Side by side

Citizen Series 8 890vsFormex Reef 39.5 mm

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
Reef 39.5 mm
FormexReef 39.5 mm
MSRP $2,230

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Series 8 89042.6mm
Reef 39.5 mm39.5mm
Power Reserve
Series 8 89042h
Reef 39.5 mm56h
Water Resistance
Series 8 890200m
Reef 39.5 mm300m
MSRP
Series 8 890$1,395
Reef 39.5 mm$2,230

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Diameter
42.6mm
39.5mm
Thickness
12mm
11mm
Lug-to-Lug
46mm
45.5mm
Lug Width
20mm
22mm
Water Resistance
200m
300m

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
AR Coating
Underside
Inner
Dial Color
Grey
Bahama Blue
Lume
None
Super-LumiNova

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
9051
Sellita SW300-1
Power Reserve
42h
56h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,395
$2,230

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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).

Formex Reef 39.5 mm

The Formex Reef 39.5 mm is widely praised for its refined finishing, comfortable and well-proportioned case design, and impressive specifications for its price point, including COSC-certified Sellita SW300-1 movement and 300m water resistance. Owners and reviewers highlight the tool-less micro-adjust clasp and quick-release spring bars as practical features. Some reviewers note that the 22mm lug width feels slightly disproportionate to the smaller case, and the bracelet could benefit from more taper, though this is a point of contention for some owners who value the overall package. A prototype crown protrusion issue is noted as being addressed for production. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Formex Reef 39.5 mm highly for its excellent value and well-executed design.

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