Citizen's new automatic watches put their mechanical hearts on display

Alongside half a dozen solar-powered Eco-Drive quartz models, Citizen has introduced four new affordable automatics with an open-heart design in Japan.

Part of the Citizen Collection, the latest lineup brings along four stylish variants. There's the dual-tone silver/gold (NH9154-51A), classic silver (NH9150-52A), sleek black (NH9150-52E), and deep blue (NH9150-52L). The open-heart aperture at 6 o'clock adds a fun factor to these otherwise simple three-hand watches, offering a clear view of the balance wheel in motion

All four models feature a 41mm stainless steel case with 11.7mm thickness, set off by mirror-finished bezel cuts and beveled bracelet edges that shine in the light.

The watches are powered by Citizen’s Caliber 8229 automatic movement, which offers both automatic and manual winding, a second-hand stop (hacking) feature, 21 jewels, and up to 42-hour power reserve. The mechanical inner workings are also visible from behind via a see-through case back, and the watch retains a solid 10 ATM water resistance rating.

Citizen's new automatic watches with an open heart design are set to go on sale in Japan on August 6. The dual-tone model is priced at ¥37,400 (~$237), while the standard silver, black, and blue variants will retail at ¥31,900 (~$202). They appear to be Japan Domestic Market (JDM) releases for now, with no word on global availability 

Specifications

• Models: NH9154-51A (silver/gold), NH9150-52A (silver), NH9150-52E (black), NH9150-52L (blue)
• Movement: Citizen Caliber 8229 automatic mechanical
• Winding: Automatic with manual winding support
• Accuracy: -20 to +40 seconds per day
• Power reserve: Approximately 42 hours
• Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz)
• Jewels: 21
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Case diameter: 41mm
• Case thickness: 11.7mm
• Crystal: Mineral crystal
• NH9154-51A: Silver with gold-tone accents
• Design: Open-heart (skeletonized) dial at 6 o'clock
• Case back: Exhibition (see-through)
• Hands/indices: Applied baton indices with luminous hands and markers
• Water resistance: 10 ATM (100 meters)
• Magnetic resistance: JIS Type 1
• Bracelet: Stainless steel with tri-fold push-button clasp
• Bracelet width: 22mm
• Adjustable wrist size: 135–202mm
• Weight: 141g
• Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, hacking seconds
• Country of manufacture: Japan