Sunday, October 15, 2017

THE CITIZEN “BULLHEAD” CHALLENGE TIMER





Citizen was definitely throwing caution to the wind. In 1972, they proudly released the superb 8110, the brand’s impressive automatic chronograph caliber. To give the timing of this development some perspective, three short years later the Valjoux 7750—the world’s most ubiquitous chronograph movement today—was ordered to be destroyed by management as a result of the challenges brought forth by quartz’s encroaching dominance.

But the watch that I’ll be looking at today—the Citizen “Bullhead” Challenge Timer, ref. 67-9356—was not as exotic as the examples shown above. Rather, it was a sober reverse-panda dial configuration, with white sub-dials on an otherwise plain black background in an all stainless steel case (there was also a second variant in an all-stainless steel case that was a proper panda). It was of the very popular “bullhead” or “Mickey Mouse” configuration where the movement is rotated 90-degrees counter-clockwise, resulting in the pushers and crown resting at the top of the case.


The hour markers are applied and there is a lower step where the lume dot is found. This is an important feature to note when trying to avoid aftermarket dials, which lack this quality. The designation “P-JAPAN-P8110” signifies the usage of a radioactive material. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately), the lume on my Citizen is no longer strong enough for any practical use.


What caught my eye about this particular Citizen bullhead was the smaller size and unusual octagonal case, standing apart from the more typical round cases of Seiko’s counterparts and base metal Citizen bullhead models. But while it was smaller than Seiko’s bullheads, it certainly had its heft. I swapped out the folded-links bracelet for a leather strap to better balance the head-heavy watch, while the leather strap allows me to comfortably wear the watch and make minute adjustments throughout the day.




It is not obvious from my photos because my example has lost much of its original finish over the years, but I have seen the correct finish from other collectors who have better preserved samples. The front of the case alone comes with 21 different surfaces, angled at different degrees and with contrasting polished and brushed finishing. The bezel and the case sides are polished, while the front of the octagonal case is brushed from top to bottom. The flat top of the case where the pushers sit is horizontally brushed. What I would give to have a mint sample in hand to savor the intricate case design!


Turning to the dial, the Challenger Timer features a dual-register design with the day/date at six and a tachymeter along the outer edge. The sub-dial at three is a 30-minute counter, and the one at nine is a 12-hour counter. The sub-dials feature concentric circles and the tapering needle hands are painted black along the length and left exposed at the pinion. At six is what I would call a faux sub-dial. It contains the day and date, not unlike the way Seiko bullheads feature these two complications.

The handset is a pair of simple, straight hands with pointed tips, with the middle sections hollowed out to make room for the luminous paint. The chronograph hand is painted white all the way down and narrows to a pointed tip.


And there it is, one of my favorite vintage Japanese chronographs, not from Seiko, but from its close competitor Citizen. Seiko might be a fan favorite of many collectors and readers of OTZ, but I would give this round to Citizen with their superb vintage 8110 caliber and the sheer variety of watches that are powered by it, especially the one we looked at today, needless to say I am giving away this watch to the highest bidder
call me on 8870071550 for inqueries on this number.

Friday, October 13, 2017

SEIKO Coutura Solar Perpetual Chronograph


Thats a long name for a watch but it does come with SEIKOs long lasting features and build. 
Stainless steel case with a stainless steel bracelet with yellow gold-tone links. Fixed stainless steel and yellow gold-tone bezel. Black dial with luminous yellow gold-tone hands and index hour markers. Minute markers. Date scale around the outer rim. Dial Type: Analog. Luminescent hands and markers. Chronograph - two sub-dials displaying: 60 second, 60 minute / 12 hour. Day of the week and power reserve sub-dial below the 12 o'clock position. Quartz movement. Scratch resistant synthetic sapphire crystal. Screw down crown. Solid case back. Case size: 44 mm. Case thickness: 11,8 mm. Round case shape. Band width: 20 mm. Band length: 8.5 inches. Fold over clasp with a push button release. Water resistant at 100 meters / 330 feet. Functions: date, day, hour, minute, second, chronograph,. Casual watch style.  Coutura Solar Perpetual Chronograph Black Dial Stainless Steel Mens Watch SSC376,
This is my watch on sale currently from my collection, call me on 8870071550.
only call if you are genuinely looking to buy. 

Thursday, October 12, 2017

INVICTA Pro Diver.




A timepiece with oceanic depths! The round stainless steel case comes in silver-tone with a black unidirectional rotating bezel with scalloped edges and a diver's scale. "Invicta" has been etched into the side of the case.
The sunray dial comes in your choice of yellow or black. An Invicta logo has been positioned at 12:00 while round Tritnite index markers are found at the remaining hour positions. Transparent cutouts in this dial reveal an expertly crafted rotating date scale. Chronograph subdials can be used to measure increments of time near 2:00, 6:00 and 10:00. This timepiece beats with the heart of a Swiss Parts Ronda 5040.D Quartz Chronograph movement.
Silver-tone stainless steel inserts are found along the sides of this black polyurethane strap. This strap attaches via buckle clasp.
This is my watch on sale currently, call me on 8870071550.
My offer price is less than the new price which is 795 MSRP
Strap: Polyurethane rubber
Movement: Swiss Parts Ronda 5040D Quartz Chronograph

Crystal: Mineral 

Crown: Push/pull w/ function pushers 

Clasp: Buckle 

Strap Measurements: 9-1/2" L x 26mm W 

Case Measurements: 49mm 

Water Resistance: 10 ATM - 100 meters - 330 feet 

Model Numbers: 

Yellow: IN6978 

Black: IN6977 

UPC: 

Yellow: 

Black: 

Warranty: One year limited warranty by Invicta with the option to extend warranty to a total of five years. 

Additional Features: Watch comes packaged in Invicta watch box with instruction manual and warranty information.