Back in 2017, we wrote an article about watch nicknames. As it turns out, this is a rather deep well to go down. There are plenty of ways for a watch to earn a nickname: It can be anything from a relationship to a celebrity to a resemblance to an animal or object. Whatever the case, watch nicknames almost always have a (fairly) clear origin. In the previous article, we discussed how some watches first get their nicknames years down the road due to unforeseen changes in the watch that took time to appear. Whether this is a “flaw” or not seems to be a matter of personal opinion. Over the last few years, I’ve seen plenty of attention and praise heaped on watches that I would consider broken. However, before I get too ahead of myself, let’s check out some more watches with nicknames!
Animal-Inspired Nicknames
One of the most obvious and widespread sources of watch nicknames is animals. Sometimes, the names are brand-specific, though most of the time it’s because of the case’s design. Seiko diving watches have received a rather interesting nickname from fans: Tuna. These timepieces feature massive, round cases without any lugs. While “Tuna” may seem an odd choice at first, a quick comparison to a can of this popular fish will make the relation clear.
Seiko Tuna
Seiko Tuna diving watches are distinct and something you either love or hate. Being a fan myself, I bought one many years ago that I still wear from time to time. Whether you like modern or vintage watches, quartz or mechanical, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for with a Seiko Tuna—assuming you enjoy the design.
Over the years, there have been multiple versions of the Tuna. The original Seiko 6159-7010 is known as ‘Grandfather Tuna’ since it came first. Nowadays, you’ll also stumble across names like Baby Tuna, Golden Tuna, and Darth Tuna.
Seiko Turtle
Other Seiko models also get their nicknames from sea creatures, such as the turtle. Once again, this nickname is based on the watch’s distinctive case shape. This time, it bears a striking resemblance to the shell of a turtle. Both the Seiko Tuna and Seiko Turtle debuted in the mid-70s. The first Turtle bore the reference number 6309.
Omega Seamaster Bullhead
Some nicknames go well beyond an individual model or brand. The term ‘bullhead’ is a great example. This refers to any chronograph watch laid out like a traditional stopwatch with its pushers and crown on top of the case. There are, of course, some exceptions to this rule.
When searching for a bullhead watch, you’ll discover a plethora of models from various brands. Most of these timepieces will come from the 70s, though some brands, such as Omega and Citizen, include bullhead watches in their current catalog. Omega offers a limited edition bullhead Seamaster with a Co-Axial movement. Also a limited edition, Citizen launched a quartz bullhead watch in celebration of their 100th anniversary in 2018.
Colorful Chronograph Hands
The 2018 launch of the Speedy Tuesday Ultraman reminded us all of this classic Japanese superhero. The Omega Speedmaster 145.012 with an orange chronograph hand was the first timepiece to bear this name after the superhero wore it in his eponymous TV show.
Omega Speedmaster Ultraman
In episode 8 of The Return of Ultraman, you can clearly see the Speedmaster with an orange hand around 33 seconds in. At around the one-minute mark, it even covers the entire screen. That was enough for it to become the “official” nickname for this edition of the iconic Speedmaster.
TAG Heuer Autavia Jo Siffert Collector’s Edition
Yet another watch with an eye-catching chronograph hand is the TAG Heuer Autavia Jo Siffert Collector’s Edition. Siffert was a racing driver in the 1960s and early 70s and was a star among many legendary drivers. It’s said he even taught Steve McQueen some tricks of the trade. Siffert’s name is attached to the Heuer Autavia 1163T. This cushion-shaped watch features a panda dial, blue details around the hour markers, and a distinctive blue chronograph hand. However, what really makes this watch stand out is the positioning of its crown and chronograph pushers. While the pushers remain at their normal position on the right side of the case, the crown has been moved to the left. TAG Heuer recently released a new, limited edition version of the Jo Siffert watch based on Jochen Rindt’s interpretation from 2017.
Watches with nicknames come in all shapes and sizes, at all different price points. While there could be some debate as to what “affordable” means, buying a historic watch for under $1,000 sounds like more than a good deal to me.
Read more:
One Watch, Two Logos: How Non-Watch Brands Find Their Way onto the Dial
The Race to Make the Thinnest Watch
Sun, Moon, and Stars – Watches with Moon Phase Displays
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