Object Details
manufacturer
Pulsar
Description
Following on its success with the first commercially successful digital quartz watch on the market in 1972, Time Computer Inc. (a descendant of Hamilton Watch Co., Lancaster, PA) put their calculator watch on the market in time for Christmas sales in 1975. The first models featured 18K gold cases and sold for $3950. By spring of 1976, a stainless steel model like this one was available for about $500.
Company literature claimed the watch to be accurate to about a minute a year. The six-digit display could show time of hour, minute and second; plus month and day. Tapping the 0 key converted the watch from time mode to calculator mode, and tapping the command button returned it to time mode. The calculator watch has a six-digit display, but the ability to calculate to 12 digits. The watch came with a stylus to press the calculator’s keys. Four silver oxide batteries provided power.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1976
ID Number
1994.0354.07
catalog number
1994.0354.07
accession number
1994.0354
Object Name
wrist watch, calculator, pulsar
wrist watch, calculator watch, pulsar
Physical Description
Stainless steel (case material)
Measurements
overall: 9 1/8 in x 1 1/2 in x 1/2 in; 23.1775 cm x 3.81 cm x 1.27 cm
overall - face: 1 1/4 in x 1 1/2 in x 1/2 in; 3.175 cm x 3.81 cm x 1.27 cm
See more items in
Work and Industry: Mechanisms
Measuring & Mapping
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Timekeeping
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1173543