Is the revived Citizen Series Eight a "luxury sports car"? The editorial team freely debates

In this series, three editorial staff members from Chronos Japan share their impressions of popular models. This time, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Yukiya Suzuki, Hosoyan (aka Yuto Hosoda), and newcomer Yasunori Doi share their thoughts on the Citizen Series Eight, which has been revived after an eight-year hiatus.

The long-awaited return of Series Eight!

HosodaCitizen's Series Eight, which was discontinued eight years ago, has been relaunched with three new models, totaling eight. The 870 and 830 are equipped with the new Caliber 0950 movement, developed in 2021. The 831 is equipped with the Caliber 9051.

(I.e.The original was released in 2008 and was a quartz watch. The exterior parts were made up of separate components and were very well-crafted. It had a three-dimensional feel and a good finish, and both Editor-in-Chief Hirota and I praised it, saying, "That's typical Citizen design." Unfortunately, however, it has since been discontinued...

HosodaThis time, we asked you to wear the 870 and 830. What did you think?

(I.e.First, talking about the exterior, the separate parts of the past are almost gone. Also, the PVD gray finish of the 830 isn't great. It would have been much more attractive if the exterior had followed the previous series, even though it would have been more expensive. However, the multi-faceted case and integrated lugs, reminiscent of the "Lug Sport" model, give it a modern feel.

HosodaThe 870 has undergone a major design change as the flagship of the Series Eight. How did it feel to wear?

(I.e.The 870 felt stable when worn. It might be a good choice for a luxury watch. The 830's bracelet didn't feel good against the skin. The edges were a bit rough... If there was a significant price difference, it would make sense, but if not, it's a bit disappointing.

HosodaThe difference is just over 1 yen. The 830 has the same case as the 831, but the dial is made of MOP with a stainless steel plate on top, giving it an elaborate look.

(I.e.The MOP dial is stylish though...

HosodaCitizen is promoting 2021 as the "first year of the return to mechanical watches," and is releasing the Cal. 0200 in the high-end price range and the Series Eight and divers in the more affordable price range, so it's clear that they're putting a lot of effort into this, but perhaps they've slipped up a bit.

The difference between the 870 and 830 bracelets

DoiThe 870 and 830 differ in the size and number of bracelet links.

(I.e.I think that watches with smaller links would fit better, but the 830 was not as comfortable to wear.

HosodaIt didn't move as smoothly as it looked.

(I.e.Yes. The 830 feels a bit loose. The 870 has larger links, but it's more comfortable to wear. The center of gravity is also good. The 830's bracelet feels too light for the head.

HosodaAlso, Hirota, Yukiya, and I all have similar arm sizes, but Doi's is thinner. How did it feel to wear it from the perspective of someone with thin arms?

DoiI remove a lot of links from the bracelet, which inevitably makes the balance with the head worse, but it didn't bother me too much. I was also concerned about the pin system, as there is a risk in adjusting it.

HosodaThat's right, when I asked Doi-kun to remove the links, he said he didn't want to because they were pins, so in the end I ended up doing it even though I don't have any watchmaking qualifications. (*) It would have been even more dangerous if I had done it (laughs).

*New employee Doi has completed the Watchmaker Master Course at Hiko Mizuno Jewelry College and holds a Level 2 watch repair technician license.