Citizen may not have stood alongside its contemporaries in the great race of 1969 to bring the world’s first automatic chronograph to market, but clearly they were inspired. They quickly set to work and spent the next three years developing something worth waiting for, and if this is your introduction to the 8110, prepare yourself. As with many of their offerings during this era, Citizen chose to take Seiko head on and deliver a superior movement packed with features missing in the 6138. So what’s a die hard Seiko lover like myself supposed to do when confronted with the Challenge Timer? How can I possibly ignore its technological charms?! To start, the 8110 is a hi-beat that ticks the seconds away at a rate of 28,800vph. It powers a dual register display with creeping 30 minute and 12 hour totalers, and it offers a true “fly back” reset for the chronograph. This means that rather than having to first stop the chronograph before resetting, you can zero the hands mid event, and they will begin totaling again instantly. The day and date can be set independently, and even this feature is worth mentioning as the day quick set mechanism is actuated through the reset pusher. Pull the crown to the second position and turn to set the date, then with the crown pulled, each press of the pusher advances the day. You’re basically forced to appreciate the engineering. In addition to self winding, it can be manually wound at the crown as well, and all of this is shoved into a compact package measuring just 27mm in diameter. A full millimeter (miles to a watchmaker) thinner than the 6138. And speaking of packages, Citizen presented an array of layouts featuring bright colors and interesting case shapes that definitely dazzle. Picking a favorite could prove difficult, but for me, the “Challenge Timer” is the clear winner, and for at least one real reason; it’s the only model to offer solid stainless steel construction. The other 8110’s were given steel backs and bezels, but the mid cases were all base metal, and as a result were more susceptible to wear and breakdown. And who doesn’t love a “bullhead”? By rotating the movement 90 degrees within the case, the crown and pushers are positioned at the top. This creates an almost “horn” like appearance similar to a bull. In practice, it’s a much more ergonomic design from a use standpoint, and provides a more comfortable fit on the wrist as well. The dial was available in two color ways: a true panda with black registers on a white dial, and this reverse panda with white on black. This example from October of 1980 is in fantastic condition. The dial has aged beautifully, though there is a touch of peeling at the “north west” edge. The stark contrast offers great legibility and is a standout on the wrist. It’s unpolished and completely original aside from a replacement crystal and crown, and post service is keeping time to within several seconds per day. Though we’d typically opt for a strap in the absence of the original bracelet, the hooded lugs posed a problem with a proper fit. We chose to pair it with this “H” link style with PVD hinges that’s a near perfect match for the case. The end link taper is spot on, and the finishes are very similar. I was able to salvage an original Citizen clasp from a partial bracelet that belonged to a another 8110, and installed it here for a cleaner finish. There are a few vintage Citizens that should be on every watch lover’s list, and the Challenge Timer is certainly at the top. 

Aftermarket Stainless Steel / PVD Bracelet with Original Citizen Clasp

Serviced 12/14/19

Diameter- 38mm

Lugs- 18mm