Introducing The Citizen Series 8 GMT

Citizen is back with a brand-new GMT based on their higher-end Series 8 platform. These new models join the existing line of time-and-date integrated bracelet steel sports watches with a trio of new references powered by the brand's travel-friendly mechanical GMT movement. With a pair in steel rocking the go-to colors for a GMT and a gold-tone LE, these upmarket Citizens blend several known concepts into a single watch with everyday appeal and time zone-jumping functionality. 

Regardless of the finish, all three of these new Series 8 models measure 41mm wide and 13.5mm thick. The given references are listed below, but you can pick between a "Pepsi" version with a blue dial, a blue/black "Batman" version with a black dial, or a gold-tone "Root Beer"-like option that is also the trio's only limited edition. Water resistance is 100 meters (with a non-screw-down crown), the crystal is sapphire with an anti-reflective coating, and all three versions have a display case back and 24-hour bi-directional rotating bezels. 

Visible through that case back is the Series 8 GMT's movement, the Citizen 9054, an automatic 4 Hz movement that can be hacked and hand wound and also offers a local-jumping GMT function (aka a "flyer" GMT) that allows the wearer to quickly jump-set the main hour hand to update to a new time zone. Only recently has this specific travel functionality become available at sub-luxury price points, and the Series 8, leans into the availability of the movement. 

All three references will hit retail this fall, with the two steel models carrying a price tag of $1,695 while the gold-tone reference is limited to 1,300 units and will cost $1,795. 

I'm always game to see another Flyer GMT hit the market under $2,000, so welcome to the party, Citizen. Furthermore, the Series 8 was well-reviewed when it was first released as it offered a more considered and detailed take on the idea of an everyday integrated-bracelet Citizen. With these new GMTs, Citizen looks to have protected that original intention while adding in a few moves from the Grand Seiko playbook, including the use of textured dials inspired by the skyline of Tokyo (for the steel versions) and the warm autumn colors of Japan (for the gold-tone). 

Speaking less philosophically, though it can be tough to predict how integrated bracelet steel sports watches wear without hands-on experience, I think the sizing is right down the middle and I'd expect the bracelet to help manage some of the thickness. That said, I'm hoping to have one of these in for a closer look before they hit stores this fall. 

While I would personally love to see a version with a less complicated dial execution and without the split-color bezel, I can understand why Citizen kicked off the range with these colorways, as they are instantly recognizable to many as design elements derived from the history of travel watches, specifically those from Rolex. And while I'm not beyond poking fun at Citizen for dropping a Pepsi-colored GMT, it's not as though they are the first to do so (nor will they be the last). 

The provided images show that the Series 8 design works well for a GMT, even with the rather busy dial execution. In addition to the given specs, Citizen also mentions that the model is protected against magnetic interference (but we don't yet know to what extent UPDATE: it's 16000 A/m) and that the movement is good for -10 to +20 seconds a day in terms of timekeeping. 

Starting at $1,695 and offering the very popular integrated bracelet steel sports watch format, while it's not exactly apples-to-apples, that price is a bit over what you might pay for a watch with Swatch's Flyer GMT movement (like the Mido Ocean Star GMT, or similar). That being said, it's still well under two grand for a Flyer GMT, and I think the Citizen Series 8 GMT looks very promising and that the rest will likely come down to in-person details like the quality of the bracelet, how the watch looks in real light, and how it feels on wrist. Thankfully, it's a Citizen, so you likely won't have too much trouble finding one at retail to see for yourself. 

Stay tuned for more on these new GMTs from Citizen, and if you have any specific questions for the eventual hands-on, let me know in the comments. 

Brand: Citizen
Model: Series 8 / 880 Mechanical GMT
Reference Number: NB6031-56E (blue/black), NB6030-59L (blue/red), NB6032-53P (gold tone, limited edition)

Diameter: 41mm
Thickness: 13.5mm
Case Material: Steel
Dial Color: Black, blue, or gold-tone
Indexes: Applied
Lume: Yes
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Integrated steel bracelet 

Caliber: Citizen 9054
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, second time zone
Power Reserve: ~50 hours
Winding: Automatic (can be hand-wound)
Frequency: 28,800 vph
Jewels: 24
Additional Details: All three models have a display caseback

Price: $1,695 (blue/black or blue red), $1795 (gold tone)
Availability: Fall 2023
Limited Edition: Yes, the gold-tone NB6032-53P is limited to 1,300 pieces

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