Pulsar 14KT Dress Model / Magnets

[abem]

Hi.

A number of the later solid gold Pulsars had unique mesh bracelets. For example, the 14 KT Dress model pictured below and the uber rare late touch command models. The later touch command models were autoset, but I was talking to someone with a 14KT Dress model that appears to be magnet set and has the mesh bracelet and tiny clasp pictured below. It's not obvious where a magnet would go in the clasp. Anyone know the answer?



-abe.

[bruce wegmann]

There was no provision in the solid gold bracelet clasp for a setting magnet (7408-2, and the Florentine model, 7409). I suspect that many were converted to Auto-Set as the later modules became available. The original magnet-set watches came with a unique setting magnet, generally fashioned to resemble a key, that was intended to be carried on the wearer's keychain. An example is currently on eBay (item No. 120758413001). The seller paid a ridiculous price for it (probably thinking this was a Limited Edition magnet), and is now hoping to cover his poor judgement by asking six times what it's worth. This is its' second month-long listing (I offered a hundred for it, and was summarily dismissed). I do not recall seeing a magnet holder in the clasp of the GF or stainless models, either, so these may have been the only magnet issued. Still, they are disproportionately rare, considering the popularity (and therefore, the number sold) of the Dress watches. I would guess, though, that after the watch was no longer worn, there was no further use for the setting magnet, and they were typically removed from the keychain and discarded or lost. The original little manila envelopes (that specifically state that the magnet goes on a keychain, and is for the "mesh bracelet models"), are, of course, much rarer than the magnets themselves, as they were purely a disposable item. Dress models on leather straps had the typical P4-style magnet holder in the buckle (although the 14K solid gold version, model 7408-1, which is extremely rare, DOES have an Auto-Set caseback; the only one I have ever seen). The Emerald Green model (3416-2), is an exception to all of this, as ALL the green-display modules were Auto-Set.

[charger105]

Whoever bought this got a pretty good bargain I reckon:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/220827933999 ... 1423.l2649

From the description, they may even receive 2 of these keychain magnets !
It's always nice to get a bit more than you bargained for when your item arrives .

I agree with you Bruce, that keychain magnet that's been listed for months is scandalously over-priced. "Tell him he's dreaming !"

Rgds.

[bruce wegmann]

I saw that other item, and it pained me to let it go, but I was in the process of negotiating with a scrap-gold dealer who came up with something much better, and rarer. How about a 7725 (unfortunately, not working, but in near-mint condition), with box and papers, for $3000? That's about 10% over the "melt" value (serial 594; that makes seven, maybe eight, in captivity, if I'm counting right); it was scheduled to go to the smelter this Sunday if no one rescued it. And if we're counting just Dress watches, last year...a solid 14K, in Florentine (just one other out there I know of), for $750 (about half the melt value, at the time, and from a pawnshop, no less...this is how crazy the economy has gotten!). I didn't even know the keychain magnets existed for the first couple years I was collecting, until one showed up on eBay; I seem to be picking them up at the rate of about one a year (lowest price, $25, highest, $85, but that was last year; it's anybody's guess what the market will bear now). In any case, I agree, the buyer on that package got a great deal (whether the watch works properly or not...the wonky month-15 date display is probably just an initial powering-up glitch), even the envelopes are the correct ones.

[charger105]

Sounds like a sweet deal Bruce ! For those of you that don't know the Pulsar model numbers off by heart , the 7725 is a Pulse-rate model. A picture would be interesting Bruce.

BTW Abe, is there any update on your P1 ? Have you managed to get a P2 module in yet ? Any further life from the 25-chip module ?

Rgds.

[abem]

Thanks everyone for the very complete and well thought out answers (as usual). Somewhere in the back on my mind, I think I knew that this 14 KT Dress model used a keychain magnet but I completely spaced on that. Duh.

I mean to get back to the P1 project soon. I had the case refinished and plated by Peter Wuischpard , Jean's son. Somehow, in the process we managed to lose the original acrylic crystal and the plating didn't adhere well to the sides of the case so I need to get the case replated again. I was originally hoping to have the case project finished by the beginning of this year but was a bit frustrated at how things turned out with the crystal and the plating and I sort of shelved the project for a while. In addition, the company that I founded worked mainly with NASA's manned space program, which has gone bye bye so I've been a little preoccupied lately.

As far as the module, the fact that it lights up and displays digits gives some hope that at least the display driver ICs are working and perhaps most/all of the logic/counting ICs. So, as far as I know, there's still a small but non-zero chance that it could start clocking again with a new crystal. I was advised (by former DWF'er Jeff Thomas) that I'd need a bar type crystal rather than a fork type crystal to try that out, however, and bar type crystals are not easy to find. So, the module is still biding its time in its little box on the shelf. If anyone reading this is qualified to attempt a repair, please contact me.

Oh, and thanks for asking. I wish I had more and better news to report.

-abe.

p.s. Bruce has been doing a little research into the possibility of building replacement P1 modules and crystals. When he's ready, he may have some interesting news to report along those lines.

Current "bicolor" silver and gold P1 case. Certainly unique, but not what I had in mind: