Since its arrival in Europe in 2021, the Citizen Series 8 collection has emerged as a standout, notable for its striking aesthetic, defined lines, and attractive pricing.
Positioned as a more approachable option to The Citizen line—known for its luxury status—this collection emphasizes the brand’s commitment to mechanical timepieces.
Following the successful launches of models 830, 870, and the sporty Series 890, the collection introduced the Series 880: an exceptional GMT watch reinvented now in an eye-catching edition that brings together warm gold tones, a deep black dial, and vibrant green highlights.
Design and Features
Debuting in 2023, the Citizen Series 8 880 Mechanical GMT provided a sleek, budget-friendly take on travel watches.
Remarkably, it incorporated all the essential features expected of a true GMT watch without the hefty price tag.
The initial range included two classic steel models—one showcasing a black dial with blue accents and another featuring a blue face paired with a red-blue bezel—along with a limited edition showcasing a striking yellow-and-rose-gold finish with a distinctive patterned dial.
Recently, a bold version with a black-and-blue-coated case and a blue mother-of-pearl dial piqued interest.
With the limited edition in two-tone gold now sold out, a fresh standard model emerges.
This new offering maintains the original case and bracelet design while introducing updated color elements and a refreshed dial.
The latest Series 8 Mechanical GMT 880, reference NB6033-51E, adheres closely to the established design principles set forth at its initial launch.
It features an angular profile typical of luxury sports watches, with a tonneau-shaped case seamlessly integrated into an elegant bracelet.
With a diameter of 41mm and a thickness of 13.5mm, this watch commands a noticeable presence on the wrist.
The standout feature of this edition is its gold-plated case, which elegantly combines both yellow and rose gold.
Yellow gold graces the lugs, external links of the bracelet, and the crown, while rose gold accents adorn the bezel, mid-links, and central case.
Advanced Mechanism and Pricing
One of the most exciting updates is the introduction of a bezel that showcases a classic 24-hour scale paired with a striking black and green insert.
The green segment is particularly clever, marking daytime hours, making it practical for travelers.
A sapphire crystal adds durability to the watch, which also boasts a transparent caseback.
While it lacks a screw-down crown, the watch offers a commendable water resistance of up to 100 meters.
The bracelet retains the signature design of all Series 8 models, built with sharply formed H-shaped links and primarily brushed for sophistication, topped with a folding clasp for ease of wear.
Unlike the previous limited edition with gold plating, this new model’s dial draws inspiration from the steel variations.
The black surface features a unique pattern reminiscent of Tokyo’s iconic skyline, enriching the watch’s character.
The hour and minute hands, along with the appliquéd markers, are elegantly finished in complementary gold tones, while the GMT indication and hand receive a darker gold touch for distinction.
At the core of this timepiece lies the calibre 9054, an automatic movement that offers authentic GMT functionality—a feature that stands out in this price range.
This allows the local hour hand to be adjusted in hourly increments when crossing time zones.
Operating at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour, the movement incorporates 24 jewels and provides around 50 hours of power reserve, maintaining a specified accuracy of -10 to +20 seconds per day.
Availability and Pricing
The new NB6033-51E Citizen Series 8 Mechanical GMT 880 is now available for purchase through the brand and its authorized retailers, priced at EUR 1,295 or USD 1,595.
Source: Monochrome-watches.com