Another New Arrival... (Citizen Bullhead Chronograph)

[DPflaumer]

This is my first serious vintage purchase, my first mechanical chronograph, my first bullhead style watch, my first panda dial, my first order from a mysterious far-eastern seller, and my first solid nickel watch.

I confess to having discovered this watch and immediately started the hunt for one. I also knew immediately that while I did care about getting an all original piece, I also did not want one of the many hideously bright orange/yellow/purple/pink redials with neon colored hands.

I was able to find a lovely panda dial version with (IMHO) tasteful red chrono hands. The hour and minute hands seem to be original, as do the markers (only half of which seem to have any lume at all). The case has been polished and the crown replaced with a steel one. I believe the bezel was also re-painted (though a spot seems to have flaked already, a notorious issue with the Bullhead).

As you would expect with a vintage piece, it is far from perfect. While the chrono resets perfectly, the day/date takes hours to change. Date flips over at approximately 5 oclock and the day sometime around 730ish. There are some scratches on the case and pushers. The bezel is flaked. The aftermarket bracelet is absolute rubbish (though it does use some crazy system of small brass spring bars to hold links in rather than pins or screws).

While I'm certainly uncertain about the Bullhead staying a part of my small collection forever, I love the balance of vintage charm with slight restoration. I also love the size as most modern watches are far too large for me to enjoy. The price is also very attractive for a mechanical chronograph.

Let's just say that I like it enough to have ordered a better bracelet as well as a black and red leather rally strap.

Pics!

[downtempo76]

I really like it. Enjoy your new watch! These bullheads are starting to grow on me...

[DPflaumer]

The pictures really don't do it justice. It just looks so much classier in person on the wrist. And I'm not joking, the fit is absolutely 100% perfect on my ~6.5" wrist.

I can't wait for my new strap options to get here...

[Amuthini]

which ebay seller did you get it off of?

[DPflaumer]

Bought it from joclub889, but he doesn't seem to have anything right now.

[Y4BBZY]

Drew I thought you were in the hunt for a square watch? But great watch to add to collection, if you want a modern version, try out the calibre 2100 panda has a mechanical chrono but Eco-drive battery

[skywatch]

It's a beauty! Griff's bullheads introduced me to this design, which I knew nothing about until 2-3 years ago. I understand your mixed feelings about the imperfections and age marks of vintage watches. Some of those that I have owned myself for 20-30 years are showing worse signs of age than stuff I buy these days that were minted from those years, and every flaw gets noticed. I'm amazed at how much abuse I have given my watches over the years compared to my recent arrivals. If we wear our watches, they do get worn, simple as that. Enjoy your beauty!

[Ramblin man]

It looks great. I have my eye an orange-blue-white one.
Wear in good health.

[DPflaumer]

Thank you guys

I have to admit that having never really hunted after a vintage piece, I had no idea what to expect. I wore the watch all afternoon yesterday and it most definitely grew on me. I take this as a good sign since the only other two watches I've had that I wasn't sure of upon arrival are my Alpinist and my Khaki Field.

My wife loves it too.

[demag]

Your first purchase from a mysterious far eastern seller? You've never lived! I've bought some right old tat! Mind you, I've also bought some rather beautiful classic watches. It is a lottery but when it works its very satisfying. Your bullhead looks lovely. I've gone after a few but they always went out of my price range................one day. Enjoy your watch.

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