Pulsar dress watch question

[digibloke]

Just wondering...

It says on the oldpulsars web site that the mens P4 dress was sometimes supplied with a strap (I presume leather) instead of a bracelet. I'm curious to know what kind of clasp these straps would have had on them. I'd guess it wasn't the usual magnet compartment clasp as the early models had a little "P" shaped magnet and the later models were auto set. Does anyone know (or perhaps even have one with the original strap still attached)?

[bruce wegmann]

The 5408-1 and 7408-1 models are indeed listed as coming with a leather strap, rather than a metal bracelet. The caselug width is the same as on a P3, and the leather straps are interchangeable. A P4 magnet holder fits in the strap buckle perfectly [and the magnet depressions in the caseback are P4 size]. The keyring magnet uses a P4/Ladies'-size magnet [not to be confused with the P1 "P" setting magnet]. Actually, I can remember some debate as to whether the Dress model is actually part of the P4 family [ultimate consensus...no, the distinguishing characteristic it lacks is Auto-Command; the module is essentially a Ladies' with a larger display]. Same thing with the Sport model; is it a P5? It certainly represents a different and later generation of design and engineering...but I tread on uncertain ground here... And yes, I have a boxed goldfilled [magnet-set] and a solid 14K Dress, both on brown leather straps.

[Planet-LED]

It says on the oldpulsars web site that the mens P4 dress was sometimes supplied with a strap

The information on the www.oldpulsars.com website says that the Men’s Dress watch came out in the spring of 1975. The P4 models were not introduced into the market until the fall of 1975--some six months later, so the Mens' Dress watch stands alone. It has never been considered a part of the P4 family.

[bruce wegmann]

Well then, now that that's settled, and in an attempt to stir up a bit of trouble, how about the Date II? P2 or P3? P2 case and design, P3 module. I've seen this one bandied about a bit on both sides, too. I have an opinion, but would be curious to see what the consensus might be here. The Dress and Sport continue to be isolated cases....

[retroleds]

Oh hell, I have to comment on this one a little as I think a point of digibloke's original post weren't clarified totally. The clasp for a leather strap Dress or P4 is the exact same size as the one used on the leather strapped P2 or P3, only the magnet holder "door" is different. It will hold the larger magnet "door" for the earlier large magnets(NOT the "P" magnet of the P1) or can be fitted with the narrower "door" designed for the smaller Dress/P4/Ladies size magnets.

Cool thing - you don't need a Pulsar band! Any leather strap with the right lug width that ends 15mm wide(at clasp) can have it's clasp taken off(most use a springbar) and replaced with the Pulsar one. You never throw the clasp away, just the band. The Pulsar leather bands came in black, brown, grey, tan....possibly more. I think of the leather bands with the magnet holder clasp a real "sleeper" item for collectors(unless you just plain hate leather) - long after your capped bands have become pieces of unrepairable junk, you can be happily swapping bands and exchanging the clasps. The stainless clasps are slightly rare, the gold-filled are quite rare.

Bruce -A gold Dress with a brown band sounds gorgeous.

I personally prefer the small magnets, even for setting a P2 or P3....seem to be less likely to turn on the time(or date) whilst setting.

My votes on the model lines:
Men's Dress is not part of P4 family - different diameter, differences in circuitry.
Sport is not part of P4 family - different thickness, display, function and setting procedure.

One very important model was forgotten in the discussion - the Pulse. They bear slight resemblence to a Sport module in the construction technique used, but are of a totally different diameter and thickness, function(obviously) and setting procedure. Chronologically, the Sport came after the Pulse, so I suppose the Pulse would be the real contender for P5 status and the Sport would be P6?

[retroleds]

Looking back at this thread, Steve K(planet-Led) made an interesting point, in a slightly indirect fashion.
Ok, we have the P1(first).
P2(second)
P3(third)
Dress watch is fourth? So why isn't it referred to as a P4?
Which would make the Executive,Classic/Big Time line P5?
Pulse would be P6
Sport is P7?

[bruce wegmann]

Pulsar brought out a number of models in the last months before the doors closed forever. The Green Dress, PRMs, Sport, and LCDs were introduced in the last six months or less; a lot of furiously advancing technology that marked the end of the LED Age. I've never seen or heard of anything that would put any of these into a "P5" or later family, either individually or as a group. Unless some original factory documents surface to explain, we may never know why it went that way.

[retroleds]

My two postings above were rhetorical and largly in jest - although, as far as major changes in structure or function, I think my chronology would be fairly accurate regarding the Men's LEDs. I generally think of the Green Dress as a [very cool]cosmetic thing, which is why I passed it up. I wonder if the MEn's Dress is passed over in the "P + #" line because some people don't consider it very "manly". I have few of those silly security issues, so I wear my with great joy.