Introducing: Citizen Expands Series 8 With Three Limited Editions

What We Know

Citizen is ushering in the fall with three new limited-edition additions to its Series 8 collection, a line that’s all about mechanical watchmaking in contrast to the brand’s well-known light-powered Eco-Drive movements. These new references carry that theme forward, drawing directly from cityscapes and the shifting moods of light across Tokyo.

All three watches use stainless steel cases and bracelets. The 880 Mechanical (NB6035-55H) has grey and yellow gold-color plating and measures 41.0mm by 13.5mm. One 890 Mechanical (NB6060-58H) is made of full stainless steel, while the other (NB6062-52P) features a yellow gold-colored plating; both measure 42.6mm by 11.7mm. For an expanded look at the Series 8 890 line, check out this hands-on from Mark, or James’ look at the GMT variant. 

The 880 is powered by the Caliber 9054, which includes GMT functionality that allows for independent jumping of the local hour hand (aka. a “flyer GMT”). The 890 models use the Caliber 9051. Both calibers are automatic and hand-wound, include a hacking seconds function, and are visible through transparent casebacks. The 9054 has a 50-hour power reserve, while the 9051 offers about 42 hours. Water resistance is 100 meters for the 880 and 200 meters for the 890s, signaling that Citizen intends these watches to be worn in more than just city settings. 

Dial designs feature the theme of various Japanese cityscapes. The 880 features a gradient from white to black meant to resemble city lights reflecting on snow, with gold accents on the bezel and indices. The steel 890 features a geometric silver dial inspired by skyscraper shadows at dawn. The gold-plated 890 has a geometric gold dial that represents the city at night.

Each model comes with a stainless steel bracelet matching the case finish. The 880 Mechanical (NB6035-55H) is limited to 1,600 pieces worldwide and priced at $1,695, while the 890 Mechanical models — NB6060-58H in stainless steel ($1,395) and NB6062-52P in yellow gold plating ($1,495) — are each limited to 1,200 pieces. They are all available now, and you can find the complete details below. 

What We Think

Of the three, the 880 is the one I’m most drawn to. I like that Citizen tried something more conceptual—snow falling onto asphalt lit up by city lights—and the gradient dial with gold accents definitely adds character. The 890s are simpler in some ways and easier to imagine wearing every day. The silver model with the “dawn” theme is the most versatile and understated, and I like that monochrome look. 

If I could be so bold, my ideal would be a combination of the 880 and 890—call it the hypothetical 885. I’d want the GMT functionality of the 880 paired with the more monochromatic (yet still with texture) style of the silver 890. As it stands, the 880 feels like my preferred choice overall, while the silver 890 is the one that looks the most compelling in photos. Still, these are the kinds of watches you really need to see in person; a gradient dial or a gold finish can shift a lot depending on the light. Overall, though, I think this is a strong release from Citizen, especially at the price point.

The Basics

Brand: Citizen
Model: Series 8 Limited Edition 880 & 890 Mechanical
Reference Numbers: NB6035-55H (880), NB6060-58H (890 steel), NB6062-52P (890 gold)

Diameter: 41.0mm (880), 42.6mm (890s)
Thickness: 13.5mm (880), 11.7mm (890s)
Case Material: Stainless steel; grey and yellow gold plating (880), stainless steel (890 steel), yellow gold-colored plating (890 gold)
Dial Color: Gradient white-to-black with gold accents (880), silver geometric (890 steel), gold geometric (890 gold)
Indexes: Applied, matching case accents
Lume: Hands and indexes
Water Resistance: 100 meters (880), 200 meters (890s)
Strap/Bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet matching case finish

The Movement

Caliber: 9054 (880), 9051 (890s)
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date; stop-seconds; GMT function (880 only)
Power Reserve: Approx. 50 hours (880), approx. 42 hours (890s)
Winding: Automatic and manual winding
Frequency: 28,800 vph
Jewels: 24
Chronometer Certified: No
Additional Details: Anti-magnetic resistance to everyday devices; transparent caseback

Pricing & Availability

Price: $1,695 (880 NB6035-55H), $1,395 (890 NB6060-58H), $1,495 (890 NB6062-52P)
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: 1,600 pieces (880), 1,200 pieces each (890s)

For more, click here.