Citizen launched this rather unique vertical-clutch column wheel 8110 chronograph in 1972 - like the full-serviced 1976 Citizen Ref. 67-9011 Challenge Timer bullhead chronograph here, on an original Citizen-signed 8110 bracelet - and its compact movement has a high beat, running at 28,800 beats per hour.
Significantly, the 8110 movement was Citizen’s answer to Seiko’s famed 6139 movement, with one key difference - Citizen’s well designed 8110, unlike the 6139, featured hand winding and ‘flyback,’ which allows the wearer to zero the chronograph whilst it’s running, rather than having to stop it first, then restart. This permits an instant stop and re-start of the chronograph function.
The compact design of the movement in the 1970's 'flyback' Citizen 8110 automatic bullhead chronograph here allowed smaller casing, so the 8110 tends to be lighter than, for example, the Seiko 6139 (which did not have a flyback feature) chronographs of the period. The 8110 is a far more compact version of the Seiko’s own bullhead design, the 6138-0049.
The start and stop of the chronograph is by pressing the button positioned at the 11 o’clock position and is reset by pressing the button at 1 o’clock. Pressing the reset button without first stopping the chronograph enables instant restart from zero - all models have the column wheel/vertical clutch design.
The Citizen 8110 movements have quick setting mechanisms for date and day - both are set when the crown is pulled out one click, with the date by rotating the crown and the day by pressing the chrono reset button. The 8110 flyback tachymeter movement can also be wound either manually or automatically.
Compared to modern chronographs, the only chronographs in today’s market with similar features and construction sell at a far higher price point – such as Blancpain, Vacheron Constantine, Patek, and Audemars. The Citizen 8110’s are the least expensive, yet most sophisticated chronograph ever made.
This Citizen 8110 bullhead comes on an original Citizen bracelet, and with nylon strap, spring bar tool, and rugged travel case.
1976 Citizen Ref. 67-9011 Challenge Timer Bullhead Chronograph
DIAL: Citizen-signed silver dial with blue accents - the Japan-only regatta dial variant - features correct minute, hour, and chronograph hands; the latter retains its vibrant pop of orange color on the end. Dial luminosity remains, following exposure to strong light.
CASE: Nickel Citizen 38mm x 44mm (with crown) case, with stainless-steel caseback; case features hooded lugs.
CRYSTAL: Scratch and blemish-free.
STRAP: This Challenge Timer comes on an original Citizen-signed 8110 stainless-steel bracelet, which will fit up to an approx. 7.25 inch wrist; this bullhead also comes with a black nylon strap.
MOVEMENT: Citizen 23-jewel Ref. 8110 automatic movement, manufactured in April 1976. Chronograph function resets to zero with no issues. Date and day - with Kanji Japanese/English calendar variants – rotate and set as designed.
CROWN: Citizen-signed crown.
CHRONOGRAPH PUSHERS: Chronograph pushers depress with satisfying click, no stick. Chronograph hands reset to zero with no issue.