If you ask me about my current favorites among Citizen models, I would unhesitatingly name the Series 8.
This is a modern collection of mechanical watches by Citizen, positioned between the premium 'The Citizen' line and the brand's more affordable models. The Series 8 was introduced in 2021, and two years later, the first Series 8 880 GMT models were added. Since their release, I have been eager to test these watches. Three years have passed since the announcement, and now I finally have the opportunity to thoroughly examine this modern travel watch series. Did the long wait meet my high expectations? There is only one way to answer that question.
First Impression of Citizen Series 8 880 GMT
When Citizen introduced the first trio of Series 8 880 GMT models, one immediately caught my eye. It wasn't the classic red-blue 'Pepsi' or the blue-black 'Batman', but a luxurious model with a gold-tone case and champagne-colored dial. The combination of yellow and rose gold with a PVD coating looked both extravagant and intriguing. However, the main takeaway was that Citizen presented a truly outstanding series. These modern, stylish GMT watches with a 'true' GMT caliber became one of the best in the brand's lineup. It was love at first sight. Over the three years, many GMT models appeared from large and small brands, and Citizen expanded the series with new variations. So, I decided to see how this series fits into the modern travel watch market.
Technical Specifications of Citizen Series 8 880 GMT
Let's start with the main parameters. The Series 8 880 GMT watch case is made of stainless steel with a diameter of 41 mm, a thickness of 13.54 mm, and a lug-to-lug length of 47 mm. Including the central link of the bracelet, the length reaches 53.3 mm. However, due to the smooth slope of the lugs and the central link, the watch does not seem bulky and sits comfortably on the wrist.
The case design is modern and angular, with a combination of matte and polished surfaces, giving the watch an expressive look. The finish is impressive - the sides of the case combine various types of treatments, and the small polished sections smoothly transition into bevels, showcasing the thoughtfulness of the construction.
The side lugs transition into a wider angular section reminiscent of Nautilus 'ears'. Despite the modern and sharper design, the visual effect is similar. I appreciate that the case design noticeably differs from typical models inspired by the Rolex GMT-Master.
Modern GMT watches with such a blend of contemporary design and classic charm are rare. The bidirectional rotating bezel features a 24-hour GMT scale with modern typography. The review covered two models: the first with a blue-black bezel and black dial (ref. NB6031-56E), and the second with a blue-white bezel and blue dial (NB6034-58L).
Dial Pattern Inspired by Tokyo's Horizon
The dials are adorned with a pattern inspired by Tokyo's skyline. The abstract design resembles silhouettes of high-rise buildings with numerous windows, perfectly matching the modern style of the watch. The dial features large applied markers placed inside the minute track, where every five minutes are highlighted with enlarged luminescent markers.
An interesting design detail is that the width of the luminous markers matches the width of the hour markers, creating a sense of continuity. In the dark, they serve a dual function, acting as both hour and minute markers. The large markers harmoniously relate to the bezel numbers and overall dial proportions.
At the three o'clock position is a date window: the black dial model has a black disc with white numbers, while the blue version has a white disc with black numbers. At the bottom of the dial are two lines of white text and a third with the 'GMT' inscription in orange.
The color of the GMT hand matches the orange text: in the blue model, the hand is white with an orange tip, while in the black model, it is black with an orange tip. It's interesting that the designers made the hand contrast against the blue background and blend more with the dial on the black model. The hour and minute hands are filled with lume, and the sharp minute hand completes the modern look.
In-house Caliber Citizen 9054
Both models are equipped with the proprietary automatic caliber 9054 with a GMT function. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, contains 24 jewels, and provides a power reserve of up to 50 hours. This is a GMT caliber with the ability to independently adjust the hour hand in one-hour increments, which is convenient for travelers.
Many know that the Miyota 9075 is a caliber that Citizen sells to third-party manufacturers. However, the 9054 offers an increased power reserve and is regulated to -10/+20 seconds per day. This is comparable to the Traska Venturer GMT on the Miyota 9075. A more precise adjustment (+/- 8 seconds per day) is offered by the brand Nodus for the Contrail GMT model. These are the watches that the Citizen Series 8 880 GMT competes with.
Besides the movement, the watch comes with a three-link bracelet with a folding clasp and buttons. The central links of the bracelet have polished chamfers, and the flat links add a slight shine to the bracelet. The bracelet quality is very good, and the clasp securely fastens. However, the bracelet lacks screw links and a micro-adjustment system for precise fitting.
Wearing the Citizen Series 8 880 GMT
Despite some inconvenience in adjusting the bracelet size, once fitted, the watch is pleasant to wear. The modern design gives the watch a unique character, distinguishing it from typical GMT models. All elements are balanced, and the watch immediately feels comfortable on the wrist.
One notable aspect is the substantial case thickness - 13.54 mm. However, thanks to the sturdy bracelet, the watch sits well on the wrist. The bezel visually adds volume to the angular case. Despite the comfort, the 183-gram weight is noticeable, and you definitely feel the presence of the watch on your wrist.
Overall, I would like to see the series slightly thinner, considering some brands use the Miyota 9075 to create thinner models. For instance, the Nodus Contrail GMT is only 11.8 mm thick, and the RZE Contrail GMT and Traska Venturer GMT are about 12 mm thick. The 1.5 mm difference is significant for wearing comfort. Nonetheless, Citizen's modern design and build quality are at a high level, ensuring a secure fit on the wrist.
Final Impressions of Citizen Series 8 880 GMT
Upon first inspection, I was surprised by two details on the crown. Firstly, it is a classic push-pull crown, whereas I am used to seeing screw-down crowns on similar watches. Secondly, the crown is positioned quite low relative to the side of the case, making it impossible to recess it into the case for additional protection.
However, upon closer examination of the case, it becomes clear that the construction is much more complex than it appears. The case base connects the lugs and the case back, and the sides smoothly transition into the 'end link' of the bracelet. This provides a variety of angles and finishes, which demonstrates the thoughtful design and engineering of Citizen. This construction gives the GMT models a unique character and makes them an excellent choice for modern travelers.
The Best Affordable GMT? Undoubtedly an Excellent Choice!
Priced around €1,225, the Series 8 880 GMT offers affordable GMT watches with a unique appearance. Its main competitors are microbrands such as Nodus, Traska, RZE, and Nezumi, which use the Miyota 9075 and have comparable or slightly lower prices. If you want a GMT from a major brand at a reasonable price, Citizen is an excellent choice.
Of the two models tested, I preferred the version with the blue dial and blue-white bezel - it's a matter of personal color preference. However, the choice between them is very close. Currently, Citizen also offers a model with a blue dial and red-blue 'Pepsi' bezel, as well as an exotic anthracite 'gunmetal' version with gold-tone details and a silver dial.
The series features four interesting GMT models, which I hope will remain in the collection for a long time. The Series 8 is the most interesting in terms of modern design from Citizen, and the 880 GMT series is the best proof of that. The unique case design and construction make these watches a worthy object of attention. I hope Citizen expands the color range, including brighter gold-tone versions introduced at launch, as well as new stainless steel variations. The potential of the series is enormous, and I will be watching its development closely.