Series 8 Automatic White Ref. NB6010-81A

Citizen presented us with some really impressive offerings this year, splendidly demonstrating the brand’s incredible mastery in the art of Japanese watchmaking, especially with the development of their latest in-house Cal. 0200 automatic movement earlier in the year which took the watch world by storm. It was no doubt, one of Citizen’s most stunning creations yet, however, these pieces belonged to Citizen’s highest-tier segment which were associated with relatively hefty price tags. Closing the gap between Citizen’s entry-level models and their most premium offerings, Citizen unveiled their latest Series 8 collection based on their Japan-only release seen back in 2008, a truly value-packed series of sporty automatic watches boasting an especially sleek case design and a respectable mechanical performance.

Citizen Series 8 Automatic White Ref. NB6010-81A

As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of movements and watches for over 100 years, Citizen is a venerable Japanese watch brand that holds a rich history of traditional watchmaking, advanced horological innovations and quality craftsmanship. In 1976, Citizen created the world’s first ever light-powered analogue quartz watch that captures light and converts it using an inbuilt solar cell. This marvellous invention known as the “Eco-Drive” established Citizen as an early pioneer in advocating for the environment, as well as being a significant stepping stone that shaped the brand’s future. Nevertheless, the prestigious Japanese watchmaking brand produces all of their components and movements entirely in-house in Japan, while offering them at a relatively modest price segment, a true feat to behold. 

Citizen described the Series 8 collection as ‘redefining the power of a sports watch with infinite possibilities’, a nod to the figure 8 on its side as a symbol of infinity. The Citizen Series 8 Automatic White Ref. NB6010-81A explores this expression with a beautifully sized 40mm stainless steel case crafted with sharp and defined lines, evoking a delightful sense of sophistication. Measuring with a lug to lug distance of 49mm and a thickness of merely 10.1mm, you can expect it to wear exceptionally well on the wrist while holding a strong elegant character as a result of a slim case profile.

Multi-finished case

Further emphasizing on Citizen’s impeccable watchmaking capabilities and fine attention to detail, the case receives a predominantly hairline brushed finish on the case, embellished with a highly-polished finish on the bevelled lugs and the bezel to complete the sporty look. Driving a luxurious touch to the overall design, the high level of fit and finish follows through to the 20mm steel H-link bracelet, which carries a gracefully brushed finish. Considering the fluid nature of the bracelet, each individual link smoothly articulates to hug the wrist extremely well as it captures the light in different angles. 

The Citizen Series 8 Automatic White Ref. NB6010-81A finds beauty in simplicity with a ultra-legible white radial brushed dial with minimal clutter. Nevertheless, each individual element of the dial is executed skilfully with a set of faceted luminous-filled hands and applied baton hour markers. Having a matching date window, presented in a bevelled window, at the 3 o’clock position keeps the dial uniform throughout, resulting in a dial that is really pleasant to look at. A piece of impact and shatter resistant sapphire glass rests above the dial, keeping it crystal clear with a coat of anti-reflecting treatment. 

Citizen’s proprietary luminous glow in the dark

Under the hood, the Citizen Series 8 Automatic White Ref. NB6010-81A is powered by Citizen’s in-house Cal. 9051 automatic movement, a true performance powerhouse from the 90-series of movements, launched in conjunction with the Series 8 line up. Astonishingly, the 24 jewel movement features a boosted magnetic resistance as a result of the movement’s hairspring and escapement components being fabricated from non-metallic alloys, allowing the movement to be capable of maintaining performance even when placed 1 centimeter away from a device emitting a magnetic field of 16,000 A/m. Operating with a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour (BPH), the movement has a power reserve of approx. 42 hours when fully wound. Encased underneath a screw-down solid caseback, the watch has an effective water resistance rating of 100m, handling accidental splashes in daily use with ease. 

Overall, the Citizen Series 8 Automatic White Ref. NB6010-81A is a fantastic value proposition from Citizen, showing off a clean but exceedingly refined design that's so easy to fall in love with. Citizen has impressed us once again, delivering a well-specced modern timepiece that will easily fit right into any collection.