quartz and eco-drive models.
With the 890, Citizen does not intend to break any new ground. They do, however, hope for an invite to the dance that they’ve ignored for some time. All the elements are in place for the 890 to offer an affordable alternative to the watches that have made the likes of Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe household names. I’m left wondering though, what might Citizen come up with if they trust their own inspiration rather than those of the market.
Citizen Series 8 890 pricing and availability
The Citizen Series 8 890 is available now. Price: US$1,595 (steel), US$1,695 (gold PVD)
| Brand | Citizen |
| Model | Series 8 890 |
| Case Dimensions | 42.6mm (D) x 11.7mm (T) x 46.6mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 200 metres |
| Crystal(s) | AR-coated sapphire |
| Dial | Blue, grey, rose copper |
| Lug Width | Integrated |
| Strap | H-link steel bracelet, folding clasp |
| Movement | 9051, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 42 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Available now |
| Price | US$1,595 (steel) US$1,695 (gold PVD) |