In a world dominated by analog watches, one Pennsylvania company had the vision to revolutionize the way we tell time. The introduction of the first LED digital watch, the Hewlett Packard LED Watch, marked a significant milestone in the history of timekeeping. In this article, we will explore the fascinating story behind the creation of this groundbreaking timepiece and its impact on the watch industry.
The Birth of the Digital Display
The concept of a digital display element was first introduced to the public in the 1968 film 2001: a space odyssey. Director Stanley Kubrick collaborated with the Hamilton Watch Company to create a futuristic digital clock for the film. This clock, with its glowing red digits and the iconic Hamilton logo, captured the imagination of the public. Inspired by the success of the digital clock, the Hamilton Watch Company set out to develop a watch with a similar display.
Already known for producing the first electric watch, Hamilton was the perfect company to bring the world's first digital watch to life. The prototype wrist computer was unveiled on the Tonight Show by Johnny Carson on May 5, 1970. Although Carson joked about the hefty price tag of $1500 for the production model, the digital watch was met with great excitement and anticipation.
The Pulsar: A Technological Breakthrough
The Hamilton Pulsar, the first watch to display time in a digital format, utilized light emitting diodes (LEDs) and was the first all-electronic watch with no moving parts. With 44 integrated circuit (IC) chips and 4000 bonding wires, the Pulsar made full use of the latest innovations in IC and LED technology. Its use of mature LED technology gave it an edge over competitors using liquid crystal display (LCD) technology.
The LED display of the Pulsar was based on the Hewlett-Packard 5082-7000, the first LED display package. The red digits were created by passing a current through aluminum gallium arsenide (AlGaAs), resulting in a distinct and bright glow. The display consumed more power compared to LCDs, but the use of photosensors allowed for automatic brightness adjustment in different lighting conditions.
The Rise of the Pulsar
The release of the first production model of the Pulsar on April 4, 1972, marked a significant milestone in the history of watches. The Pulsar quickly gained popularity, with its limited edition gold model selling out within the first year. At the height of its success, the Pulsar outsold every high-end watch in the world, with ten thousand units sold per month.
The Pulsar's success was not limited to its sales numbers; it garnered attention from notable figures and celebrities. U.S. President Gerald Ford, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, and the Shah of Iran were among the prominent individuals who owned a Pulsar. The watch even made an appearance in the James Bond film live and let die, replacing the iconic Rolex or Omega watches typically worn by the famous spy.
The Legacy of the Pulsar
The Pulsar's impact on the watch industry cannot be overstated. It paved the way for the development of digital watches and introduced a new era in timekeeping technology. Time Magazine included the Pulsar in its list of the top twenty watches of the 20th century, and PCWorld ranked it as the 22nd greatest gadget of the past 50 years.
Despite its initial success, the Pulsar's reign was short-lived. Texas Instruments began mass-producing LED watches in 1975, offering them at a significantly lower price point. The Hamilton Watch Company faced corporate challenges and eventually divested the digital watch facilities, leading to the discontinuation of the Pulsar by 197
However, the legacy of the Pulsar lives on. The Smithsonian Institution recognizes the Pulsar as an important contributor to the technology of quartz watches. The watch's impact on society and its influence on the watch industry will forever be remembered.
The Hewlett Packard LED Watch, also known as the Pulsar, holds a special place in the history of timekeeping. It introduced the world to the concept of digital display and revolutionized the way we tell time. Despite its short-lived success, the Pulsar's impact on the watch industry continues to be felt. It remains a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of the Hamilton Watch Company and the pioneers behind the creation of the world's first LED digital watch.