Citizen Series 8 870vsZelos Skyraider 2

The Citizen Series 8 870 is praised for its compelling value proposition and modern Japanese design with a sporty edge. Reviewers note its 40mm steel case, glossy dial with applied markers, and the in-house Calibre 0950 automatic movement offering 50 hours of power reserve and enhanced magnetic resistance. The flat sapphire crystal is noted to collect fingerprints, and the solid caseback omits a view of the movement. The limited edition variant features a 40.8mm black DLC-coated case, a carbon fiber dial, and the 0950 movement regulated to -5/+10 seconds per day. Overall, the Citizen Series 8 870 is viewed as a strong offering for its blend of design and features.

The Zelos Skyraider 2 is praised for its value, particularly offering unique dial materials like meteorite at a fraction of luxury prices, and its bronze case is noted for a warm glow. Reviewers and owners highlight the Flieger-inspired design and the use of a manual-wind ETA 6498 movement, with BGW9 and C3 Super-LumiNova lume. Some owners find the skeletonized variant ideal for style over everyday legibility, while others note the brand's past designs have sometimes been hard to read or bulky. The Zelos Skyraider 2 is available in various materials and dial options, with prices ranging from $699 to $1,399. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Zelos Skyraider 2 highly for its distinctive materials and design at a competitive price point.