Battle of the Bullheads – Seiko vs Citizen vs Omega

🌟 There’s something gloriously impractical about a bullhead chronograph. With pushers mounted at the top of the case like horns (hence the name), these watches were designed for the racetrack but ended up as wrist-worn declarations of funk. Welcome to the high-octane world of bullhead chronographs, where symmetry is optional, cases are chunky, and everything is just a little over the top.

Today, we pit three titans against each other: Seiko, Citizen, and Omega. Each brought its own version of the bullhead to the 1970s, and each made collectors swoon, scratch their heads, or both.

⌚ Seiko 6138-0040 "Bullhead"

• Movement: Seiko’s in-house 6138 automatic chronograph
• Layout: 12/6 vertical sub-dials, day-date window
• Crown/Pusher Layout: Crown at 6, pushers at 11 and 1

Nicknamed simply the "Seiko Bullhead," this watch has become a cult classic. It's robust, affordable (relatively), and pure 70s charm. With a cushion case, bold tachymeter bezel, and Seiko's first-gen automatic chronograph magic inside, it punches far above its weight.

Pros:

• Rock-solid 6138 movement
• Easily serviced (lots of parts available)
• Still relatively affordable

Cons:

• Thick on the wrist
• Dial legibility varies with colourways

🏎️ Citizen 8110A Bullhead "Challenge Timer"

• Movement: Citizen 8110A automatic flyback chronograph
• Layout: Vertical sub-dials, date window
• Crown/Pusher Layout: Top-mounted pushers, crown between them

A sleeper hit among collectors, the Citizen Challenge Timer is a technological marvel. It has a flyback chronograph function (yes, really), allowing you to reset and restart the timer with a single press. The movement is high-beat, fast, and surprisingly accurate.

Pros:

• Flyback function
• Fantastic movement
• Underrated design (for now)

Cons:

• More fragile than the Seiko
• Fewer spare parts floating around

⏱️ Omega Seamaster Bullhead

• Movement: Calibre 930 (manual wind)
• Layout: Sub-dials at 12 and 6, date at 3
• Crown/Pusher Layout: Top pushers, crown at 12 and 6

The Omega Seamaster Bullhead is the luxury contender in this oddball showdown. Initially released in 1969, it was designed for timing rally stages and featured a unique case shape that could double as a doorstop. Reissued in recent years, but the vintage models are where the soul is.

Pros:

• Unique asymmetrical case
• Omega pedigree
• Surprisingly comfortable for its size

Cons:

• Manual wind (if that bugs you)
• Expensive, especially for the vintage originals

🧤 Verdict: Who Wins the Bullhead Crown?

If you want dependability and value, Seiko’s Bullhead is the people’s champion.

If you want engineering flair and flyback bragging rights, Citizen’s Challenge Timer is your underrated gem.

If you want to feel like a rally-driving Bond villain, Omega’s Bullhead has you covered (just bring your wallet).

🚖 Honourable Mentions:

• Bulova Bullheads (chunky and weird)
• Tissot Navigator Bullhead (left-of-field cool)
• Hamilton Chrono-Matic (side-crown bullhead cousin)

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