【F】 Hands-On With The Citizen Challenge Timer “Tsuno”

The Citizen “bullhead” chronograph returns in the form of the Challenge Timer, a design that dates back to the 1970s. Citizen now reintroduces this formerly Japan-only model to the European market with the eponymous layout, with the pushers and crown at the top of the case.

This reissue matters for a simple reason. Demand for Citizen Bullheads went up after Brad Pitt wore one in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. Citizen now offers a more accessible version with a quartz movement and a price of €229, putting it well within reach of a much broader audience.

The new Citizen Challenge Timer “Tsuno”

Citizen bases this new Challenge Timer directly on the original from 1973. The case retains a 38mm diameter, which keeps the proportions close to vintage expectations. The overall design stays faithful, rather than loosely inspired, which will matter to collectors who know the original.

The nickname Tsuno, Japanese for “horn,” explains the layout. Just in case it wasn’t obvious, it refers to the horn-like pushers at 11 and 1 o’clock. That configuration comes from handheld stopwatches with pushers on top for easy operation. Having tried this latest Citizen creation, I can attest that ease of use is still superb.

Citizen positions this model as an accessible entry into Bullhead chronographs. The switch to an in-house quartz movement marks a clear shift from the original mechanical movement. It lowers the price and simplifies ownership. At €229, this Citizen Challenge Timer targets younger enthusiasts or collectors looking for a historically grounded watch without the usual vintage drawbacks.

Specifications

The Citizen Challenge Timer “Tsuno” features a stainless steel case, its compact 38 × 11.7mm size aligning with the original model. A mineral crystal protects the dial. The case shape accommodates the top-mounted pushers without extending too far on the wrist. This watch also comes fitted with a simple stainless steel single-row bracelet with folded links. This features a sliding clasp such as you’d find on a steel Milanese mesh bracelet.

Inside ticks the in-house quartz caliber 0510. It offers a chronograph with a maximum measurement of 12 hours, at a one-second resolution. The movement also includes a date function, displayed at 4:45 on the dial, and an accuracy of ±20 seconds per month.

Citizen offers two dial variants. The standard model features a white panda dial with black sub-dials. The second is a limited edition of 4,000 pieces with a luminous green dial. Both versions come with orange paint on all but the hour and minute hands. At first glance, it looks like functional color-coding, but it isn’t. After all, the hand for the running seconds should have been left unpainted in that case.

Wearing the new Challenge Timer “Tsuno”

Wearing this Bullhead evokes vintage vibes, not least of all thanks to its proportions. The wearing experience is slightly odd, due to the pebble-shaped case that sits tall on the supremely thin bracelet. This makes the whole thing a tad top-heavy, even if the overall weight is low. It isn’t unpleasant in any way, but certainly a departure from your average watch-on-a-bracelet feel. There is none of that wrist-hugging that watch enthusiasts like to rave about here

I have a fairly strong preference for the non-limited panda edition over the teal-lume-dial version. To me, it looks more classy and more expensive as a result. Also, it offers more of that romantic vintage feel that you are obviously after if you find yourself considering a Citizen Bullhead. By comparison, the full-lume limited edition feels a little flamboyant in comparison.

The bracelet is very comfortable due to its thinness and short links. You will find watches that feel more secure on the wrist, but the bracelet performs its task as it should. Frankly, the Citizen Challenge Timer leaves very little to be desired at its €229 price. My one gripe is the date position, which I feel would work better at 4:30 rather than 4:45. Otherwise, these are lighthearted, fun, and well-executed watches.

What do you think of the new Citizen Challenge Timer “Tsuno” chronographs? Let us know in the comments section below.

Watch specifications