Pulsar P4 Big Time

The sporty looking Pulsar

Description:

The Pulsar P4 Big Time was one of the three styles of "auto-command" wrist-flick activated P4 models made by Pulsar with the other two styles being referred to as the "Executive" and the "Classic".

Pulsar P4 Big Time Advertisement

The Pulsar P4 Big Time was only made in stainless steel, unlike the other varieties of P4's which were available in stainless steel, gold fill, or solid gold. The Big Time model featured a 3 link bracelet that is exceptionally comfortable.

These models had the "auto-command" feature, an innovative mercury switch that allows you to activate the LED display simply by quickly rotating your wrist in a flicking motion. The watch is only sensitive to motion along the axis of your arm in order to make it less prone to activating inadvertantly. A few other models of watches such as the Gillette "Reflex" also featured mercury switch activation, but these were activated by orientation rather than a quick back and forth rotary motion and therefore were not nearly so useful or refined as the Pulsar solution.

This particular model also has the "auto-set" feature, which allows you to set the time and date by pressing the buttons three times quickly instead of requiring the use of a magnet.

Condition:

Pulsar Autoset Instruction Manual (Click to view)

Case: Very good.
The solid stainless steel case is in excellent condition with only a few tiny scratches and retains the original brushing. The case back shows a few scratches and signs of wear.

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

Crystal: Very good.
The crystal is in very good condition with no chips along the edges and only a few minor scratches along its curved surface. The Pulsar logo is complete but a little bit faded. This particular model is difficult to find with the time screen in mint condition because it reaches almost to the edge of the bezel and therefore it is easily chipped.

Band / Bracelet: Excellent.
The bracelet is in magnificent condition with a nice brushed finish along the surface and polished sides. The bracelet is complete with all 15 links and will fit an 8" wrist which is fortunate because the bracelet is unique to this model and replacement links are very hard to find. Since this watch has an autoset module rather than a magnet set module, there is no setting magnet or magnet holder contained in the clasp.

Function / Accuracy: Excellent.
All functions work perfectly. Digital quartz accuracy. Actually, since quartz crystals actually improve with age and the original Pulsar accuracy was a phenomenal 30 seconds per year, these vintage Pulsars usually keep time better than most modern quartz watches!