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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Solar-powered quartz analogue wristwatch

Pulsar Quartz "no battery" wristwatch (Cal. V103)

Partially verified

This 1984 Pulsar Quartz analogue wristwatch is documented as operating without a conventional battery, powered by an amorphous silicon photocell with reserve power provided by a capacitor. The case and integrated link bracelet are constructed from stainless steel with a glass crystal. The dial features a light grid pattern, luminescent hands, and a day and date display at 3 o'clock, with printed text indicating water resistance to 100 meters.

Front view of the Pulsar Quartz solar-powered analogue wristwatch with integrated bracelet
Front view of the Pulsar Quartz solar-powered analogue wristwatch with integrated bracelet — The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk
Category
Wristwatch · Solar-powered quartz analogue wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Pulsar Quartz
Reference
CAL. V103
Catalogue / lot identifier
1984-1415 Pt1
Source-reported date
1984
Country
Not established

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Technical Specification and Power Mechanism

This Pulsar Quartz wristwatch, designated with the calibre V103, is documented as a solar-powered quartz analogue wristwatch. The movement is powered by an amorphous silicon photocell, with an integrated capacitor utilized for reserve power.

The design specifically omits the use of a conventional battery.

Evidence for this section
  • “powered by an amorphous silicon photocell with reserve power provided by a capacitor”
  • “type: solar-powered quartz analogue wristwatch”

Construction and Exterior Components

The object is constructed from stainless steel and glass. The exterior includes a multi-link metallic bracelet attached to the case and a dark, grooved crown at the 3 o'clock position.

The dial features a grid pattern, a black minute chapter ring, and an aperture displaying the day and date, observed as 'THU 7'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Materials: stainless steel and glass”
  • “Integrated multi-link metallic bracelet attached to the angled case”
  • “Dark grooved crown situated at the 3 o'clock position on the case side”
  • “Grid pattern across the dial with black minute chapter ring”
  • “Day and date aperture positioned at the 3 o'clock location reading 'THU 7'”

Documentation and Provenance

The watch is identified as object 1984-1415 Pt1, produced in 1984. It is associated with a presentation case, catalogued as object 1984-1415 Pt2, which is made of unidentified plastic, felt, and cotton fibre.

The country of manufacture is not stated in the provided source record.

Evidence for this section
  • “Object Number: 1984-1415 Pt1”
  • “Made: 1984”
  • “Materials: plastic (unidentified) , felt and cotton (fibre)”

Open research questions

  • What specific text is printed on the dial regarding water resistance?
  • Does the caseback contain markings indicating the country of manufacture?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Pulsar Quartz "no battery" wristwatch (Cal. V103)
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Object Number1984-1415 Pt1“Object Number: 1984-1415 Pt1”
Date Made1984“Made: 1984”
Movement CalibreCAL. V103“Pulsar Quartz (CAL. V103)”
Power SourceAmorphous silicon photocell with capacitor reserve“powered by an amorphous silicon photocell with reserve power provided by a capacitor”
MaterialsStainless steel and glass“Materials: stainless steel and glass”
Object Number1984-1415 Pt1“Object Number: 1984-1415 Pt1”
Weight0.0712 kg“.0712 kg”

Visible details

  • Grid pattern across the dial with black minute chapter ring
  • Day and date aperture positioned at the 3 o'clock location reading 'THU 7'
  • Integrated multi-link metallic bracelet attached to the angled case
  • Dark grooved crown situated at the 3 o'clock position on the case side

Research qualifications

  • Country of manufacture is not stated in the catalogue record
  • Movement interior and caseback are not shown in the photograph

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Quartz Analogue "no battery" wristwatch by Pulsar Quartz (CAL. V103) | Science Museum Group Collection

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 6cb55e9353

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.