Mens Pulsar Military Style Chronograph Watch PM3129X1 - Formally and Enhanced PJN305X1

Product Information

This attractive military-style model would be my first choice for a Pulsar solar watch. It's similar to the G10 model that Pulsar supplied to the British army. It's also very affordable. The watch pictured above is by far the closest marathon watch to what we would classify as a G10, the water resistance rating is however significantly less than the other watches shown here at 50 m it also uses a 16 mm strap which seems rather unusual because most at least 18mm and more commonly now 20 mm the watch is available in both automatic and quartz the quartz model can be seen here https://www.marathonwatch.com/collections/general-purpose-quartz-watches/products/stainless-general-purpose-quartz-gpq-us-markings These simple field watches are equipped with Japanese conventional quartz mechanisms (Epson-Seiko and Hattori respectively). was a significant year for British military watches. For the first time in a quarter of a millennium, a British military issued watch was not powered by a mechanical wind up movement, but an entirely new electronic movement commonly known as Quartz. The specifications for this new type of British military watch were laid out in a Ministry of Defence document published in this year, called “Defence Standard 66-4”, the front cover of which is shown below.

Perhaps PXH35 has a stronger touch feeling than G10. However, G10 has more presence at the wrist, thanks to the 20mm width strap and cleaner face.

But the comparison is a good one. Pulsar was originally a brand owned by Hamilton. Hamilton is now Swiss-owned and Pulsar is Japanese. Due to the vastly superior accuracy provided by quartz watches, they also met the higher accuracy requirement for pilots and navigators watches, and so were also issued to RAF flight crew. These watches tended to have also have a date window, and were marked “6B” to denote RAF issue, and are usually referred to as “navigators”. This contrasts with earlier years when the RAF were generally issued with watches with much higher quality movements than land forces, due to the greater need for accuracy in air operations, emphasising the technical superiority of quartz. I like this watch because it has some of that history. It's reminiscent of both the Khaki and the British G10. It's built to a template that oozes military charm.

Although it's a little bigger than my confort area at 40mm, the watch wears great due to the lugs being curved down. Speaking of lugs, you gotta love the attention to detail: you have drilled lugs to easibly change straps. If a watch needs attention or is described as having a fault and is brand-new we might use library images but for any watch that is not new or not in mint/new condition we will take pictures of the actual watch being offered for sale. We were quite interested when someone bought a Precista to show us because even though it's a relatively small watch it feels quite solid and heavy and is clearly well built and nicely finished. I would say this is definitely one to consider but you are splitting hairs when you look at the actual appearance of the three watches because they are all very similar and it simply comes to the detail and personal preference. The Nite MX-10 isn't really what would be classified as a standard G10 pattern watch but it is a contender and is targeted at the same type of military, law enforcement or government procurement buyers. We have included it because it's a nice watch generally and gives someone an alternative to the standard G10 models. With regard to the surplus watches specifically described as “in need of attention” we would not recommend that customers buy them unless they have basic horological skills or access to a friendly watchmaker who will carry out the work needed.

Journal

Pulsar is a former American watch brand that is now a part of the Seiko group. They make inexpensive watches, with an emphasis on Solar-powered models. The style is recognisable. This could be a Hamilton Khaki. It has the same 12/24 dial layout and the same distinctive hands. Of course, it's a fraction of the price of a Hamilton. What I find particularly appealing about the Precista is the fact it closely resembles one of the early G10 watches whilst having the benefits of modern usability. Reverse of the three generations of CWC G10. From left to right; 1982 British Army issue (W10) “fatboy”; 1985 Royal Navy issue (0552) “medium fatboy”; 1995 Royal Marines issues (0555) the final G10 variant.