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Pulsar PM7007X Review by no_self_control
Review: Pulsar PM7007X
Introduction
The following is a brief but hopefully informative review of the Pulsar PM7007X quartz analogue/digital multi-function watch. The review is structured around aspects of the watch with comments on these aspects, sometimes in comparison to the Breitling B-1 and/or Omega X-33. The basis of these comparisons is to give a reference against which to judge the overall quality of the watch.
Dial
The dial is predominantly a metallic mid grey. The outer edge of the dial is graduated in a neat white logarithmic scale with 60 at the top. Within the outer edge are the hour and minute markers. The 3, 6, 9, 12 hour markers are yellow trapezoidal, the 6 and 12 being bigger than the 3 and 9. The other hour markers are bigger than the minute markers, both being white. None of the hour markers are luminous, which is perhaps the most obvious omission of the watch. There are two large LCD windows top and bottom of the dial that follow the curvature of the dial on the outer edges.
LCD Displays
The LCD displays are of the negative type with metallic grey characters on black backgrounds. The top display carries day/date/month and mode information. The bottom display carries time information. The only weakness here is the rather too small second digits, which are only 1/2 the height of the hour and minute digits. The LCD display backlight is a pleasant green colour and is accessed through a pusher.
Hands
The second hand is yellow and again is not luminous, though neither are the second hands on the B1 or X-33. This again would have been beneficial. The second hand alignment with the minute dial markings is typically -1/4 a second, varying between 0 and -1/2 a second in places. This alignment may be better on other watches, as it would be normal to expect a variation about 0 seconds rather than -1/4 of a second. The hour and minute hands are white quite broad, which whilst making them easily visible does obscure quite noticeably the LCD displays. The fluorescent markers, which are also white, extend along the outer half of each, the inner half being hollow. This ratio could have been reduced to advantage in relation to obscuring the LCD displays.
Display Synchronisation
There is no synchronisation between the analogue and digital displays, the two being independent with separate batteries, unlike B-1 and X-33. Arguably, this gives the watch a degree of integrity not offered by the B-1 or X-33 as if one fails the other will likely not be affected, though the inevitable drift between displays a bit irritating.
Glass
The glass is convex, as is the X-33, whilst the B-1 is flat. There is no anti-reflective coating, unlike the X-33.
Bezel
The bezel is black plastic with white markings, unlike the B-1 and X-33, which have metal bezels. The markings comprise of logarithmic and compass and vary in size between those used on the dial for the logarithmic and 2/3 that size for the compass. The compass markings are somewhat too small to be easily legible. The bezel could have been made somewhat wider to accommodate bigger markings. Whilst the bezel is perhaps a bit too busy, this does not detract significantly from the appearance of the watch. There is some potential for parallax error between bezel and dial logarithmic slide rule markings, unlike the B-1, which also has a geared logarithmic slide rule. The outer edge of the bezel is indented in minute intervals to provide grip, which seems slightly more logical than the 2/3 minute intervals used for the B-1, though the peaks of the grip are at +/- each 1/2 minute, unlike the B-1, which has the first peak at 0 minutes. The bezel is not ratcheted, like the B-1 but unlike the X-33. The bezel is also quite stiff, though this might be through lack of use.
Case
The case is brushed stainless steel with polished highlights. There is a crown and 4 pushers. The crown operates the analogue functions. The pushers operate the digital functions. These are somewhat smaller and neater than both B-1 and X-33. The back is flat, unlike the somewhat convex back of the B-1 and is arguably a bit more comfortable for that reason. The diameter and depth are similar to both B-1 and X-33. The weight is similar to the B-1.
Bracelet
The bracelet integrates well with the case and the lines of each flow elegantly together creating a very integrated appearance. The end fittings are fixed rigidly to the body and crate a partial cup that fits neatly over the wrist and is a significant aid to comfort. The links are quite a bit thinner than either B-1 or X-33 and give that bit of weight reduction to make the watch just noticeably lighter than the B-1 overall. The clasp, like the X-33, is the two button catch type but, unlike the X-33, actually works well with no awkwardness whatsoever. As such, the clasp suffers none of the problems of the B-1, with its interference fit catches, which are by far that watches weakest aspect.
This is really an area that the watch scores a significant march on both B-1 and X-33.
Functions
The watch supports modes of Time (home or world), Chronograph, Timer, Alarm and One-Off-Alarm. The latter is unique to the watch compared with B-1 and X-33 and a feature that may or may not appeal to the user, depending on how often the alarm is used in a one-off manner. The Time mode gives access to day, date and month through repeated operation of a pusher, unlike B-1 and X-33, which have this information in one display. The Timer is restricted to 10 hours, unlike B-1 and X-33. The B-1 and X-33 also offer additional feature, such as separate UTC for B-1 and MT and UT for X-33.
Summary
The Pulsar PM7007X costs much less than a tenth of the Breitling B-1 and Omega X-33. Accordingly, it punches very significantly above its weight. Whilst the Breitling B-1 and Omega X-33 are undoubtedly more prestigious, the Pulsar PM7007X certainly should not be overlooked for those constrained by budget. Also, it should not be forgotten that Seiko are recognised as leaders in the field of affordable watches and Pulsar is a part of the Seiko group.
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