Pulsar

This unique piece from the eighties era appears as an icon immersed in light, where the rich Japanese history merges with the femininity of classic design. The watch design is exquisite and classic, with a "marquise" frame surrounding this clear dial, a halo of sparkling crystal, as if a ring of stars guarding the time inside. As for the delicate gold hands, they move quietly and confidently over a space of bright white, symbols and logo adorn the dial as a message of love carefully engraved. The bracelet consists of interwoven gold rings with stunning fluidity, resembling in their shine the clustered light grains or drops of liquid gold. Condition: The watch shows no signs of use, "like new." Comes with the original box and instruction booklet. PULSAR. Beginning: In 1970, Hamilton announced the launch of a new brand called "Pulsar," which would be the world's first full digital electronic watch. This watch was developed in cooperation with Electro/Data Inc., a small electronics company in Texas, led by George Thiess. The idea was revolutionary: a watch without any moving parts, relying on LED (light-emitting diodes) technology to display digital time instead of traditional hands. The prototype was shown on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson on May 5, 1970, where it amazed the audience with its high price ($1500 at the time, equivalent to about $11,000 today), prompting Carson to joke that it "will tell you the exact moment you go bankrupt!" This watch was known as "Wrist Computer" or "wrist computer," and used quartz crystal for high accuracy, a rechargeable battery, and a button to display the time (short press for hours and minutes, long press for seconds). Official launch (1972): In spring 1972, Hamilton launched the first commercial Pulsar watch, made of 18-carat gold, priced at $2100 (about $16,300 today). This watch was the first full digital electronic watch and caused a huge buzz in the watch world. Thousands of units were sold monthly, surpassing sales of other luxury watches. Pulsar was designed to look futuristic, partly inspired by science fiction films like "2001: A Space Odyssey" by Stanley Kubrick, where Hamilton contributed to designing digital watches for the film (although they did not appear in the final version). The name "Pulsar" was inspired by pulsars in astronomy, implying space technology. Cultural spread (1973): In 1973, James Bond (Roger Moore) wore a Hamilton Pulsar P2 2900 in the film "Live and Let Die," increasing its global fame. The watch appears in the first scene where Bond presses a button to light up the display. This appearance made it a symbol of modern elegance and technology. Expansion and innovations (1975): In 1975, Pulsar launched the first integrated digital watch with calculator, reflecting technological development. Hamilton also established a subsidiary called Time Computer, Inc. to manage Pulsar production, separating it from traditional watch division. However, the success of digital watches led to fierce competition from companies like Casio and Citizen, which affected Hamilton financially. In 1974, Hamilton was sold to SSIH Group (later Swatch Group), while the parent company HMW Industries retained Time Computer, Inc. and Pulsar. Then, in 1978, the original Pulsar production stopped due to financial challenges and market changes, and the digital assets were sold to other companies like Rhapsody, Inc. in Philadelphia. Transition to Japan: Acquisition by Seiko (1980s) - Acquisition (1979-1984): In 1979, Seiko Japanese company bought the Pulsar brand from Time Computer, Inc., and in 1984, the full acquisition was completed. Seiko sought to expand into the American market and digital technology, and Pulsar became part of Seiko Epson Corporation. This acquisition saved the brand from extinction and revived it under Seiko, which had been a pioneer in quartz technology since the seventies. Shift towards quartz watches (1980s): After acquisition, Pulsar gradually shifted from LED digital watches to analog (hands) watches relying on Japanese quartz movements. In 1980, Seiko launched a full quartz collection for men and women under the Pulsar brand, making it more attractive to the general public. These watches were less expensive and more reliable, utilizing technologies like solar power and precise movements from Miyota, a Seiko subsidiary. Legacy and importance: Pulsar forever changed the watch industry by introducing digital technology, paving the way for modern electronic watches like smartwatches. It was the first watch without moving parts, and its high accuracy (thanks to quartz) made it more precise than traditional mechanical watches. Despite challenges, it succeeded in building a loyal customer base thanks to Japanese quality under Seiko.