WatchReviewBlog

Wrist Watch Reviews, Guides & Advice

  • HOME
  • WATCH REVIEWS
  • BY BRAND
  • By Type
    • Automatic Watches
    • Quartz Watches
    • Dive Watches
    • Pilot Watches
    • Chronographs
    • Dress
    • Luxury
    • Sports
    • Women’s
    • Fashion
  • Startups
  • Watch Buying Guides
ShopShow Search
Hide Search
Home » Watch Reviews » Citizen Fugu NY0080-12E Watch Review

Citizen Fugu NY0080-12E Watch Review

October 3, 2019 by Sean Ding Leave a Comment

Citizen Fugu NY0080-12E Watch Review

When I first wrote about the Citizen NY0080-12E around two months ago, I was raving about its visual impact. It was by far the most interesting dive watch I had personally experienced, and now almost another two months later, my impression has not changed. I still get a kick out of its looks, and as far as case design is concerned, the Fugu a tier above the rest of its competition.

Fugu Case Design

First we have the famed Fugu bezel. As the source of its nickname, the alternating serrated-smooth edge provides not only ample design interest, but also a unique tactile experience. As you would expect from such an aggressively spiked bezel, it is incredibly secure to turn, and while the bezel action is by no means smooth, it does make a very confident clicking sound. To some it may sound cheap or janky, and honestly, the sound it made did nothing to help my initial impressions of build quality. However, I have since come to enjoy its unapologetic and reassuring loudness.

Fugu watch head off the band

Looking away from the bezel for a moment, we can see that the tapered lugs end at a slant, helping to elongate the case and allowing the bezel to retain the majority of the viewers’ attention. This isn’t to say the case isn’t interesting in itself: the way the left side of the mid-case gently peaks to form the crown guard is incredibly elegant, and the high degree of polishing applied to the case also enhances the gracefulness of the existing contours.


watchpod shop banner
Curved lugs

Lodged in the midst of all this unexpected fanciness, is the heavily knurled destro crown poking out at the 7 position. While it is possibly the longest crown I have ever seen, it remains visually balanced when viewed with the entire watch.

Long crown and aggressive turning bezel

The dial is about as visually engrossing as any black dial dive watch can be, but with a few notable finishes. The thin silver trim that borders every marker is highly polished, and held at a certain angle, you can see just how clean and sharp these lines are.

Photo of dial

While it’s not a jaw-dropping level of finishing, it is evidence that Citizen pays attention to the details (and if there’s one thing I know about watch geeks, it is that we’ll always kick up a fuss about the details). The dial markers are actually a key difference between the new and old versions of the fugu, as the older NY004 versions have circular markers. I personally find these updated markers more suited to the aggression of the bezel, and aligns well to the pufferfish motif.

Movement

The movement is a solid citizen calibre 8203. Loud as anything, you can actually hear the rotor rocking madly every time you rotate your wrist even slightly. Like the bezel, some might view the audible rotor as a symptom of low-end manufacturing. I personally find it endearing and, a sure sign of the Fugu’s mechanical heartbeat.

Wrist shot wearing the Citizen Fugu Watch

The movement is actually identical to the ones used in the original. Y0040s, which is a testament to the reliability of what’s inside. The biggest complaint that I’ve heard is that the seconds hand does not hack. I personally don’t see this as an issue seeing as accuracy is not really why I wear this piece, but for some people this is a legitimate deal breaker. Fair enough.

Versatility

Finally, the Fugu looks fantastic on a variety of straps. I’ve worn it mostly on rubber and leather in blue, black and brown tones, but given the black dial, I’m sure you could make it work with basically any colour. Seeing as we are headed into the warmer months in Australia, I’m looking forward to sticking it on some brighter natos.

Final Thoughts

At under 500 AUD at the time of writing, the NY0080-12E (and indeed the entire NY008 series) is still fantastic value for money, and at the time of writing, there is now the NY009 range for you to explore as well. In the Fugu, you will find an incredibly reliable and versatile piece: something you can confidently knock around thanks to the industrious 8203 movement and robust design, but also sharp enough to go on a leather strap for a day at the office.

To have a look at Citizen’s full range of watches you can visit their official website here.

Filed Under: Featured, Sports, Watch Reviews Tagged With: Automatic Watches, Dive Watches

About Sean Ding

Sean was always appreciative of the utility afforded by a timepiece. Receiving his 21st birthday watch was a turning point for Sean both in terms of his love of all things horological and adult life in general.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get fresh watch reviews, HD photos and more direct to your inbox.

RECENT POSTS

  • Top 3 Best Watch Boxes and Cases for Home Storage
  • Longines Record Automatic Chronograph L2.921.4.56.2 Watch Review
  • Nomos Club Sport Neomatik Polar & 42 Date Blue Watch Review
  • The Best Watch Display Stand for Rolex and Other Luxury Watches
  • Top 10 Best Luxury Watches for Small Wrists

BUYING GUIDES

Top 10 Best Luxury Watches for Small Wrists

January 23, 2023 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Best Modern Tudor Sports Watches

January 20, 2023 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Best Tissot Watches for 2023

January 19, 2023 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Best Tachymeter Function Watches

January 18, 2023 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Best Vacheron Constantin Watches for Collectors

September 1, 2022 By Matthew Catellier 1 Comment

Top 5 Best Grand Seiko Watches For Collectors

November 24, 2021 By Matthew Catellier 8 Comments

Top 5 Most Popular Watches of 2021 for Holiday and Christmas Gifts

November 22, 2021 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Most Popular Luxury Chronograph Watches for Collecting

October 21, 2021 By Matthew Catellier 3 Comments

Top 5 Most Rare and Sought After Omega Speedmaster Watches

October 5, 2021 By Matthew Catellier 4 Comments

HOW WE WORK

Our blog is about honest and fair reviews of each timepiece we evaluate. We do not have any bias for or against any watch or company and work hard to maintain that neutrality. In this age of corporate placement everywhere, we just wanted to let you know we’re on your side, and always will be.

Get in touch?: If you notice something that needs fixing, or just want to say hello, please tweet us at @watchreviewblog or email us at matt@watchreviewblog.com.

INFORMATION

  • About
  • Masthead
  • Watch Q&A
CONTACT

  • General
  • Advertise
CONNECT
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • youtube
Copyright © 2023 · WatchReviewBlog.com · All Rights Are Reserved! · Powered by Custom Dev · Privacy Policy

WatchReviewBlog.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.