Watchlords

I was impressed by the Caliber 0200 that Citizen unveiled earlier in the year. A new design with an integrated bracelet and an automatic movement developed from scratch, the Caliber 0200 costs US$6,000 – more than the typical Citizen – it is unquestionably a value proposition. The level of fit and finish, especially on the case and bracelet, surpasses practically everything else at that price.

Still, US$6,000 is not affordable for everyone. Citizen soon followed up with the Series 8, a line of watches similar to the Caliber 0200 in style but far more accessible price-wise, with the base model starting at US$1,200. Like the Caliber 0200, the Series 8 outperforms in its far lower price segment.

The Series 8 is made up of three models – 830, 831, and 870 – but the standout is the 870, the watch pictured below. Citizen loaned me one for a few days, an experience that confirmed my initial impressions.


https://watchesbysjx.com/2021/09/citize ... eview.html

Jaysus H. Christ, that's a fucking expensive Citizen.

Nice enough, I suppose, but I don't know anyone who'd spend $1200 on a Citizen - much less $6K.

The 0200 is $6K largely because of a new 'in-house' movement that is much adieu about, well, not much. Nice watch, but hardly Grand Seiko nice.

The 870 is $2K with the fairly pedestrian 0950 movement. The 800 series was apparently released as a cheaper 0200 look alike, but is still high priced for what it offers.

Absolutely superb.

Citizen is the greatest, most significant mainstream manufacture IMO. At every price point below the high end stuff they deliver. I'm still considering a 4020. But if I wanted a fancy mechanical I'd be looking very closely at one of these.

I liked that lattice dial but the price is a bit steep.

jason_recliner wrote: ↑

January 25th 2022, 7:48am

Absolutely superb.

Citizen is the greatest, most significant mainstream manufacture IMO. At every price point below the high end stuff they deliver. I'm still considering a 4020. But if I wanted a fancy mechanical I'd be looking very closely at one of these.

Not much information out there yet about the new movements in these other than they have good magnetic-resistance and decent power reserve. Otherwise, there's really nothing that seems to distinguish them from the 90XX series. Agree with you about their mid-line models, especially the Eco Drives.

3Flushes wrote: ↑

January 25th 2022, 4:38pm

jason_recliner wrote: ↑

January 25th 2022, 7:48am

Absolutely superb.

Citizen is the greatest, most significant mainstream manufacture IMO. At every price point below the high end stuff they deliver. I'm still considering a 4020. But if I wanted a fancy mechanical I'd be looking very closely at one of these.

Not much information out there yet about the new movements in these other than they have good magnetic-resistance and decent power reserve. Otherwise, there's really nothing that seems to distinguish them from the 90XX series. Agree with you about their mid-line models, especially the Eco Drives.

I really like the 90xx, and I think it's appropriate for mid-range watches like these. You're paying for the case and bracelet, really.

Prefer The Citizen.

jason_recliner wrote: ↑

January 25th 2022, 5:25pm

3Flushes wrote: ↑

January 25th 2022, 4:38pm

jason_recliner wrote: ↑

January 25th 2022, 7:48am

Absolutely superb.

Citizen is the greatest, most significant mainstream manufacture IMO. At every price point below the high end stuff they deliver. I'm still considering a 4020. But if I wanted a fancy mechanical I'd be looking very closely at one of these.

Not much information out there yet about the new movements in these other than they have good magnetic-resistance and decent power reserve. Otherwise, there's really nothing that seems to distinguish them from the 90XX series. Agree with you about their mid-line models, especially the Eco Drives.

I really like the 90xx, and I think it's appropriate for mid-range watches like these. You're paying for the case and bracelet, really.

As it turns out, there is a pretty significant improvement in timekeeping in both new movements, and the magnetic resistance is good, too. Still can't find anything specific about the mechanical improvements beyond the listed specs, but the new additions to Citizen / Miyota's mechanical movements are a step up indeed.

Available specs:

0950: 50 hours power reserve, 28,800 BPH, -5 ~ +10 s/d, antimagnetic to 16000ga --- 0951: 42 hour power reserve, antimagnetic to 16000ga, -10~+20 s/d--- compared to the 9015: 42 hours power reserve, -10 - +30 s/d.

Have to say that with the improved movement, and the nicely finished case and bracelet, the 870 is actually a pretty good value.