Citizen Chronograph Bullhead: owner reviews and feedback

The Citizen Chronograph Bullhead, introduced in 1973, is one of the most immediately recognisable Japanese chronographs through an architecture in which crown and pushers are moved to the upper section of the case. Citizen achieves this arrangement by rotating the movement through 90 degrees, making the two pushers resemble horns and explaining the Bullhead nickname and later Japanese Tsuno Chrono designation. The model belongs to the historical Chronograph Challenge Timer family and was originally powered by calibre 8110, generally encountered in 8110A form on production watches. This mechanism combines automatic winding, manual winding, a column-wheel and vertical-clutch chronograph, flyback, day-date display and an operating frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour.

After the disappearance of Citizen mechanical chronographs from this generation, the Bullhead silhouette returns in 2018 within Promaster through Eco-Drive technology and later in a substantially more faithful compact form through Record Label. The family therefore represents as much a history of industrial design as a history of chronograph technology.

Design & legibility: the “horns” positioned at 12 o’clock

The Bullhead arrangement results from a technical decision that is extremely simple to explain yet visually dramatic: the calibre is orientated differently inside the case so that the crown and two chronograph controls no longer sit on the right flank but on the upper surface. Viewed from the front, the watch appears to carry two horns around the crown. The crown and pushers grouped towards 12 o’clock form the fundamental distinguishing feature of the Citizen Bullhead. This organisation is not exclusively decorative. It recalls the ergonomics of a handheld stopwatch, whose upper controls can easily be operated with the index finger. The watch can therefore be removed from the wrist and used almost like a handheld timing instrument, a practice historically consistent with motor-racing timing.

The historical dial is especially dense yet logically organised. On celebrated references such as the 67-9011, two large contrasting counters are generally positioned at 3 and 9 o’clock: one totals thirty minutes and the other twelve hours. Day and date occupy a vertical aperture at 6 o’clock, visually giving the impression of a third register. A tachymeter scale surrounds the dial and chronograph hands frequently use highly visible orange. The visual tricompax balance created by the two counters and day-date display contributes strongly to the identity of the dial. Panda, reverse-panda, grey, gold and more colourful variations subsequently give very different personalities to the same mechanical architecture.

Historical models exist in several configurations whose details are now important to collectors. Day and date wheels can notably appear in black or white depending on market and period, while the day may be bilingual. Logos can be applied or printed and colours of both hands and totalisers vary. The number of genuine historical variations makes authentication of a Bullhead more complicated than simply checking the reference number. Numerous replacement dials, hands, bezels and cases have circulated over the past fifty years. On some restored examples, spectacular colours never existed in Citizen catalogues, requiring especially careful verification before purchase.

The 2018 Promaster generation retains the top-mounted controls but completely changes proportions. The pushers become larger and more prominent for easier operation, the dial gains several additional indications and the watch approaches the character of a modern automotive instrument. Citizen specifically explains that the project was intended as an evolution rather than a literal reissue. The 2018 Tsuno Chrono Racer inherits Bullhead DNA while deliberately becoming a much larger and more technical interpretation. Record Label models introduced later take the opposite route by returning towards 38 mm, a black bezel, panda dial and an overall silhouette much closer to 1970s Challenge Timers.

Case, bracelet and comfort: from approximately 38 mm to almost 45 mm

The historical Bullhead is surprising today because of its relatively restrained dimensions. Common models such as the 67-9011 measure around 38 mm wide, approximately 44 mm long and roughly 13 mm thick depending on the case. Crown and pushers positioned above nevertheless give additional visual mass to the upper area. The approximately 38 mm historical format makes a vintage Bullhead substantially easier to wear than its dramatic design might suggest. The tonneau case sits effectively on the wrist and the absence of a crown on the right flank also prevents it from pressing against the back of the hand.

Materials need to be distinguished carefully between historical references. Contrary to a frequent assumption, not every 1970s Bullhead has a fully stainless-steel case. The 67-9011 generally uses a base-metal middle case with satin finishing and stainless-steel back, while the rare octagonal 67-9356 is documented as the principal Bullhead variation using a complete stainless-steel case. Case material and especially original finishing are essential when correctly evaluating a vintage example. A 67-9011 made highly reflective through heavy polishing may have lost its historical satin appearance, while certain black or gold cases have sometimes been stripped or refinished.

Period bracelets are also highly characteristic, using metal architectures that broaden close to the case before tapering towards the clasp. Original models frequently use folded links rather than the solid construction of contemporary watches. Racing-style leather can suit the automotive personality of the Bullhead perfectly but substantially changes its silhouette. The presence of a Citizen bracelet corresponding to the reference can significantly increase the historical interest of an example. Comfort and security should nevertheless take priority if original links or clasp display significant wear after several decades.

The 2018 Promaster Tsuno Chrono Racer adopts the opposite philosophy with an approximately 44.5 to 45 mm diameter depending on reference. Its steel case is considerably thicker and uses anti-reflective spherical sapphire. Water resistance reaches 20 bar, or 200 metres, and some versions use a steel bracelet while others are supplied on leather. The modern Promaster is a genuine robust sports watch whereas the historical Bullhead should now be treated as a vintage timepiece. Its dimensions nevertheless demand a larger wrist and its mass is completely different from that of a 1970s Challenge Timer.

New Record Label interpretations reverse the trend again through a 38 mm steel case, approximately 11 mm thickness and a metal bracelet directly inspired by historical models. Water resistance is 5 bar and the crystal remains mineral or crystal glass depending on market terminology. The return to a 38 mm diameter much more faithfully restores the original relationship between dial, case and top-mounted pushers. This generation therefore provides an interesting alternative for anyone attracted to historical design but unwilling either to maintain an old 8110A calibre or accept the substantial dimensions of a modern Eco-Drive Promaster.

Calibre 8110A: column wheel, vertical clutch and flyback

Calibre 8110A is one of the reasons the Citizen Bullhead transcends the status of a purely aesthetic curiosity. This automatic movement contains 23 jewels and operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, a high frequency for an early-1970s chronograph. It also supports manual winding, especially practical when the watch has stopped. The 8110A combines technically ambitious construction with a 4 Hz operating frequency unusual for a Japanese chronograph of its era. Power reserve is generally stated around forty hours when the movement is correctly maintained.

Chronograph control uses a column wheel, a solution valued for the precision and positive feel of its start, stop and reset sequence. Engagement is through a vertical clutch, allowing the timing mechanism to connect without the seconds-hand jump sometimes associated with lateral-clutch chronographs. The combination of a column wheel and vertical clutch places the 8110A among the most interesting chronograph architectures of its generation. Citizen manages to integrate this system, automatic winding, two totalisers and day-date within a movement only modestly thicker than a conventional three-hand automatic mechanism.

Flyback further strengthens this technical interest. While the chronograph is running, pressing the reset control can return the timing indications to zero and restart them immediately without separately stopping, resetting and starting again. Flyback allows a new timing sequence to begin through one action where a conventional chronograph would require three operations. The function is especially useful for repeatedly measuring laps or intervals and remains associated today with mechanical chronographs that are often substantially more expensive.

The calendar also has several peculiarities. Bullhead 8110A watches provide both day and date and many examples use bilingual day discs adapted to their original market. On certain versions, day correction involves both the crown and chronograph pusher through an unusual procedure. The calendar-setting procedure should be understood before operation in order to avoid forcing a vintage mechanism for which replacement parts are increasingly difficult to source. On a fifty-year-old watch, smooth crown action, crisp pushers and complete counter operation are far more important buying checks than a modest amount of daily timekeeping deviation.

The principal modern disadvantage of the 8110A is precisely its complexity and diminishing supply of parts. Servicing requires a watchmaker genuinely familiar with the movement family, especially its chronograph, flyback and calendar systems. A correctly serviced historical Bullhead is generally preferable to a cosmetically better example with no credible maintenance history. Decades without documented intervention can result in dried lubricants, stiff pushers, poorly advancing counters or inaccurate resetting.

From mechanical 8110A to contemporary Eco-Drive and quartz

When Citizen revives the Bullhead in 2018 as the Promaster Tsuno Chrono Racer, the brand does not attempt to recreate calibre 8110A. It chooses calibre E210, a light-powered Eco-Drive quartz movement assembled for this highly functional application. Its dial notably provides a one-fifth-second chronograph, timing to twelve hours, alarm, power reserve, date and tachymeter. The E210 transfers the idea of a highly functional chronograph into the technology that has become one of Citizen’s core areas of expertise. It does not require periodic battery replacement under normal use and can maintain substantial autonomy following a full charge.

The E210 also provides rapid flyback-style resetting within its chronograph operation. Quartz accuracy naturally avoids the daily rate variation typical of vintage mechanics and light power makes regular ownership straightforward. The modern Tsuno Chrono Racer prioritises efficiency, precision and autonomy rather than mechanical reproduction of the 8110A. The difference explains why the two generations appeal to rather different enthusiasts: one through history and mechanics, the other through performance and extremely low maintenance requirements.

From 2024, Citizen also offers Record Label Tsuno Chrono watches using quartz calibre 0510. This is a substantially simpler solution: conventional battery, one-second chronograph measuring up to twelve hours, date and monthly precision within a few tens of seconds. Above all, it enables a return to a 38 mm case and a substantially lower price. Calibre 0510 sacrifices both mechanical sophistication and Eco-Drive in order to restore the size and silhouette of the historical Bullhead more faithfully. The principal attraction of these watches therefore lies in design rather than movement technology.

In September 2026, Citizen simultaneously brings calibre E210 back in a limited Promaster Tsuno Chrono celebrating fifty years of Eco-Drive. The watch retains a substantial 44.5 mm case and uses a dark-green dial, brown leather strap and gold-coloured details inspired by 1970s automobiles. This 2026 edition explicitly connects two Citizen legacies: the 1973 Challenge Timer and light-powered technology born in 1976. The result is therefore neither a mechanical reissue nor a simple retro watch but a modern synthesis of two major developments in the brand’s history.

Chronological milestones and main models (1973–2026)

(1973) Citizen Chronograph Challenge Timer First Bullhead:

The Citizen Chronograph Challenge Timer 1550-17 is the historical reference officially highlighted by Citizen when explaining the origins of Tsuno Chrono. Introduced in 1973, it uses a stainless-steel case within which the movement is rotated through 90 degrees to place the crown and pushers on the upper surface. Citizen presents it as its first genuine chronograph. Mechanical calibre 8110 powers the display and the overall arrangement immediately creates the silhouette later nicknamed Bullhead or Tsuno Chrono. The design stands out during a period in which several Japanese manufacturers are developing their own automatic chronographs. The top-mounted controls are distinctive enough to become the identity of an entire family even though numerous other Challenge Timer models of the period use more conventional crown and pusher placement on the case flank.

(1973) Citizen Chronograph Bullhead Panda Iconic Reference:

The Citizen Chronograph Bullhead 67-9011 is probably the best-known vintage variation today. Its case measures approximately 38 mm wide and around 44 mm long and generally uses a satin-finished base-metal middle case with stainless-steel back. The dial exists in several configurations, including the celebrated silver arrangement with black counters and orange chronograph hands. A tachymeter scale surrounds the display and the vertical day-date is positioned at 6 o’clock. Calibre 8110A has 23 jewels, operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides automatic winding, manual winding, column-wheel chronograph, vertical clutch and flyback. Numerous dial, calendar-wheel and export-market variations make authentication especially important today.

(1974) Citizen Chronograph Bullhead Gold Gold-Tone Interpretation:

The Citizen Chronograph Bullhead 67-9020 applies the same philosophy to a presentation much more obviously associated with 1970s styling. Its case receives a gold-coloured finish and is paired with a gold dial, contrasting black counters and dark bezel. The Bullhead layout retains its crown and pushers on the upper case while day and date remain integrated into the dial together with the peripheral tachymeter. Calibre 8110A provides the same technical characteristics as other two-register Challenge Timer watches: 23 jewels, 4 Hz frequency, automatic and manual winding, flyback chronograph and timing to twelve hours. This version is now especially sensitive to coating condition because aggressive refinishing or replating can significantly alter the historical appearance of the case.

(1978) Citizen Chronograph Bullhead Octagon Full Stainless-Steel Case:

The Citizen Chronograph Bullhead 67-9356 differs radically from earlier Bullheads through an octagonal case manufactured entirely from stainless steel. Around 38 mm wide, it combines brushed and polished surfaces with a circular bezel and exists notably with panda and reverse-panda dials. Pushers and crown remain on the upper case and the 8110A retains flyback, column wheel, vertical clutch, day-date and two chronograph totalisers. Its complete steel construction gives it a denser feel than the base-metal cases used by many other references. The 67-9356 is also one of the most important variations to inspect carefully before purchase because its desirability has encouraged the appearance of numerous replacement dials, cases, bracelets and hands.

(2018) Citizen Promaster Tsuno Chrono Racer Eco-Drive Revival:

The Citizen Promaster Tsuno Chrono Racer AV0071-03A marks the genuine official return of the Bullhead concept within a modern collection. Citizen specifies that the project was not conceived as a reproduction but as an evolution of the 1973 model. Its case approaches 44.5 mm, the upper pushers are deliberately prominent and the profile is redesigned to follow the curvature of the wrist more effectively. Spherical sapphire improves scratch resistance and water resistance reaches 200 metres. Eco-Drive calibre E210 adds a one-fifth-second chronograph timing to twelve hours, alarm, date, power reserve, tachymeter and instantaneous reset. The design receives a Chicago Good Design Award in 2018 and turns the Bullhead into a genuine contemporary Promaster instrument.

(2024) Citizen Record Label Tsuno Chrono Return to 38 mm:

The Citizen Record Label Tsuno Chrono AN3700-62A takes an approach substantially closer to the original watch. Its stainless-steel case returns to 38 mm, the silver dial uses black registers and the crown with twin pushers naturally returns to its upper position. The crystal is mineral, the steel bracelet uses a sliding clasp and water resistance reaches 5 bar. Quartz calibre 0510 provides a one-second chronograph measuring up to twelve hours together with a date display. Monthly accuracy is within a few tens of seconds depending on market specification. This generation abandons the sophistication of both 8110A and E210 but effectively restores the proportions and general appearance of the historical Bullhead while being considerably easier to maintain.

(2026) Citizen Tsuno Chrono Panda Compact International Reissue:

The Citizen Tsuno Chrono AN3660-81A continues the compact revival through a 38 mm stainless-steel case, approximately 11.7 mm thickness and a weight around 97 grams. Its white dial receives black counters, orange details and a display directly inspired by the 1973 Challenge Timer. Spherical mineral glass recalls the volume of older crystals and the steel bracelet strengthens the retro appearance. Quartz calibre 0510 runs on a conventional battery with approximately two years of autonomy and provides a one-second chronograph measuring to twelve hours, date and quick correction. Water resistance is 5 bar. This version represents one of the most accessible ways of enjoying Bullhead styling without depending on the vintage market or accepting the substantial dimensions of a modern Promaster.

(2026) Citizen Promaster Tsuno Chrono Eco-Drive 50th Anniversary:

The Citizen Promaster Tsuno Chrono AV0104-06W is introduced in September 2026 to celebrate fifty years of Eco-Drive technology. Limited to 5,000 pieces worldwide, it uses a 44.5 mm steel case approximately 15.3 mm thick, spherical sapphire crystal and brown leather strap. Its dark-green dial and yellow-gold-coloured accents take inspiration from classic automobiles of the second half of the 1970s. Calibre E210 is rated to ±15 seconds per month, approximately eight months of operation when fully charged and provides a one-fifth-second chronograph measuring up to twelve hours. The edition directly connects the 1973 Challenge Timer design with Citizen’s light-powered technology introduced three years later.

Choosing the right version: vintage mechanical, Eco-Drive Promaster or quartz reissue

For the mechanical enthusiast, a correctly authenticated 67-9011 naturally remains the most representative proposition. Calibre 8110A provides a remarkable technical combination and the dimensions remain surprisingly contemporary. Buying one nevertheless requires substantially more knowledge than purchasing a modern watch. Priority should be given to dial and case authenticity together with credible mechanical maintenance history. A rare colour or perfect-looking dial has limited value if the movement requires a complex restoration without parts available.

The 67-9356 deserves special attention for someone wanting a complete stainless-steel case and a more angular shape. Its octagonal form provides greater presence while retaining compact dimensions. Its rarity nevertheless results in a high proportion of reconstructed watches using components from different sources. A coherent and lightly polished 67-9356 is generally preferable to a spectacular example that has been heavily restored. Transitions between brushed and polished surfaces are especially important when evaluating original geometry.

The Promaster Tsuno Chrono Racer is substantially more appropriate when the watch will be used frequently, including in sporting situations. Eco-Drive, sapphire and 200 metres of water resistance dramatically reduce the precautions required. In exchange, the case approaching 45 mm is substantial. The modern Promaster especially suits someone seeking Bullhead spirit while prioritising robustness and functionality over historical proportions. Trying the watch on remains advisable for a smaller-than-average wrist.

Record Label models and the newer 38 mm quartz variations provide almost the opposite proposition. Their movement is far simpler but their size and appearance come significantly closer to the 1970s watch. They also offer a rational solution for someone who appreciates the styling without wanting to maintain a fifty-year-old mechanical chronograph. The 38 mm quartz version provides the strongest compromise when visual fidelity, accessible pricing and ease of ownership matter more than movement sophistication. Its principal compromises are mineral crystal and 5-bar water resistance.

Finally, any vintage Bullhead should be tested through several full chronograph cycles before purchase. Start, stop, flyback, exact zero return, advancement of the thirty-minute counter and twelve-hour totaliser and operation of day and date should all be checked. A chronograph that starts but whose counters or flyback operate incorrectly should be considered in need of a complete service. Other customers’ opinions are essential.

Conclusion

The Citizen Chronograph Bullhead is aimed at enthusiasts attracted to a 1970s design that remains immediately identifiable more than half a century after its creation. The original mechanical generation combines an unusual silhouette with the remarkable 8110A calibre using a column wheel, vertical clutch and flyback, while modern Promaster models transfer the concept into the Eco-Drive universe with greater robustness and functionality. The 38 mm quartz versions instead prioritise faithful proportions and accessibility. The decision therefore depends principally on interest in vintage mechanics, tolerance for servicing constraints, preferred case diameter and the intended practical use of the chronograph.

To learn more about Japanese watch brands, check out the ranking of the most popular Japanese watch brands.

To compare comfort, chronograph reliability, component ageing and the actual everyday enjoyment of this unusual architecture, Dialicious customer reviews provide a particularly useful complement.

(Updated September 2026)