Citizen has introduced a new lineup of affordable open-heart mechanical watches in Hong Kong, giving watch fans a stylish way to enjoy an automatic movement without stepping into luxury pricing. The collection includes five models priced from HK$2,580 to HK$2,980, which is approximately $329 to $380 before tax.
The new range is built around two references: NH9138 and NH9139. Four of the watches fall under the NH9138 series, while the fifth, the NH9139-80X, stands out with a two-tone design. Each model shares the same core mechanical setup, but Citizen offers different dial colors, straps, and bracelet options to suit a variety of tastes.
The NH9138-07X features a warm copper dial paired with a brown leather strap, giving it a classic dress-watch feel. The NH9138-15A comes with a silver dial, blue hands, and a black leather strap for a sharper, more formal look. For those who prefer a steel bracelet, the NH9138-82A offers a silver dial, while the NH9138-82L brings a blue dial into the lineup. The most premium option, the NH9139-80X, combines a brown dial with a stainless steel bracelet accented by rose gold plating.
Pricing starts at HK$2,580 for the two leather-strap versions. The stainless steel bracelet models are priced at HK$2,680, while the two-tone NH9139-80X sits at the top of the range at HK$2,980.
All five watches use a 40 mm stainless steel case with a thickness of 10.7 mm, making them wearable for many wrist sizes. Citizen has also equipped the models with sapphire crystal, a welcome feature at this price point due to its strong scratch resistance. Water resistance is rated at 5 bar, making the watches suitable for daily use and light exposure to water.
The main attraction is the open-heart dial design. An aperture positioned at the lower-left area of the dial reveals the balance wheel in motion, adding visual character and giving wearers a glimpse into the mechanical movement. The Roman numeral hour markers add a traditional touch, balancing the exposed movement detail with a refined, dressy style.
Citizen has also fitted each model with a transparent caseback, allowing the wearer to view more of the movement from the rear. This feature makes the watches especially appealing to buyers who enjoy mechanical timepieces and want to see the inner workings without paying a premium price.
Inside the collection is Citizen’s caliber 8229 automatic movement. It is produced by Miyota, a movement manufacturer owned by Citizen. While official regional specifications are limited, the movement is generally listed with 21 jewels, a 42-hour power reserve, and a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. Accuracy is typically rated at around -20 to +40 seconds per day.
The movement supports hand-winding, which is convenient for keeping the watch running if it has not been worn for a while. However, it generally does not include hacking seconds, meaning the seconds hand may not stop when the crown is pulled out for time setting.
Weight varies depending on the strap choice. The bracelet versions weigh 129 g, while the leather-strap models are much lighter at 73 g. This gives buyers a clear choice between the more substantial feel of a metal bracelet and the lighter comfort of leather.
Another important detail is the warranty. Citizen covers the new open-heart automatic watches with a three-year warranty, adding reassurance for buyers looking for an affordable mechanical watch from a well-established brand.
The pricing is also worth noting. Hong Kong does not charge sales tax, so the listed prices are closer to pre-tax pricing in markets such as the United States. That makes the collection particularly competitive for anyone comparing affordable automatic watches in the $300 to $400 range.
With sapphire crystal, stainless steel cases, transparent casebacks, open-heart dials, and automatic movements, Citizen’s new mechanical watch lineup offers strong value for buyers who want a stylish everyday watch with real mechanical appeal. For collectors and first-time automatic watch buyers alike, these five models could be among Citizen’s most attractive budget-friendly mechanical releases.
