Pulsar Chronograph 100M Lumibrite (likely Ref. V657-X063)
Chronograph / Sports Watch · Pulsar (owned by Seiko Watch Corporation). Tiered as an affordable, reliable consumer brand beneath the main Seiko line.
Period: Modern / 1990s-2000s Tool Watch style. The design indicators include the bead-of-rice style multi-link bracelet and the 'Lumibrite' branding which was popularized by the Seiko Group during this era.
Type
Chronograph / Sports Watch
Brand
Pulsar (owned by Seiko Watch Corporation). Tiered as an affordable, reliable consumer brand beneath the main Seiko line.
Movement
Japanese Quartz Chronograph, likely Caliber V657. Features include 1/10th second subdial (top), running seconds (left), and chronograph minutes (bottom).
Dimensions
Case diameter: ~38mm to 40mm; Thickness: ~10mm; Lug-to-lug: ~45mm; Lug width: 20mm. It wears like a standard mid-sized sports watch.
Description
This Pulsar Chronograph is a quintessential everyday tool watch from the turn of the millennium. Its standout feature is the Lumibrite dial, which causes the entire watch face to glow bright green in low light, providing exceptional legibility. The multi-link bracelet provides a level of comfort and vintage flair often missing from modern entry-level watches. It balances a sporty chronograph function with a size that fits well under a shirt cuff.
Key Features
Full-dial Lumibrite technology, 1/10th second chronograph accuracy, beads-of-rice bracelet, and the reputable Seiko-built V657 quartz engine.
Dial Description
Cream/Full-Lume Lumibrite dial. It features three black-rimmed subdials, applied baton indices, a date window at 3 o'clock, and sword-style hands. The entire dial surface is designed to glow in the dark.
Case Material
Stainless Steel with a polished finish on the bezel and lugs; brushed/satin finish likely on the case sides.
Crystal Type
Flat Mineral Crystal (Hardlex-style). There appear to be minor surface scratches consistent with use.
Bezel Details
Fixed, polished stainless steel bezel with a smooth finish.
Crown & Pushers
Standard push-pull crown flanked by two pump-style chronograph pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock. No crown guards.
Bracelet or Strap
Beads-of-rice style stainless steel bracelet with 5-7 rows of small links, secured by a folding friction clasp with safety latch.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down stainless steel caseback. Usually features the Pulsar logo, serial number, and movement/case reference (V657-X063).
Movement Type
Japanese Quartz Chronograph, likely Caliber V657. Features include 1/10th second subdial (top), running seconds (left), and chronograph minutes (bottom).
Water Resistance
100 Meters (10 Bar). Suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not recommended for high-impact water sports or deep diving due to the age of the seals.
Origin & Provenance
Japanese Movement, cased in China or Malaysia. Pulsar was originally an American brand (Hamilton) but was acquired by Seiko in the late 1970s.
Age Estimate
Circa late 1990s to early 2000s (approx. 1998-2005).
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Workhorse Quartz' era where high-quality timing complications became accessible to the general public. It remains a favorite for collectors of 'Neo-Vintage' Seiko-adjacent pieces.
Condition Notes
Good / Very Good. The case and bracelet show light 'desk diving' scratches. The crystal has faint marks. The dial and hands appear clean with no signs of moisture ingress. Bracelet shows moderate stretch common for this link style.
Value Estimate
$60 - $120 USD. Value is driven by the popularity of the 'Full Lume' dial and the nostalgic appeal of the bracelet style.
Care & Maintenance
Requires a battery change (SR920SW or similar) every 2-3 years. Gaskets should be inspected for water resistance if used for swimming. Use a soft brush and soapy water to clean the many links of the bracelet.
Similar Watches
Seiko 7T32 Chronograph, Citizen AN0880, or the contemporary Timex Expedition with Indiglo (though Indiglo is battery-powered light vs. Pulsar's passive lume).
Interesting Facts
Pulsar released the world's first electronic digital watch in 1972, but after the Seiko acquisition, they became famous for high-value quartz chronographs, many of which were issued to the British Royal Air Force (RAF) as 'Gen 2' navigators' watches.