Side by side

Citizen Series 8 890vsGrand Seiko SBGH281

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
SBGH281
Grand SeikoSBGH281
MSRP $6,300
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).

Grand Seiko SBGH281

The Grand Seiko SBGH281 is lauded for its 44GS-style case, which exemplifies the brand's "Grammar of Design" with its sharp facets and broad case band, and its Hi-Beat 36000vph Caliber 9S85 movement, noted for an ultra-smooth second hand. Reviewers highlight the exceptional finishing, including Zaratsu polishing and hand-polished markers, as offering significant value at its €6,200 price point. The watch features an accuracy rating of +5/–3 seconds per day, a 55-hour power reserve, and 100-meter water resistance, all executed to Grand Seiko's high standards, and is limited to 1,500 pieces. Overall, reviewers rate the Grand Seiko SBGH281 highly for its iconic case design and superb finishing at its price.

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Series 8 89042.6mm
SBGH28140mm
Power Reserve
Series 8 89042h
SBGH28155h
Water Resistance
Series 8 890200m
SBGH281100m
MSRP
Series 8 890$1,395
SBGH281$6,300

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Diver
Dress
Diameter
42.6mm
40mm
Thickness
12mm
13.3mm
Lug-to-Lug
46mm
46.2mm
Lug Width
20mm
19mm
Water Resistance
200m
100m

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
AR Coating
Underside
Yes
Dial Color
Grey
Black

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
9051
9S85
Power Reserve
42h
55h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,395
$6,300
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