American Classic PSR Digital Quartz PVD Ref. H52404130

Founded in 1892 as an American company in Pennsylvania, Hamilton was subsequently acquired by The Swatch Group in 1974. Since then, the brand has placed itself as one of the best value for money Swiss brands in the watchmaking world. Priding itself as a brand with American Spirit and Swiss Precision - the brand’s tagline. Hamilton clads a reputation for building quality military and pilot watches. Some of which have also been issued by militaries and appeared in various blockbuster movies (think Elvis Presley’s Blue Hawaii, Men in Black, Interstellar etc.). However, did you know that Hamilton also created the first digital watch?

Hamilton American Classic PSR Digital Quartz PVD Ref. H52404130

We can trace the new Hamilton PSR PVD Black’s origins to 1970 - when the Hamilton Pulsar was first introduced. With no moving parts and a completely different look from your analogue watches, it was a revolutionary watch. The first digital watch ever created. History was made. The futuristic-looking quartz watch was a major success and was seen on the wrists of celebrities like Elvis, Elton John, and also featured on Roger Moore’s wrist in the Bond film, Live and Let Die. To view the time, one simply had to press a pusher on the watch, which would illuminate the LED screen. This was very different from analogue watches and it became a huge wow factor. In fact, audible gasps of amazement could be heard in cinemas whenever Moore fired up the LED display in the movie. 

Alas, LED displays uses a significant amount of energy. This resulted in the Pulsar’s battery needing replacements every month, which was not very efficient. That could be a factor as to why the Pulsar had a relatively short lifespan (out of production by 1977).

Hybrid display and a stainless steel case with PVD coating

Fast forward to 2020, Hamilton launched the PSR Digital Quartz in stainless steel and PVD gold. The Pulsar was back! The Hamilton PSR duplicates not only the look but also the push button system of the original Pulsar. 

Now, Hamilton has introduced a new addition to the PSR family - the Hamilton PSR in a black PVD coating. The new PSR PVD Black is entirely satin-brushed and exudes a certain flair and sleekness not found with the earlier 2020 offerings. There is just something about a futuristic-looking watch in full black. It reaches a whole new level of cool, giving off major sci-fi movie vibes. 

Its groundbreaking technology disrupted the market

In line with modern technology, the Hamilton PSR PVD Black features a hybrid LCD and OLED display. The LCD display ensures that the dial always remains visible in the light. When the pushbutton is activated, the OLED display would be activated, emitting a brighter red light to showcase the time clearer in dark lighting conditions.

With regard to specifications, the new Hamilton PSR PVD Black is the same as the 2020 releases. It measures 40.8mm by 34.7mm and has a thickness of 13.5mm. That thickness is partly due to a top-hat sapphire crystal covering the LCD/OLED display.  To ensure maximum readability, the crystal is also given a generous application of anti-reflective coating. Having a screwed-down caseback also means that the Hamilton PSR PVD Black is certified to 100m of water resistance - the perfect blend of looks and function. The watch is powered by a quartz movement which has an estimated 5-year battery life, a big improvement from the Pulsar days! 

The original digital wristwatch

The Hamilton PSR PVD Black comes on a matching black PVD bracelet, which tapers to a nice butterfly deployant clasp. The bracelet truly completes the watch, enhancing the innovative look of the watch perfectly. 

Mankind’s fascination with space and novel ideas have been well documented in our history and this fascination will always remain. It has been more than 50 years since the Pulsar was introduced and the fact that we are still talking about the Hamilton PSR looking futuristic speaks for itself. The Hamilton PSR PVD Black reinvents the first digital watch with new and better technology whilst still keeping what made its predecessor so well-liked and revered - the cutting edge looks of the watch. Strapping one on your wrist will definitely take you Back To The Future. 

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