The Seamaster Bullhead Co-axial Chronograph Is undoubtedly one of the most unusual watches made by Omega. Originally introduced in 1969, in 2013 three re-editions were released, each comprising 669 pieces.

Large steel case

The stainless steel case is 43 mm across and 43mm from top to bottom, and it’s very thick, 14.85 mm, with a sapphire box-type watch glass. The arrangement that gives it the name Bullhead has an attractive symmetry, with the chronograph pushers and crown on the top, and a second crown at 6 o’clock. This is used to adjust the bi-directional rotating bezel, which is one of the unusual features of the three watches. In one model it is marked in minutes and so it could be used to time a dive, for example. In another version it is marked in hours, and in the third version it has both 12 hour and 24 hour markings, making it possible to use the watch to keep track of a second time zone.

Special strap design

Subdials are for 30 chronograph minutes above, and continuous seconds below. The top subdial is slightly larger to balance the shape of the dial overall. The strap has a cut-out for the second crown so that you can leave the watch flat on the table if necessary. It has a folding clasp with push button release.

Automotive feel

All three versions of the 2013 watch have a distinctly automotive feel. The bullhead arrangement supposedly makes the watch easier to use for drivers, and the case has a differentiated thickness so that the watch is slightly angled on the wrist, making it easier to see the time at a glance when you are at the wheel. It is curious that it is part of the nautical-inspired Seamaster collection, with an internal rotating bezel that would typically be a feature of a diving watch.

Good water resistance

In fact, a nice feature of the watch is the 15 bar, 150 m water resistance, attained in part by means of the screw-in crown.

New pusher arrangement

Several things have been changed with respect to the 1969 watch. The original had a hand-wound Lemania 930 chronograph movement, in which the right-hand pusher started and stopped the chronograph, and the left-hand pusher reset it. In the 2013 Seamaster Bullhead, the pusher functions are perhaps more logically arranged, with the left-hand pusher used to start and stop the chronograph, and the right-hand pusher for resetting it. The original watch had round pushers, while the new version has rectangular pushers that curiously resemble little coffins.

Self-winding movement

The watch has a solid caseback with the Seamaster seahorse emblem. Inside is the Omega Co-Axial Calibre 3113, a prestigious chronograph movement with column wheel. It is self-winding, and provides a power reserve of 52 hours.

Price

The Omega Seamaster Bullhead Co-axial Chronograph costs €8,100 inclusive of VAT.

Reference 225.12.43.50.02.001

Pierced black leather strap and red stitching, 60-minute rotating bezel and an attractive silvery dial with perlage-type finish.

Reference 225.12.43.50.01.001

Black leather strap, 12-hour rotating bezel, black dial with reversed Clou de Paris texture.

Reference 225.12.43.50.04.001

24-hour rotating bezel, white dial and brown leather strap.

More information from the Omega website.