CITIZEN “BULLHEAD” CHRONOGRAPH 67-9011, VINTAGE 70s

**Citizen Bullhead 67-9011: An Icon of the 70s**
**Origins and Historical Context**
The **Citizen Bullhead 67-9011** debuted in the early **1970s**, during the peak of Japanese watchmaking innovation. Conceived as an automatic chronograph for an active and modern audience, its design broke conventions by placing the crown and pushers on the top of the case (at 12 o’clock), a layout reminiscent of “bull’s horns.” This feature earned it the nickname **”Tsuno”** (“horn” in Japanese), distinguishing its visual identity from competitors like Seiko. Its production, concentrated between **1972 and 1975**, met the demand for advanced functionality and bold aesthetics in sports watches, although its early discontinuation made it a sought-after piece among collectors.
**Technical Innovation: The caliber 8110**
At the heart of the Bullhead was the **caliber 8110**, an automatic movement with **23 jewels** and **28,800 vibrations per hour**, notable for three revolutionary advancements:
1. **Flyback function**: Enabled resetting the chronograph without stopping it first, a technology previously reserved for high-end watches.
2. **Vertical clutch and column wheel**: Ensured precision in starting, stopping, and resetting the chronograph, reducing wear.
3. **Bidirectional winding**: Optimized power reserve (40 hours) through an efficient system. Unlike its contemporaries, the 8110 featured quick adjustment of the date and day via the crown, but its construction prioritized slimness, sacrificing water resistance and extreme durability.
**Design: Aesthetics and Functionality**
The model dazzled with a **38.5mm stainless steel case** —compact by today’s standards— with angular lines and integrated “ears” for the bracelet. Its dial, available in vibrant colors like **yellow, orange, white, and silver**, featured contrasting subdials (commonly black or blue) to enhance readability. Key elements included:
1. **Orange block hands and seconds hand**: Luminous material (tritium) coated for nighttime visibility.
2. **Tachymeter bezel**: For speed calculations.
3. **”Fishbone” bracelet**: Made of steel with straight links and a folding clasp, designed as an organic extension of the case. Despite its utilitarian profile, the mineral crystal and limited water resistance restricted its use in extreme environments.
**Legacy and Cultural Relevance**
**Vintage cult**: After its discontinuation in 1975, the 67-9011 gained value for its rarity and connection to pop culture. Its appearance in **”Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”** (2019), worn by Brad Pitt, reignited its fame among new generations.
**Conservation issues**: Many original pieces suffered from luminous material degradation or component modifications, making intact specimens authentic treasures.
**Technical heritage**: Its caliber 8110 influenced modern chronographs, such as those from Blancpain and Audemars Piguet, by demonstrating that technologies like the flyback could be accessible.
**Contemporary Reissues and Homages**
In the 2010s, Citizen revived the Bullhead spirit with models like the **Eco-Drive AV0080-88E**:
1. **Titanium and solar charging**: Modern materials and Eco-Drive movement with **8 months of power reserve**.
2. **Flyback function and 200m water resistance**: Technical enhancements surpassing the original limitations.
3. **Enlarged diameter (43mm)**: Adapted to current tastes while preserving the “Tsuno” silhouette.
**Conclusion: A Symbol of Technical Boldness**
The **Citizen Bullhead 67-9011** embodies the daring Japanese watchmaking of the ’70s: a design that challenged conventions, pioneering mechanics (mass-produced flyback), and an aesthetic that merged sportiness and elegance. More than a watch, it is a testament to how innovation can arise from rethinking the established, leaving a lasting impact half a century later on the wrists of collectors and design enthusiasts.