Citizen is known for many things, including its long-term focus on accuracy, innovative use of titanium, and its own groundbreaking movements. Recently, the brand demonstrated its commitment to fine mechanical watchmaking by introducing the Caliber 0200 and watches with exquisite execution. We thoroughly reviewed these 'The Citizen' watches and truly appreciated the work done by the Japanese manufacturer. Citizen also has more in store, with another collection of mechanical models that coincidentally marked the return of the famous 8 series. Today, we review the stunning Citizen Series 8 830 Mechanical model.
Consisting of 6 models, including the 870 Mechanical, 830 Mechanical, and 831 Mechanical, this new series is presented by the brand as a 'collection of functional and practical watches with a modern sporty design.' Clearly, the brand is being modest here, as the new Series 8 represents, in my view, something more than just functional watches. If the Citizen 'The Citizen' collection has always been a more upscale option of the brand's classic watches, the Series 8 is a very noticeable mid-range option with everything to compete with Swiss counterparts. Until recently, Citizen Series 8 watches were intended only for the Japanese market - and this has been the case since their release 12 years ago.
With the 2021 collection, the Japanese brand introduces several things that will delight enthusiasts; new, sharper, bolder designs, new movements with numerous upgrades, and mainly, watches that will be available worldwide. The whole idea of this new Series 8 collection - whether we look at models 870, 830, or 831 - was to create modern watches with trendy designs and features that make them suitable for everyday wear and resistant to modern issues such as magnetism.
All models in the new Citizen Series 8 collection have clear shapes and are slightly oriented towards 'luxury sports watches' with shaped cases and (almost) integrated bracelets. This is even more true for the 830 Mechanical watch presented today, which complements this already complete package with a complex, textured dial featuring surprising materials and a multi-layered construction. In particular, this NA1015-81Z release showcases impressive individuality.
The case of the Citizen Series 8 830 Mechanical is all about sharpness, with many facets and a mix of angular lines at the edges with a classic round bezel. With noticeable inspiration and a sense of the 1970s, the watch also exudes a certain 'Japaneseness' (excuse the term, but it sums up the design), which is welcomed in a market dominated by Swiss icons. The watch does not imitate existing models and has its own personality. The proportions are also noteworthy: a diameter of 40 mm with a relative thickness of 11.7 mm.
The decoration includes a series of matte flat surfaces and polished facets that enliven the case. Unusual for watches of this type is a massive and quite prominent crown module, but it fits well with the overall design. The specific watch we received for this review has a dark gray coating around the perimeter, but they also have a traditional stainless steel case.
The overall impression is quite impressive, with undeniable attention to detail on the case and the corresponding bracelet. The latter is partially integrated into the design and is executed in the same finish as the case, both in terms of finishing and coating. It closes with a folding clasp with buttons. Thanks to the angular lug module, the watch feels very compact (even more than the stated 40 mm) and is intended for daily use, with water resistance of 100 m, making it suitable for weekends as well.
The most surprising element of these watches, which certainly has the boldest design, is the dial. In fact, it is a complex multi-layered construction that uses unexpected materials and colors. The base is a classic metallic dial. Then, in the center, there is a mother-of-pearl layer with a constantly changing blue hue (difficult to capture the reflection in the photo). This colorful, shimmering layer is partially visible through the third and final layer - a metal grid with applied index markers on top. This intricate pattern is combined with gold-colored markers and hands, giving the watch a bold look.
Under the massive case back, there is good news too. Indeed, the Citizen Series 8 830 Mechanical NA1015-81Z is equipped with a new movement specifically developed for this new collection. Based on the well-known 9015 movement, it nevertheless features numerous improvements aimed at comfort, ease of use, and durability. First, the brand worked on the height of the Caliber 0950, which now has a thickness of 4.1 mm, explaining why Series 8 watches are thinner than most Citizen models. Secondly, Citizen improved the power reserve, resulting in a 50-hour power reserve. Additionally, these movements are regulated between -5 to +10 seconds per day. Finally, to protect the watch from magnetic fields in everyday life, the movement is rated for magnetic fields up to 16,000 A/m (more than three times the industrial standards of 4800 A/m).
The Citizen Series 8 830 Mechanical NA1015-81Z is a watch with a strong personality, typically modern, and meeting current demand. Moreover, they are very detailed and well made, and mainly, they have all the necessary functions to make them resistant to our modern daily life. The watch, like the rest of the Series 8 models, will be available this fall at a price of USD 1,900.
For more information, visit www.citizenwatch-global.com.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – CITIZEN SERIES 8 830 MECHANICAL
Case: 40 mm diameter x 11.7 mm height – stainless steel case with dark gray coating – sapphire crystals – solid case back – water resistance 100 m
Dial: multi-layered dial with metallic base, mother-of-pearl layer in the middle, and metal grid with indices on top – gold-colored indices and hands filled with luminescent material
Movement: Caliber 0950, in-house – automatic – 24 jewels – 4.1 mm height – frequency 4 Hz or 28,800 vibrations/hour – power reserve 50 h – regulation from -5 to +10 seconds per day – magnetic resistance 16,000 A/m – hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Bracelet: Partially integrated stainless steel bracelet with dark gray coating – folding clasp with buttons
Reference: NA1015-81Z
Availability: Fall 2021
Price: USD 1,900