Pulsar Ladies' Touch Command (Cushion, Stainless)

Time at a touch of the finger - 30 years before the iPod

Description:

The Pulsar P4 ladies' touch command is one of the last and most evolved Pulsar models. These models used capacitive touch buttons to view the time and date - 30 years before the iPod, iPhone, and other touch activated gadgets of today. The ladies touch command models were made in three styles with the other two styles being the Square and the Oval.

The ladies' touch command models were designed to be easy to use and also easier to manufacture than earlier models. Before the touch command system, Pulsar modules used buttons containing tiny magnets which activated magnet field sensing reed switches on the modules. The magnetic buttons allowed Pulsar watches to be completely enclosed and waterproof but they were difficult and expensive to manufacture. The capacitive touch buttons were both futuristic and easier to build. This was significant because in 1977, Pulsar was under pressure from low cost competitors to lower their prices and costs to stay alive. The touch command buttons have a few disadvantages. First, the buttons will inadvertantly activate when the case becomes wet. Second, the capacitive touch buttons have not tactile or audio feedback like a physical button does. Larger gadgets like phones can include speakers for audio feedback, but in the tiny case of the ladies this was not technically possible.

The ladies' touch command models have a different design aesthetic than Pulsar's classic models. This is because they were designed by Pulsar's European division rather than Pulsar's master watch case designer, Jean Wuischpard.

To set the time and date, all touch command Pulsars used the "autoset" system where the time and date is set by tapping the front command buttons three times in quick succesion.

Condition:

This touch command model is in NOS, almost mint condition and comes with its original box and instructions!

Pulsar Autoset Instruction Manual (Click to view)

Case: Excellent.
NOS, almost mint, with just a few tiny superficial scratches on the highly polished mirror finished case back which could be polished out.

Face / Hands: Excellent.
All LED digits and segments are complete and bright.

Crystal: Excellent.
NOS, flawless, mint.

Band / Bracelet: Excellent.
NOS, mint. Since the bracelet is new, it's a little stiff and should loosen up with use.

Function / Accuracy: Excellent.
All functions work perfectly. As a late model Pulsar, this is a very reliable watch. Digital quartz accuracy.