The world of watchmaking is constantly evolving, with watch enthusiasts always on the lookout for something new and innovative. In response to this demand for novelty, Citizen created the Series 8 collection. The collection offers strong, sophisticated design with the necessary pragmatism for today, ensuring timepieces that are as ready and open to the world as those who wear them. The newest offerings in the Series 8 collection feature mechanical watches with a GMT function and magnetic resistance. These watches combine practicality and functionality with modern and sporty designs, making them perfect today’s jetsetters and digital nomads.

Citizen, revered as a true manufacture d’horlogerie with capabilities to carry out the entire watch manufacturing process in-house, is focusing its attention on functional complications in its latest offering. The company, which operates in over 140 countries and regions globally, is renowned for its pioneering advancements in the watchmaking industry. From creating individual watch components to the final assembly and adjustment, every step is meticulously executed, reflecting the brand’s belief – “Better Starts Now.”

This time, the spotlight is on the new models of the Citizen Series 8 collection, which are equipped with a GMT function and magnetic resistance. These features are designed to resonate with the active and digital lifestyles of the modern world, making them ideal companions for global travelers and tech-savvy individuals.

Citizen recently introduced two stainless steel models with blue and black dials, and a limited edition ion-plated two-tone gold model. Each dial color tells a unique story, adding depth and character to the watches.

The blue and black bezel model “Batman” (reference NB6031-56E) and the red and blue bezel model, “Pepsi” (reference NB6030-59L) are inspired by the skyline of Tokyo at night, with its countless skyscrapers and windows of different sizes, creating a modern twist on traditional check patterns long used in Japan to represent prosperity.

In addition to the two new models, Citizen also has a limited-edition “Root Beer” model (reference NB6032-53P) featuring striking gold hues. This model, limited to 1,300 pieces worldwide, draws its design inspiration from the warm golden rays of the autumn sun in Japan.

The case, band, and dial of this special edition model feature different shades of gold, creating a gentle yet eye-catching impression. The dial boasts an embossed pattern reminiscent of long autumn grasses illuminated by the sunset’s warm glow. This fusion of autumn hues in Japan with the modern styling of Series 8 results in a timepiece of unmatched beauty and exclusivity.

The cases, measuring 41mm in diameter and 13.5mm in thickness, strike the perfect balance between sportiness and elegance. The integrated steel bracelets of the Series 8 GMT models further enhance their overall appeal. The tapering design not only visually slims down the case but also ensures a comfortable fit on the wrist. The beveled links create a seamless transition from the case, adding a touch of sophistication. However, it is worth noting that even though the bracelet push-button clasp lacks micro-adjustment capabilities, two half-links are provided for more accurate adjustment.

The new Series 8 880 Mechanical models are the first in the collection to feature a GMT complication. These models offer a range of practical features, including magnetic resistance to protect against everyday magnetic fields and a supremely comfortable fit. The GMT function, a highlight of these models, allows users to view the time in up to three different time zones simultaneously, made possible with the use of a bi-directional rotating bezel.

Citizen’s Series 8 GMT collection marks a significant milestone for the brand, as it showcases their long-awaited in-house automatic GMT movement. While many enthusiasts expected Citizen to utilize the Miyota 9075 GMT caliber, the brand surprised everyone by introducing the new Citizen 9054 caliber. This innovative proprietary movement elevates the Series 8 GMT watches to a whole new level. With enhanced accuracy, an impressive power reserve, and improved magnetic resistance, the 9054 caliber ensures exceptional performance and reliability.

Citizen 9054 caliber, which can also be manually wound, boasts an average daily accuracy of -10 to +20 seconds and a running time of approximately 50 hours. Furthermore, the enhanced magnetic resistance of 16,000 A/m surpasses the minimum requirements for an “anti-magnetic” label, providing additional durability and longevity.

The true highlight of the 9054 movement is its “flyer GMT” functionality, allowing for quick and independent adjustment of the hour hand to display the local time. This feature, often reserved for more expensive timepieces, showcases Citizen’s commitment to democratizing innovation and making advanced complications accessible to a wider audience. While the Citizen Series 8 GMT watches do not feature an internal 24-hour scale, the ability to track two time zones effortlessly is a testament to the exceptional engineering and craftsmanship behind these timepieces.

Beyond their contemporary design, the Series 8 GMT watches excel in functionality and versatility. The watches are equipped with a bi-directional 24-hour bezel, allowing for the tracking of a third time zone, including those that fall on half-hours. Having lived a frequent flier lifestyle in my past life, this watch makes for a perfect antidote for keeping track of time when jet setting twice a month on the “Nerd Bird” between Silicon Valley and Southeast Asia (with half-hour time zones).

The crisp and precise action of the bezel, featuring the iconic Pepsi, Batman, and Root Beer color combinations, adds a touch of familiarity and timeless appeal. The dials of the Series 8 GMT watches perfectly balance legibility and aesthetics. The polished hands and brushed and polished applied indices not only enhance readability but also contribute to the bold design language of the case. The GMT hand, featuring a modestly sized triangle, allows for easy differentiation in low light conditions. The coordinated but not matched 3 o’clock date window adds a practical element to the watches without compromising their overall design integrity.

Citizen has once again raised the bar for affordable GMT watches, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to own a truly remarkable timepiece without breaking the bank. With their innovative in-house automatic GMT movement, exquisite style, and exceptional performance and functionality, these timepieces epitomize the brand’s commitment to excellence and innovation.

The Series 8 GMT watches from Citizen are priced at $1,695 USD for the stainless steel models with blue and black dials, commonly referred to as the “Pepsi” and “Batman” configurations. The limited edition ion-plated two-tone gold “Root Beer” model, with a production count of 1,300 pieces, is priced slightly higher at $1,795 USD.

Discover the Series 8 GMT collection here.