The other day, I was playing around with one of my Citizen watches, when I flipped it over and noticed the engraving “Limited Edition for BEGiN”.
That threw me for a loop. Begin? As in… “start”? It made no sense to me to be honest. At first I thought I had been sent someone else’s watch (with a custom engraving) or that perhaps it was a QA miss (since the “i” was uncapitalized) at the Citizen factory — but the real story behind that little line of text is one of the cooler hidden chapters in Citizen’s modern history, and it ties directly into the world of vintage reissues, Japanese watch culture, and limited-edition collecting. Let’s dive in!
What is BEGiN?
First things first: BEGiN isn’t just a word — it’s the name of one of Japan’s most respected lifestyle and fashion magazines. Founded in 1988, BEGiN carved out a unique space by focusing on high-quality, functional, and stylish everyday goods — everything from rugged outdoor wear and artisan denim to meticulously crafted leather goods, watches, and even stationery. Unlike flashier fashion publications, BEGiN built its reputation around substance over hype, spotlighting products where craftsmanship, design integrity, and everyday usability mattered most.
Over the decades, BEGiN has become something of a bible for discerning Japanese men, influencing generations who value heritage, authenticity, and longevity over passing trends. Its pages often celebrate brands with deep roots — whether it’s a Swiss watchmaker perfecting a movement, a Japanese denim brand reviving vintage looms, or a shoemaker handcrafting boots that will last a lifetime.
Along the way, BEGiN created some truly iconic moments in publishing. Their “Masterpieces of the Century” series elevated essentials like Levi’s 501XX jeans and the Rolex Explorer I into legendary status, celebrating everyday items crafted to last generations. They played a major role in kickstarting Japan’s heritage revival movement in the early 2000s, championing rugged workwear, military jackets, and authentic denim long before these trends caught on globally. BEGiN also devoted entire special issues to watches, where they praised not only Swiss luxury but accessible, heirloom-quality timepieces from Citizen, Seiko, and Hamilton — a move that helped shape the modern appreciation for affordable mechanical watches.
As their influence grew, BEGiN moved from simply curating products to collaborating with brands on limited-edition releases — working with companies like Citizen, Porter, G-Shock, and Danner to create thoughtful, collectible versions of beloved designs. Their annual “Best Basics” guide has become a highly anticipated staple, offering readers a curated checklist of the most timeless, well-made essentials across every category.
By the time Citizen partnered with BEGiN, the magazine wasn’t just a tastemaker — it was a cultural institution for those who believed that true style is found in the thoughtful, the well-made, and the timeless.
Citizen and BEGiN: A Special Collaboration
Starting in the late 2010s, Citizen partnered with BEGiN Magazine to create a series of limited-edition watches, celebrating the brand’s historic models with a fresh twist. These collaborations often:
• Revived classic Citizen designs (like the 1970s Bullhead chronographs),
• Introduced new dial colors, finishes, or bracelet options,
• Or bundled watches with special packaging available exclusively through select Japanese retailers.
Instead of a massive worldwide launch, these BEGiN Editions were often quietly released in limited numbers, primarily to the Japanese domestic market (sometimes with a tiny batch trickling to international collectors later). They became cult favorites — sought after by Citizen fans who wanted something with an authentic backstory and real connection to the brand’s roots.
The History of Bullhead Watches
Original 1970s Era Tsunos: Citizen Tsuno Chrono AT 364475 (left), Citizen BullHead 4-901193 (right)
The “bullhead” chronograph isn’t just a quirky nickname — it refers to a specific case design where the chronograph pushers and crown are placed at the top of the watch, rather than on the side. This configuration, which makes the watch resemble the horns of a bull when viewed head-on, first appeared prominently during the late 1960s and 1970s. It was an era when motorsports were booming, and brands were racing to create rugged, functional chronographs that could withstand the rigors of racing and timing at high speeds.
Seiko Bullheads from the 1970s: Seiko 6138-0040 Speed Timer Bullhead (left), Seiko Bullhead Ref 6138-0040 (right)
Bullhead watches weren’t just about looks — their top-mounted pusher design made it easier for drivers to start, stop, and reset the chronograph while their hands were on a steering wheel. Major brands like Citizen, Seiko, Omega (with its famous Seamaster Bullhead), and Breitling all released bullhead-style chronographs during this period, each one embodying the bold, adventurous spirit of the time. Though the trend eventually faded, bullheads became cult favorites among collectors, celebrated for their distinctive shape, unapologetic 1970s styling, and the sense of action and energy they continue to carry today.
2016 Omega Seamaster Bullhead Chronograph Limited 225.12.43.50.01.001
The Bullhead Goes Hollywood
The Citizen Bullhead’s cultural impact didn’t stop in the 1970s. Decades later, the Bullhead design found its way onto the silver screen. Famous actor Brad Pitt has a connection to the Citizen Bullhead, bringing even more cultural significance to the watch. In Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 film, Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood, Pitt’s character, Cliff Booth — a laid-back Hollywood stuntman — wears a vintage Citizen Bullhead chronograph throughout the movie. The watch choice perfectly complements Cliff’s effortless, rugged style, pairing naturally with his faded jeans, Champion T-shirt, and moccasin boots.
Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio in the 2019 film. You can just see Pitt’s 1970s Citizen 8110A Tsuno on his wrist
The specific model he wears is widely believed to be a 1970s Citizen 8110A “Challenge Timer”, featuring the distinctive bullhead case design, with the chronograph pushers positioned at the top of the case like horns. It’s powered by Citizen’s 8110A automatic chronograph movement, part of the brand’s pioneering contributions to the automatic chronograph race of the late 1960s and early ’70s.
The 1970s Citizen 8110A on a leather “Bund” strap as shown in the film (left) and on an original Citizen bracelet (right)
While Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood is set in 1969 — just slightly before the Citizen Bullhead’s original production years — the watch still fits the freewheeling, unpolished spirit of Cliff Booth’s character. Its presence on-screen helped reintroduce the Citizen Bullhead to a new generation of collectors, cementing its reputation not just as a motorsport classic, but as a symbol of cool, understated toughness. Today, spotting a Bullhead chronograph is as much a nod to vintage motorsport culture as it is to Brad Pitt’s unforgettable, easygoing swagger in one of Tarantino’s most stylish films.
The Bullhead Tsuno: A Perfect Match for BEGiN
This watch — the Citizen Tsuno AN3676-65L Limited Edition “Bullhead”— is part of this heritage. “Tsuno” (角, meaning “horn” in Japanese) refers to the signature bullhead chronograph layout, where the pushers are set at the top of the case like horns. Originally launched by Citizen in the 1970s, the Bullhead was their answer to the high-octane world of motorsports — a rugged, mechanical chronograph built for timing speed and endurance.
This BEGiN Edition reissue keeps the essence alive with:
• A bold panda-style dial accented by striking red highlights,
• A deep metallic blue background that feels both sporty and sophisticated,
• An integrated bracelet nodding to 1970s design language,
• And a modern quartz chronograph movement for reliable, no-fuss performance.
By collaborating with BEGiN, Citizen anchored the watch to a modern sense of style while celebrating a pivotal era in their history. It’s a watch that feels vintage without being old-fashioned — a perfect fit for a new generation of enthusiasts.
Why the “Limited Edition for BEGiN” Matters
In an era where “Limited Edition” often gets thrown around loosely, the BEGiN collaborations actually mean something: they represent a genuine celebration of craftsmanship, a deep respect for the brand’s design heritage, and a more intimate approach to limited production — not thousands or tens of thousands of pieces, but usually a much smaller, thoughtfully curated run.
Tsuno AN3676-65L slightly domed crystal (left), Citizen × Ground Y TSUNO GN-A11-951 limited edition (right)
When you wear a Citizen × BEGiN piece like this Bullhead, you’re not just rocking a cool vintage-inspired chronograph. You’re carrying a piece of Citizen’s evolving story — one that blends past, present, and future across continents and cultures.
Watches like the Citizen × BEGiN Bullhead remind us that the most meaningful details are often hidden in plain sight. A small line of text on a caseback — one you might miss if you weren’t looking — carries a story about craftsmanship, collaboration, and cultural pride. It’s a bridge between decades, between collectors across the world, and between the spirit of the past and the energy of today.
Citizen Tsuno Reissued Models: an3700-62a (left), 4974375527768-L (right)
Whether you picked up a BEGiN edition knowingly or stumbled into it like I did, you’re now part of that story too — a story that proves that in watch collecting, as in life, the best discoveries often happen when you’re simply enjoying the journey.
Because after all, the real value of a great watch isn’t just in how it keeps time.
It’s in how it connects us to the times — and stories — that matter most.
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