10 Best Bullhead Watches Worth Buying Then And Now
Over the years, wristwatches have changed considerably, with watch designs adapting to different trends and catering to different demographics in the market. One way in which watchmakers have experimented with the design of a watch is in terms of its case shape. The shape of a watch case is crucial and has to be meticulously planned so that it provides maximal comfort at all times. Some interesting case designs that have been introduced over the years include square cases, shield-shaped cases, cases with the crown placed at 9 o’clock, and so on.
Today, we will be talking about one particular watch design that took the market by storm with its bizarre exterior: the bullhead watch. The exotic look of bullhead watches is fresh and has spiced up the collections of many watch enthusiasts. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at bullhead watches, going through what they are and the best bullhead watches that you can find on the market today.
What are Bullhead Watches?
In simple terms, a bullhead watch is a chronograph timepiece that has its two pushers placed at the top of the case, at 11 and 1 o’clock. The term ‘bullhead’ is creatively derived from these two protruding pushers, which resemble a set of bull horns. Typically, the crown of a bullhead watch is also shifted to the top of the case, resting at 12 o’clock instead of its usual placement on the right-hand side of the watch. That said, some bullhead watches, do change things up by placing the crown at the bottom of the case instead.
While this bullhead design might seem bizarre, it is actually a very imaginative and functional build that allows for an improved user experience. When crowns and pushers are placed on the right side of the case, they can dig into the skin of the wearer and cause some discomfort, especially if these crowns and pushers are long or thick. Shifting the pushers to the top of the case ensures that they are kept out of the way and do not cause wearers any kind of discomfort.
These bullhead watches, which were founded way back in the ’60s, can be considered exquisite vintage pieces that would make for the perfect additions to your collection. Now that you know what a bullhead watch is, here are ten fantastic bullhead watches that you should definitely have on your radar.
Ten Bullhead Watches Worth Buying
1. Omega Seamaster Bullhead Co-Axial Chronograph Ref. 225.12.43.50.01.001
First on the list is the Omega Seamaster Bullhead Co-Axial Chronograph Ref. 225.12.43.50.01.001. Hailing from the Omega Seamaster collection, this is one of the most popular bullhead watches available today. This dive watch uses the bullhead design to make for a better diving experience. Its “horns”, placed at the top of the case, are more convenient for wearers to press, giving you an easier way to utilise the chronograph functions, especially during a diving expedition.
This Omega watch comes in a 43mm stainless steel case and a black leather strap with red stitching. The tonneau-shaped build of this case emphasises its striking bullhead design, with two elongated push-buttons placed at 11 and 1 o’clock. On the underside of the watch is a solid steel caseback that is securely screwed down, giving this timepiece a substantial 100-metre water resistance capacity.
The matte black dial of this watch shows off an elegant reversed Clous de Paris finish. It is decorated with rectangular hour indices, long sword hands in red and white hues, a date window at 3 o’clock, and two small chronograph sub-dials. On the rim of the dial, you can find a rotating black internal bezel, which bears markers for an elapsed time scale. The red highlights scattered across the whole watch face serve to accentuate it and give this timepiece a sportier, more masculine feel.
Driving this watch is an Omega Co-Axial Calibre 3113. This is an in-house Omega movement, which has a 52-hour power reserve and a beat frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz).
As a limited edition piece, there are only 669 pieces of the Omega Seamaster Bullhead in existence. You can get your hands on this rare, exotic timepiece for just $5,800 USD.
2. Viceroy Heat Ref. 46763-34
One underrated watch brand that is often overlooked is Viceroy. This is a Spanish watch brand that offers gorgeous everyday timepieces. An excellent example of this is the Viceroy Heat Ref. 46763-34, which we will be looking at in this entry.
This Viceroy Heat watch is presented in a 43mm stainless steel case, along with a rugged rally-style leather strap in black and handsome, slanted blue lugs. On the top of the case, you can find two short pushers in blue and silver, along with a stout screw-down crown at 12 o’clock. Fixed on top of the watch face is a black internal bezel, which bears double-digit Arabic numeral markers in white and blue for the minute scale.
The dial of this watch shows off a matte black finish. It follows a very simple layout, comprising slim applique hour indices, luminous blunt hands, and three chronograph sub-dials in blue for the 24-hour, 60-minute, and 60-second counters. Powering these functions is a reliable quartz movement, which has a solid 100-metre depth rating.
The Viceroy Heat Ref. 46763-34 is an extremely affordable bullhead watch, with a price tag of just $100 USD.
3. Detroit Mint Mechanic Chronograph
Next up, we have the Detroit Mint Mechanic Chronograph. This is an exquisite, vintage-influenced timepiece that is based on the original bullhead watches introduced back in the 60s and 70s. Detroit might not be the most popular brand out there, but there is no doubt that the brand did a great job preserving the original bullhead design in this watch.
This Detroit Mint timepiece utilises a 40mm tonneau-shaped stainless steel case and a soft, customisable leather strap. The stainless steel surfaces of this watch, from the case’s sides to the pushers and crown at the top all show off a lustrous, gleaming polish. This is complemented by a jet-black dial, adorned with simple hour indices, luminous blunt hands, and two chronograph counters in steel. Red accents scattered across the dial help to enhance the sporty look of this watch.
Underneath this watch face, you can find a modified ETA 7750 movement. This automatic calibre is based on the vintage Valjoux 7733 movement that was popular in the 60s, tying back to the watch’s whole retro inspiration. While the standard ETA 7750 calibre comes with a day-date display, this version of the movement has actually been modified to remove that complication. It also comes with a power reserve of 48 hours.
The Detroit Mint Mechanic Chronograph retails at around $475 USD.
4. Citizen Promaster Tsuno Ref. AV0071-03A
Looking for a more modern take on bullhead watches? Check out the Citizen Promaster Tsuno Ref. AV0071-03A. Hailing from the Promaster collection, this racing watch adopts the bullhead design to great success. It gives wearers hassle-free access to the chronograph pushers, which is especially convenient when the wearer is behind the wheel.
This Citizen timepiece is housed in a 45mm stainless steel case, paired with a rich black leather strap with red stitching. A fixed bezel in black is fitted on top of the watch case and goes well with the matching black-tone pushers that can be found at 11 and 1 o’clock. Adding to its unusual case design, this watch also comes with two different screw-down crowns, one at 12 o’clock and another at 5 o’clock.
As a racing watch, this timepiece has quite a busy-looking dial, packed full of complications. It showcases a soft-looking, textured white finish and contains short white hour indices, luminous sword hands, and a huge power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock that is inspired by the fuel gauges in automobiles. Aside from that, you can find three chronograph sub-dials in black, for the small seconds, 60-minute, and 12-hour counters. A compact date aperture is also slotted in between the 1 and 2 o’clock markers, which is quite an unusual placement. On the rim of the dial, there is also a white internal bezel bearing a tachymeter scale.
This watch runs on an Eco-Drive E210 calibre. It is a solar-powered movement, which means that this watch can be charged using any light source, both artificial and natural. This eliminates the need for any battery changes or winding, which is incredibly convenient for racers.
The price for the Citizen Promaster Tsuno Ref. AV0071-03A starts at $795 USD.
5. Stuhrling Torero Ref. 894D.02
For another sporty bullhead piece, check out the Stuhrling Torero Ref. 894D.02. Despite its German-sounding name, Stuhrling is actually an American brand that was founded in New York in 1999. Its name is a tribute to the master of watchmaking, Max Stuhrling.
This watch uses a 42mm stainless steel case with a sleek black rubber strap. Aside from the two chronograph pushers, you can also find a chunky, black-tone crown at the top of the case. This screw-down crown has grooved edges for an easier grip and gives the watch its 50-metre water resistance capacity. The watch’s white dial is contrasted against a jet-black dial which consists of applique hour indices, bold Arabic numerals in a stylised typeface, a date display near the 5 o’clock marker, and two chronograph sub-dials of varying sizes. Vibrant orange accents are peppered around the dial, giving it a more youthful, sporty look that caters to younger audiences.
This watch is driven by a VK61 Chrono movement — a Japanese quartz calibre with impeccable timekeeping accuracy.
You can purchase this Stuhrling Torero piece for approximately $285 USD.
6. CT Scuderia Freno A Disco Ref. CWLX00120
CT Scuderia is an Italian watch brand that manufactures impressive bullhead watches. One standout model in this brand’s arsenal is the CT Scuderia Freno A Disco Ref. CWLX00120. This watch comes in a 44mm stainless steel case with a textured black silicone strap. It shows off thick, angular lugs that give this watch the impression of being bulkier than it really is. Fitted on top of the watch face is a thick, chunky bezel that protects the case from any impacts or shocks. This unusual-looking bezel comes with six black screws, a pattern of protruding dots, and a ring of bright red runs along its rim, adding a pop of personality to this watch face.
The polished silver case and bezel are sharply contrasted by the watch’s black dial. This dial is quite busy and is furnished with rectangular hour indices, pronounced sword-shaped hands, a circular date aperture between 4 and 5 o’clock, and double-digit Arabic numeral markers in five-minute intervals. On either side of the dial, you can also find two chronograph sub-dials for the 12-hour and 60-minute counters.
This watch is powered by a Swiss Ronda 3520D movement. Held together by 4 jewels, it provides this watch with a 100-metre water resistance rating.
The price for this CT Scuderia Freno piece starts at around $1,090 USD.
7. Zeno Bullhead Chronograph Ref. 3591-I26
If you are looking for more underrated Swiss watch brands, check out Zeno. Its Zeno Bullhead Chronograph is another bullhead watch that capitalises on vintage designs, capturing the essence of the old-school bullhead watches from the 60s and 70s.
Unlike the other bullhead watches on this list, the Zeno Bullhead Chronograph comes in a completely round, bulky 46mm stainless steel case with a sleek matte finish. The look of this watch case is reminiscent of the chunky Seiko Tuna watches. Zeno completes the elegant look of this watch with a supple alligator leather strap in dark brown.
The dial of this watch comes in a clean white hue. It follows a very straightforward layout, comprising luminous sword-hands in brown, three chronograph sub-dials that are outlined in dark green, and a simple minute track. An unusual day-date window can be found at 12 o’clock, showcasing the date-and-day vertically instead of the typical horizontal display. A fixed internal bezel in brown and green hues can also be found on the rim of the dial.
This watch is equipped with a Valjoux 7750 movement, which is one of the most reliable, popularly-used automatic calibres on the market. Held together by 25 jewels, this calibre has a beat frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and a 48-hour power supply.
This elegant, retro-looking bullhead watch has an estimated price tag of $2,366 USD. It is one of the more expensive pieces on this list. Nevertheless, the Zeno Bullhead Chronograph is well worth the price, considering its standout design and exquisite, classy style.
8. Elysee Rally Timer I Ref. 80536
If durable, high-utility watches are your bread and butter, then the Elysee Rally Timer I should be right up your alley. This German racing watch utilises a 44mm stainless steel case and a supple black leather strap with red stitching. A stylish two-tone bezel made of aluminium can be found on top of the watch face, bearing Arabic numeral markers and indices in white for the minute scale. Located on top of the case are two stout metallic chronograph pushers that also come in red and black, matching the hues of the bezel. A simple, silver screw-down crown can also be found at 12 o’clock.
The dial of this watch is simple and easy to read, catering to racers who need are required to read their watches with just a glance. It is adorned with luminous blunt hands, short hour indices, and large Arabic numeral markers in a neat white typeface, contrasting against the black dial for optimal legibility. Aside from that, it also has a compact date window between 4 and 5 o’clock and two chronograph sub-dials. Inside this fashionable and sporty watch is a Miyota 6S20 movement. This reliable quartz movement has an accuracy rate of +/-20 seconds per month and an incredible 4-year battery life.
You can purchase this Elysee watch for around $445 USD.
9. Mondia Bolide Ref. MI-800-BK-03BK-CP
For a sophisticated Italian bullhead watch, check out the Mondia Bolide Ref. MI-800-BK-03BK-CP. This watch has a snappy style that perfectly blends modern elegance and high-functioning utility.
The Mondia Bolide Ref. MI-800-BK-03BK-CP uses a 42mm black-coated case made of stainless steel, paired with a perforated brown leather strap. The dial of this watch shows off a textured surface in hues of black and light grey, blending well with the dark colours of the watch’s exterior. It is furnished with rectangular hour indices, applique silver sword hands that are covered in lume, a soft red seconds hand, a date display at 4 o’clock, and two small, submerged chronograph sub-dials. Yellow and red accents can be found all over the watch face, adding a hint of vibrancy and colour to this otherwise monochrome watch face.
Underneath this understated watch face, you can find a Miyota 6S21 quartz movement — a slight upgrade from the 6S20 calibre used in the Elysee Rally Timer I. This movement has an accuracy rate of +/-20 seconds per month and a battery life of three years.
You can buy this Mondia Bolide timepiece for a price of $425 USD.
10. Sinn R500 Ref. 500.010
The last watch on our list is from Sinn, a German brand known for producing gorgeous, vintage-influenced tool watches. If you enjoy retro timepieces, then the Sinn R500 Ref. 500.010 will surely tickle your fancy. This watch is a perfect combination of an old-school bullhead design and all of Sinn’s watchmaking expertise.
This Sinn R500 watch is housed in a 42mm round case made of high-strength titanium. As a metal, titanium is just as strong as stainless steel but much lighter, giving this watch a very lightweight profile that is easy to handle and carry around. On the underside of the watch, you can find a solid titanium caseback that is securely screwed down. This gives the watch an excellent 200-metre depth rating. In addition, this Sinn watch is also equipped with pressure-resistance technology, so you can easily bring it with you on a dive.
The black dial of this watch is quite busy, filled with different components and complications. It comprises printed hour indices and long, slender sword-shaped hands, along with a rectangular date window, three chronograph sub-dials, and a simple power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock. It also has an internal tachymeter bezel on its rim, which can go up to 500km/h. A Valjoux 7750 calibre runs all of these functions, giving this watch a 48-hour power supply.
The Sinn R500 Ref. 500.010 is priced at around $4,400 USD.
Final Thoughts
All in all, Bullhead watches deserve another chance at the spotlight. Although they were not very well-received back in the 60s’, bullhead watches are a different yet suitable take on the chronograph timepiece, providing professionals with easier-to-use designs and tool watch chronographs.
Today, bullhead watches are unfortunately quite rare, and the timepieces we have mentioned above are probably the last lineage of bullhead watches. If you are looking for a nice bullhead piece, then you should definitely take a second look at the sleek, sporty watches we have shown above. Of course, watchmaking trends are constantly evolving and changing, and the glory days of Bullhead watches might yet return. One can only hope!
All images courtesy of The Watch Company and official watch sites Featured image courtesy of Viceroy.
If you are still looking for a decent (or perfect) chronograph, have a look at our review on the Citizen Promaster Tough—it might be the right companion for you!
