Hamilton PSR - Waking a sleeping giant

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The original digital wristwatch is back. The Hamilton Pulsar was one of the emblematic creations of the space-age era. Its groundbreaking technology disrupted the market, and its futuristic looks made it a favorite of forward thinkers and style leaders including Jack Nicholson, Joe Frazier, Elton John and Keith Richards. With the Hamilton PSR, we’re proud to bring back the unmistakable style of the digital watch that changed the world.

May 6, 1970 stands as one of the most significant moments in wristwatch history. At a press conference in The Four Seasons restaurant in New York City, Hamilton revealed to the world the very first digital electronic wristwatch. Named the Pulsar after the pulsating neutron stars that emit beams of radiation at ultra-precise frequencies, this seemed an object straight out of science fiction, with no moving parts, no ticking sound, and unmatchable durability and accuracy.

But the science was real. This ingenious ‘solid state wrist computer’, developed by Hamilton in its hometown of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, would change the way we tell time.

The public received its first glimpse of the Pulsar prototype on the US TV program The Tonight Show, when host Johnny Carson demonstrated its unique functionality: pushing a button on the side of the watch made the time flash in red LED numerals on the dark screen, while holding the button for longer revealed the passing seconds. The watch could be set via a unique magnetic bar hidden in the bracelet.

The inaugural Hamilton Pulsar, the P1, launched to market in 1972, with an original, space-age design to match its groundbreaking technology. With an avant-garde cushion case and bracelet in 18 ct yellow gold, it was an unmistakably elite product, with a $2,100 price tag that matched the cost of a family car. Elvis Presley was among the pioneers who snapped up one of 400 models.

By the following year, the wrist computer was ready for the general public. The stainless steel Pulsar P2, with a more rounded case design and an improved chip module, launched in 1973, pioneering the nascent market for digital watches. Produced in large volume, it was a colossal success. Among those to wear it were Keith Richards, Joe Frazier, Elton John, Giovanni Agnelli and U.S. President Gerald Ford. It was the epitome of cool.

Thanks to Hamilton, an entire new genre in timekeeping was born.

A WORLD-CHANGING WATCH REBORN

With the new Hamilton PSR, we’re powering up this icon of 1970s style and technology once more. There are two versions of the PSR to choose from: one in stainless steel, and a version in stainless steel coated with yellow gold PVD that’s limited to 1,970 models.

Both watches feature cases in the inimitable wide cushion style of the P2, with the same dimensions of 40.8mm x 34.7mm. The watches are water resistant to 10 bar (100m).

One of the differences with the previous version is the display of time. The Hamilton PSR features a hybrid display mixing reflective LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and emissive OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) technologies. Pressing the button will once again bring up light red OLED numerals in the familiar ‘digit dot’ style, while the LCD display ensures that time is also permanently visible in daylight conditions. With no backlight, the display has very low energy consumption.

The Hamilton PSR is a timely reminder of where and when the digital world began, and what digital timekeeping once meant. Just as it was then, the PSR remains the epitome of cool and a watch for those wanting to make a statement.

Hamilton was founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Hamilton watches combine the American spirit with the unrivalled precision of the latest Swiss movements and technologies. Known for its innovative design, Hamilton has a strong foothold in Hollywood, with products appearing in more than 500 films. The brand also boasts a strong aviation heritage. Hamilton is a member of the Swatch Group, the largest watch manufacturer and distributor in the world.

Hamilton Pulsar

REF. H001.00.000.439.01 | Pulsar P1 – Model #2800

1972 – Only 400 of these Pulsar P1 models were produced when the watch was first launched in 1972. It was the result of three years of research and co-creation between Hamilton and external engineers and changed the face of the watch industry. When it was first introduced, this solid yellow-gold model cost $2,100, more than the average family car at that time. Powered by two button cell batteries, the time on the watch was displayed using red LEDs. The watch was set using a special magnet. The most unusual feature of the Pulsar P1 is that it only displays the time upon request by the wearer. A first push of the button illuminates the hours and minutes, while a second, longer push shows running seconds. The Pulsar P1 proved extremely popular and sold out almost immediately. It was a favorite with film stars and dignitaries of the time.

REF. H001.00.000.046.01 | PULSAR P2 – MODEL #2900

1972 – A Pulsar the same as this model was famously worn by James Bond in the film Live and Let Die. It is the only time a Hamilton watch has appeared on the wrist of the iconic British agent. The original Pulsar was introduced in May 1970 and started the worldwide trend for digital timepieces that revolutionized the watch industry and the world of watchmaking. It was the world’s first completely electronic wristwatch. Pulsar was particularly unusual in that it only showed the time when prompted to do so by activating the pusher on the side of the case. This special feature was demonstrated by James Bond at the beginning of Live and Let Die not once, but twice.