BRIEF HISTORY
I have a real sweet spot for 1970s watches and none scream that era more than an LED watch. I bought this Pulsar P4 Executive around 10 years ago and love every quirky detail about it.
Introduced by the Hamilton Watch Co, Pulsar burst into the watch market with the first-ever LED watch in 1970. Pulsar Time Computer was born in an age of optimism when everything seemed achievable. Space flight had been taken from a distant dream to reality and electronics seemed to deliver new advances every day. The first Pulsars sold for $1,500. In 1973, the Pulsar P2 launched at a more reasonable $395 which was $10 more than a Rolex Submariner at the time! This P4 Executive sold for $295 when it launched in 1975. In 1978, Pulsar was sold to Seiko. LED was doomed to fail when LCD appeared on the scene a few years later with their always-on screens and year-long battery life.
THE TIME COMPUTER
Introduced in 1975, this fully brushed stainless steel watch has several distinctive features that attracted me. The integrated 18mm bracelet works really well to complete the futuristic look, and the detail on the brushing around the case is exquisite. The Executive is a smaller version of the earlier P3 Date Command.
Originally accurate to within 60 seconds a year, if you do need to change the time, it is an experience, to say the least. Built into the inside of the clasp is a small magnet. To change the time, you must take the watch off, remove the small magnet from its holder under the clasp and hold it against a small recess in the back of the case, marked ‘MIN’ or ‘HR’. It is not practical at all and am relieved this model hasn’t lost the small magnet. Later models replaced the magnet set with an Auto set feature where you could adjust the date and time with the Command buttons on the case.
FLICK-WRIST
One of the problems with Light-Emitting Diode (LED) watches is that they needed so much power to light the screen. Unlike modern Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD) screens that use considerably less battery power, these watches only displayed the time when the user needed it. Press the lower command button and the hour and minute are displayed for 1 1/4 seconds. Continue to press and the Pulsar displays the exact seconds. In addition to pressing a button to see the time, the P4 is the first to feature an Auto Command function, nicknamed ‘flick-wrist’, enabling the user to activate the display with a rapid flick of the wrist. It works well (most of the time) and is pretty intuitive.
At just over 36.5mm wide and a 44.5m lug to lug, this is a very wearable watch and is a great addition to any collection. The integrated bracelet tapers down to a mere 15mm which balances the overall design of the watch. There are still a few of these around, which can be picked up from £300 to over £1,000 for one in mint condition. I get a sense when I wear it of stepping back in time and preserving a technology that lasted only a few short years.
DIMENSIONS
37mm
15mm
45mm
15mm
Neil: Such a classic piece. This is one of the finest LED watches from the 70s. From the stunning strap to the unique way to alter time, this was Pulsar at their finest. A great addition to any collection to admire and enjoy.
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