your best shots of a solid state DSM LCD watch

[Kasper]

OMG ...thats a crisp display, simply beautiful Andrew

[Pulsar77]

OMG ...thats a crisp display, simply beautiful Andrew

Hello Kasper,
I have an question about the DSM LCD watches.
I would like to buy one of this maybe an Segtronic or Optcom I or Kuatron but I’m very afraid about the reliability of this technologie.
I read in many discussions that it’s difficult to find an exemplar in good condition and the price in very expensive (for an digital watch) for an not reliable watch (display).
Do you think is possible to keep an DSM watch for long time or it's destined to become broken ?
Is it better to prefer an Field Effect display for the reliability ?
Greetings
Jean

[Andrew Babanin]

I've got four Optels in collection. All in working order BUT!!! two work normally, two have problems with indication (digits fade or disappear, get dim) but still good timekeepers. So really 50/50. It can work a few years or it can die immediatedly. I consider DSM a bit more reliable than LED technology.

[Pulsar77]

Thank you for your answer.
Reliability issues are my fears about the DSM technologie all the more is not possible to find an display/module remplacement and I think it will be expensive hobbie if I must buy 2 or 3 watches to build one...
For 650$, I can find an Reihl Synchronar... wait and see...

[midomiko]

Latest edition to my collection... The Epsa-Optel powered Jules Jurgensen Optcom I (and my skinny wrist):

[coconutman351]

Here is my prized one and only DSM LCD watch.

[Andrew Babanin]

I found one more proto DSM russian watch, based on principles of Microma. The watch doesn't work and has no mack under the glass.

In comparison with another one.



It based on russian cirquits, used later in 3049 watches.



The case has special cuts for LCD



in the slot you can notice number of LCD - 204 and cirquit K512IK



Contacts are not used to normal use - maybe just for showing work of the watch



Another module and pic from movie of that years



A title of the book with this case design. Krug,_Elektrische_Uhren_1975

[Andrew Babanin]

Watches with crowns and LCD. Together...

[Kasper]

Wow..super nice shots ...impressive

[midomiko]

Those are incredible. I'm so glad these DSMs are still running. I remember seeing a relative with one around his wrist when I was a little kid. As a child of the early 80s I knew it was not a typical LCD Casio. Then I forgot about them until about 3 years ago! Keep good quality batteries in them and treat them gently!

PS Andrew, is that the Kuatron DSM up there? I can't see the embossed logo!

[Andrew Babanin]

Sure, You are right.

[Andrew Babanin]

A small comparison of Russian proto DSM module and early Microma DSM module. You can notice that battery compartment turned on 90 grades. LCD a bit offset up.





Contacts for push buttons are plain wires (3 contacts) in proto and gold plated wires in Microma (2 contacts)

[coconutman351]

Latest edition, converted my Optcom 1 from a dying Field Effect Display to a new DSM module. Now it's side by side with my vintage Optel watch with a case design that I have yet to see elsewhere on the web. Might be a prototype, not sure. Yup need new watch pillows!

[coconutman351]

Just acquired another DSM. It's a Jules Jurgensen Optcom I however it has a HS-1 bezel color and with WHITE fonts. I've never seen this before. This DSM module has the flashing DSM display. Anyone out there seen this model with this bezel before?

[midomiko]

Just acquired another DSM. It's a Jules Jurgensen Optcom I however it has a HS-1 bezel color and with WHITE fonts. I've never seen this before. This DSM module has the flashing DSM display. Anyone out there seen this model with this bezel before?

That combination of elements must be pretty unusual. My DSM is the HS1 Jules Jurgensen which is apparently more common. The colour scheme of this one is much more likely to have a Neuvex logo.

[coconutman351]

This is where I saw the original watch face color scheme. It's unbranded.

[coconutman351]

With my Lucian Piccard fully operational here's my collection of DSM watches. The Optcom 1 on the far left has the blinking display and a HS-1 bezel design. I've never seed this before with the white logos too. Also the silver Optel quartz, I've also never seen it out on the web so I'm wondering if it may be a prototype case. I do know that the case is matched and cannot fit another Optel bottom case.

[midomiko]

It finally arrived. And a truly lovely thing it is too. I was worried someone from this forum would get there before me, but I raided my savings and another of Greg Zanoni's dad's creations is here. Very good condition too...

[Adam]

Thats stunning congratulations.

[coconutman351]

It finally arrived. And a truly lovely thing it is too. I was worried someone from this forum would get there before me, but I raided my savings and another of Greg Zanoni's dad's creations is here. Very good condition too...

Yes agree with Adam, absolutely stunning midomiko! Yes Greg Zanoni is amazing, he is dedicated to keeping his Dad's legacy work alive, and he truly appreciates avid collectors like us as he knows we will take excellent care of his dad's creations. Thank you for sharing, awesome find!

[midomiko]

Thanks guys! It's a beautiful watch indeed. I still prefer the style of the HS-1 (Optcom) case, but wow. The Kuatron doesn't have the thick perspex "crystal". It has a more conventional glass which lets those huge digits shine through.
I've tried to describe the "glow" of a fully working DSM but I can't do it justice. Let's just say that no digital collection should be without one.

[coconutman351]

Thanks guys! It's a beautiful watch indeed. I still prefer the style of the HS-1 (Optcom) case, but wow. The Kuatron doesn't have the thick perspex "crystal". It has a more conventional glass which lets those huge digits shine through.
I've tried to describe the "glow" of a fully working DSM but I can't do it justice. Let's just say that no digital collection should be without one.

Does this watch use the same movement as the Lucian Piccard or is it a custom design using the optel DSM display?