Originally owned by the Hamilton Watch Co., the Pulsar brand was introduced as the worlds first all electronic digital watch with a digital display (LED). It was a technological luxury in 1972, and in fact, the first Pulsar watch was housed in an 18kt gold case and sold for $2100 (nearly $13000 today)! As digital watches began to flood the market, the novelty and the price began to decline. In 1978, Seiko acquired the Pulsar brand with plans to market it as a quartz only line that would continue to lead with innovation as its vision. By building on the brands previous successes like the “Calculator” watch, it was poised to become a powerhouse brand. The build quality and design of Seiko’s early Pulsar offerings is undeniable. If you’re looking to get some of Seiko’s best at Pulsar’s bargain prices, we’d urge you to set aside any notion of its present day entry level offerings, and discover the sweet spot of the vintage market that is early 80’s Pulsar. If you’re still not convinced, consider this 100m Sport Diver from March of 1980. The Pulsar Y513 movement is nearly identical to the Seiko 7549 housed in the first quartz sport divers Seiko ever produced. Built on the 6309 platform, it’s a rock solid performer that’s built to last, and nearly 40 years later, still performs like new. For fans of the seemingly inimitable “Turtle” diver, this piece should call to you like few others. The layout is comfortably familiar and so well executed, we’re all left wondering how we possibly missed it. The dial is the deepest navy blue you can imagine, and it’s finished in an almost metallic matte texture. It’s framed by deep, hash marked chapter that gives way to a “Pepsi” count-up insert that almost looks faded, but whose colors are certainly intentional. The bezel itself is knurled and conical, and flows seamlessly into the “fujitsubo,” or shallow bowl shaped case. The crown and case back are both screw downs with ample threading for protection, and the friction bezel rotates smoothly in either direction. It’s unpolished and the factory finishes and edges are still razor sharp. It’s completely original, including the mineral crystal, and we’ve paired it with a navy blue and red paratrooper for a comfortable, sporty finish. An affordable, if not forgotten piece of Seiko diving history that most certainly deserves a revival, and one that’s sure to illicit immediate envy at every encounter.

CNS Navy w/ Red Stripe Paratrooper with Stainless Steel Hardware

Serviced 2/17/20

Diameter- 41mm

Lugs- 20mm