Pulsar P4 Executive Watch (1975)

Pulsar P4 Executive Watch 

The Pulsar P4 Executive, released in 1975, represented the absolute peak of the 1970s digital electronic watch craze, combining cutting-edge circuitry with the luxury of a high-end dress watch. It was instantly recognizable by its sleek, rectangular case and deep-red glass screen. The P4 was famously equipped with an automated "flick-on" feature: a tiny internal gravity switch allowed the wearer to light up the glowing red time digits with a sharp flick of the wrist, rather than having to push a side button. The "Executive" was a major status symbol, selling for roughly $395 in stainless steel (nearly the price of a luxury Rolex at the time) and even more for solid gold versions. Setting the watch was an incredibly unique ritual: the P4 hid a specialized magnet inside its wristband clasp. To change the time, the wearer would unclip the magnet and slide it into hidden slots on the back of the watch case to advance the hours and minutes.

Donated by: Alan Sacks