LED with clear crystal

[bucko170]

Has a LED watch been produced with a clear crystal?
I like the look of the modules (some more than others) so why always hide them behind a coloured crystal?
I think if the modules where visible it would make an interesting timepiece.
If there has been LED's made with clear crystals I would be interested to see if they look as good as what I imagine - so if you have one please post the pics.

[LEDluvr]

bucko170; have you tried looking through the vast photo library on the digital watch homepage? I noticed there are a few clear lensed Bulovas out there.
With all the LED watches archived there you may find what you're looking for.
Go to 'photos' on the left side of the page and check 'em out... http://thedigitalwatch.com/

[retroleds]

Go to the Modern LEDs photos at www.ledwatches.net You will find that Fossil,Atomix, Motorola(don't know if there is a picture, I just have the watch ) have the clear or at least trnslucent crystals where you can see the circuit. And of course, www.ledwatchstop.com which advertises in the sidebar of that page carries the "01"(brand) BINARY which also has a translucent crystal. I have two of the clear top Synchronars but you'd have to pry them from my frozen dead fingers....

A few others could have had a clear crystal since they were using LEDs that were encased Under red magnifiers - I have a "Certia" like that. Most modules aren't that interesting on the front side since the components are on the bach/batterty side. The Fossil seem to be the exception - I wonder if they intentionally did it that way to make it more interesting. Probably so.

[bucko170]

I checked out the Bulova's - not what I had in mind, they are more watch face with red LED window than clear crystal, It was something like the fossil(10) picture on "ledwatches" that I was thinking of, would that module still be available? Anything original of that type?
I didn't know there was a clear top Synchronar I thought the red solar panels sat on top, can't think what it would look like, could a photo be "pryed from your frozen dead fingers"
Bucko

[retroleds]

[Synchroserious]

Sorry to but in but i would like to add my two cents.I don't know about what brands may have offered a clear view.
Cool but not practical for viewing is why there were no LED,s sold that way at least on any large scale.Besides battery consumption and two handed daytime use, complaint # 3 for Led's and why they were fadeing off the market was poor visibility in sunlight.Without a dark red lense it would be 3 times harder to see it Lit in sunlight.I remember seeing an Associated press newspaper sketch(at RTC) of a clown looking through a miniature telescope that extended from out of his watch.Needless to say he used it for seeing the time in the daylight on his LED(probably one with tiny digits and a light colored lense.).Sort of a mock to the usefulness of a bright display that is no match for the sun and glare,especially from a clear crystal or top. Still neat to peek through at the electronics though.I can imagine the Bulova sideview also eliminates lots of glare and helps shadow the display. A side view type LED would be the only other LED likely unless it was a limited run not meant for normal production or advertised like what Ed shows.Then theres Nixie tube watches that it would defeat the cool factor purpose to cover them with a red lense.It no doubt would be great to see more classic Led's with a clear view of the wire bonds and such.

[bucko170]

I spotted a clear view on the LED watch list site - a Vista, not heard of the model before but it looked cool. I know what you're saying about the poor practicality aspect of clear crystals but from a cosmetic point of view I still think they look good.

I noticed one or two of the nixie tube watches and WOW they look good, wouldn't mind one myself, seem to be a little on the bulky size but I guess size is governed by the size of the nixie tubes themselves.

Trying to save my pennies to buy a Synchronar off Howard at the moment and I am trying to resist all temptations to purchase other watches - So many temptations though!

[AlmightyTallest]

There is also the Zeon LED watches, (Photos in the Library) with clear display, as well as the Eagle LED with a clear display. Both types I think were made in the 1990's.

[ELY_M]

I have around 10 of those led watches with clear crystals.
I buy them on ebay.
couple of them are Eagle.
few others from hong kong sellers.
1 of them is Zeon.

[bucko170]

I have around 10 of those led watches with clear crystals

Any chance of seeing some pictures?

I like this Zeon -
http://www.ledwatches.net/photo-pages/zeon1.htm

Cool shape and nice looking interior.

[ELY_M]

I have couple pictures at http://www.led-watches.net/