Side by side

Citizen Series 8 890vsPhoibos Wave Master

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

Series 8 890
CitizenSeries 8 890
MSRP $1,395
Wave Master
PhoibosWave Master
MSRP $309

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Series 8 89042.6mm
Wave Master42mm
Power Reserve
Series 8 89042h
Wave Master40h
Water Resistance
Series 8 890200m
Wave Master300m
MSRP
Series 8 890$1,395
Wave Master$309

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Diameter
42.6mm
42mm
Thickness
12mm
14mm
Lug-to-Lug
46mm
48.5mm
Lug Width
20mm
22mm
Water Resistance
200m
300m

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
AR Coating
Underside
Yes
Dial Color
Grey
Black
Lume
None
Super-LumiNova

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
9051
SII NH35A
Power Reserve
42h
40h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,395
$309

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What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Citizen Series 8 890

The Citizen Series 8 890 is praised for its robust build, 200 meters of water resistance without a screw-down crown, and excellent case finishing for its price. Reviewers note the smooth action of its internal bezel, though one suggests the knurling could be more pronounced for better grip. It utilizes the caliber 9051 automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve, which often performs better than Citizen's stated -10/+20 seconds per day. The watch's design is noted as borrowing from popular luxury sports watches, and its lug-to-lug measurement can make it wear large. Overall, reviewers find the Citizen Series 8 890 a compelling and robust sports watch, particularly for its finishing and water resistance capabilities.

From video reviewers

Advanced finishing techniques on the 42.6mm octagonal silver-tone stainless steel case showcase durability and elegance. The watch's textured blue dial may not appeal to everyone's taste. Reviewers disagree on whether the Citizen Series 8 890's movement (Caliber 9051) is a strong point due to differing comparisons (Grand Seiko vs. AP Royal Oak).

Phoibos Wave Master

Owners widely praise the Phoibos Wave Master for its attractive wavy dial, bright lume, and comfortable engineer bracelet, with many considering it one of the best-looking watches under $300. The watch features a sapphire crystal and ceramic bezel, and owners report good quality for the price, with a subtle wave pattern on the dial appreciated for its unique style. While some minor finishing flaws like slightly crooked hour markers or an off-center outer ring have been noted, these are generally considered not visible during wear. One owner experienced a clasp breakage after four years, but Phoibos replaced it free of charge. Some owners wish the watch were larger than 40mm, and one notes the GMT hand and other details may not hold up under extreme close-ups. Overall, owners rate the Phoibos Wave Master highly for its distinctive dial and value, especially considering its build quality and features.

From video reviewers

The unidirectional ceramic bezel action is praised. The lume brightness is noted as a weakness. Reviewers disagree on the water resistance rating, with some stating 300M and others 200M.

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