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WATCH NEWS
March 28, 2020
The "Hamilton PSR", the World's First LED Digital Watch, Shines Anew in Watch History | HAMILTON
HAMILTON
The "Hamilton PSR", the World's First LED Digital Watch, Shines Anew in Watch History
The "Hamilton Pulsar," the progenitor of digital watches. Its innovative technology captivated numerous celebrities and fashionistas, garnering fervent support. In 2020, marking the watch's 50th anniversary, its style is revived as the "Hamilton PSR." This model, long-awaited by watch collectors and the fashion world alike, will begin accepting pre-orders in early May 2020 at Hamilton's directly managed stores in Tokyo and select BEAMS shops.
Text by OZAKI Sayaka | Edit by TSUCHIDA Takashi
Case Design Intact, Hybrid Display Evolves
Released in 1972, the early "Hamilton Pulsar" model "P1" was a legendary timepiece that captivated with its futuristic design, befitting its groundbreaking technology. Named after neutron stars that emit pulsed radio waves at extremely high frequencies, this watch had no moving parts and made no ticking sound. Instead, it offered unparalleled durability and accuracy, leaving people with the impression that science fiction had become reality.
With its avant-garde cushion-shaped case brimming with space-age vibes and an 18K yellow gold bracelet, this model commanded a price equivalent to a new car at $2100 USD. Despite the cost, its rarity and innovation led many celebrities to eagerly acquire it. Elvis Presley is known as one of the first to obtain one of the mere 400 units produced.
Left: The early "Hamilton Pulsar" model "P1," released in 1972. Right: "P2," introduced in 1973. Both are for reference.
The following year, mass production began. In 1973, "P2" was introduced. This "P2" featured a rounded stainless steel case and an improved chip module, pioneering the digital watch market and achieving significant commercial success. Keith Richards, Elton John, Joe Frazier, Gianni Agnelli, and U.S. President Gerald Ford were among those who favored the "P2."
The "Hamilton Pulsar" captivated audiences with its cutting-edge technology and bold design of the era.
In 2020, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the "P1," the innovative style and technological icon of the 1970s is revived. The new model, reborn as the "Hamilton PSR," is available in two versions: a stainless steel model and a limited edition yellow gold PVD model, with only 1970 units produced worldwide. The design is based on the "P2" released in 1973, recreating the iconic wide cushion-shaped case. The dimensions remain the same as the original: 40.8 x 34.7mm.
While the crystal has been upgraded from ruby to sapphire crystal, it retains the original's three-dimensional form, resulting in a model that exudes a retro-futuristic feel.
Meanwhile, the time display has evolved significantly from the original model. It features a hybrid display combining LCD and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology. The LCD allows for constant visibility, while the OLED enables red digital dot illumination upon pressing the button on the right side of the case. The absence of a traditional backlight also contributes to reduced energy consumption.
The "Hamilton PSR" faithfully follows the original design while advancing with modern technology. It is a timepiece that evokes the historic moment of the birth of the world's first LED digital watch and the impact digital watches had on people.
Hamilton PSR
Ref. | H52414130, H52424130
Movement | Quartz
Case, Bracelet Material | Stainless Steel (Yellow gold PVD coating only for H52424130)
Case Diameter | 40.8 x 34.7mm (W x H)
Display | LCD & OLED Hybrid Display
Crystal | Sapphire Crystal
Water Resistance | 10 bar
Price | ¥90,000 (H52414130), ¥120,000 (H52424130) *Excluding tax
Limited Edition | 1,970 units worldwide, with limited edition box (H52424130 only)
Sales | Pre-orders begin early May 2020 at Hamilton directly managed stores and the Hamilton online boutique, as well as BEAMS directly managed stores and the BEAMS official online shop. General sales commence June 2020 at authorized Hamilton retailers nationwide.
