Citizen’s Promaster line is renowned today for its rugged, professional-grade sports and tool watches built to go deeper, higher, and further. But before the Promaster era, in 1986 Citizen introduced the Sports line, which included a digital chronograph: the Sports Jogging "digital Bullhead” D050.
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Introducing the "digital Bullhead"
The Citizen Sports Jogging D050 (1986) is a watch that wears its quirks with pride. Nicknamed the digital Bullhead for its unusual top-mounted pushers, it breaks away from traditional layouts and gives the watch its instantly recognizable look.
Its crisp white case paired with bold orange or teal highlights captures pure 1980s energy. Citizen also produced a black version with red accents, aimed at wearers who preferred a more understated low-profile look over the bright playful colorways. The case itself is slightly tilted forward, an ergonomic touch that makes the display easier to read while in motion.
Behind the retro looks lies a digital toolset built for action: stopwatch, lap timer, alarm, and clear LCD display. Every detail, from the chunky bullhead buttons to the angled case design, makes it feel more like a piece of sports equipment than a conventional wristwatch.
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1985 –1989
Introduction Citizen Sports lineupThe Citizen Sports Jogging D050 traces its roots to Citizen's experimental Sports division. In the mid-1980s, before the Promaster brand was officially introduced in 1989, Citizen released a range of sporty analog and digital models designed for active lifestyles. Within this Sports lineup, watches such as the D060 Windsurfer (1985) and the Sports Jogging series already featured the Promaster logo, a clear indication of the transition underway from niche sports models to a unified global identity.
The D050 sits at this fascinating crossroads: a bold and unique watch from the Sports Jogging lineup, carrying early hints of what would soon evolve into the full Promaster spirit. -
Post 1989
The dawn of the Promaster SeriesIn 1989, Citizen officially launched the Promaster brand, marking a significant evolution in their watchmaking philosophy. The Promaster series was designed to cater to professionals across various fields, including diving, aviation, and outdoor exploration. These watches were built to withstand extreme conditions, featuring enhanced durability, water resistance, and specialized functionalities tailored to the needs of professionals.
The introduction of the Promaster series represented Citizen's commitment to creating timepieces that embodied the spirit of adventure and precision. While the Sports Jogging line was more recreational, the Promaster series focused on providing tools for those who relied on their watches in demanding environments.
Back on track: the D050 Is regaining popularity
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Retro appeal
The 1980s were the height of jogging culture, and the D050 perfectly embodies that era with its bold colors, quirky bullhead layout, and playful digital interface. It’s a watch that connects the thrill of past innovation with today’s love for unique, statement-making timepieces.
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Collector’s value
While mechanical chronographs dominate collector attention, the D050 has carved out its own niche. Pristine, New Old Stock (NOS) examples are rare, making them highly sought after. The crisp LCD, unscuffed casing, and original tags/labels make these watches especially desirable for collectors.
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A snapshot of its time
The D050 isn’t just a tool watch; it captures the spirit of the 1980s. Wearing one today is as much about style as it is about enjoying a unique piece of that era. A watch that tells its own story: the unstoppable energy of a generation that never sat still. It reflects a time of neon tracksuits, boombox beats, and arcade games.
(1986) Citizen Sports Jogging digital Bullhead D050 - white & orange case (NOS)
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(1986) Citizen Sports Jogging digital Bullhead D050 - white & teal case (NOS)
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