The first LED watch was the Hamilton Pulsar in late 1971, with full production in 1972, retailing for well over $1000. This was an economic disaster for Hamilton--Most of the first versions were returned, and an entirely new module installed. The first LCD watches came out within a year, and not long after got backlights. It wasn't long before the price of LED watches dropped by 98%
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3CReNK6lNf2JFcJQhJa9m2n-KUlAuWmS3mjVBRUfv3kdZWJvMIrus7DdLByXVE4hu7ul58eZul5fdaSy5VgrkvQhjnhsEXNMYhm3XSUCmlJ269wXKlv4YXcVs7aswNOnaiUopg/s200/100_1148.jpg)
I found this one today at a flea market, with dead batteries, excellent condition, and including the manual. There was also a similar gold one. Really good price if all it needs is batteries, not great if it is actually broken.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOZRPWRhH_39ry-Px3zyH_AeU6VxL9-wHjJEZbC26A-t3bfFA-W2aUQswdv3RfJ970J3hKsNkViJEpuE8ZR32L2JMw0676acb-rpot7vH2otCT8Sye0qMzlT3Xh2r236fuqZMAQ/s200/100_1163.jpg)
I took a chance, and with the installation of 2 new
batteries, it works fine. Nearly new, with few signs of wear.
The case says Compu Chron by Unisonic. The manual says Austin Watch Company. The module inside says Sanyo.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWafb-dd3UqV_qFTMk5adbjldvpJJeufI6sCVxDq7uY9SoP_x06gCMP6wtMqO3nlOkEJ7CP3-cxvl99fWWEVE5mEIP9yD1blvaHY1joOdENypqdpZi2vTHQG5hB7Ytns40U4O0jg/s200/100_1150.jpg)
The price tag says K-mart. Gee--I got less than $5 off a 30 year old watch with dead batteries....:)
Cool watch! Great find.
ReplyDeleteNice watches!
ReplyDeleteI only have one LED watch - the photo is here.
Knirirr:
ReplyDeleteThat's a modern one, right?
Yes - It's a Tokyoflash "Retrofit," meant to resemble the "drivers" LEDs of the 70s.
ReplyDeleteGood post.
ReplyDeleteJames
My wife worked at a plant in Cupertino that made LED watches and calculators way-back then.
ReplyDeleteThe greasy salesmen thought they were Gods & Giants, and made a lot of money until suddenly the bottom just absolutely shattered - and they dropped a thousand miles to the pavement. She went to work at Stanford the next day and didn't miss a beat.
Now that is an awesome blast from the past :).
ReplyDelete