1970's Birks LED Watch

If retro space-age nostalgia is your thing, then this watch may excite you. Available in the shop is this super fun 1970's LED watch from Canadian high-end jewelry retailer, BIRKS. LED watches represent a special moment in time for the evolution of the electronic wrist watch. Read why below. 

A BRIEF HISTORY OF LED WATCHES

 In the 1970's, when quartz watches were beginning to take over the industry, there was one category of watch design that dared take the electronic revolution one step further - the LED watch.

By attempting to completely eliminate the analog format (meaning, no hands, no moving parts...etc), LED watches were among the most disruptive watches brought to market during this incredibly turbulent period in wrist watch history. And the LED movement was primarily an American initiative brought forward by the likes of Pulsar, Bulova, and even new players to the watch space, like Texas Instruments. The aesthetic of these watches were something entirely new at the time.

Covered by a minimalist black screen (or ruby red, depending on how the light hits it), the time was revealed only when engaged with press of a pusher. The red modular digits that seemed to magically appear from darkness, represented the future. Or at least the way the future should and WOULD look, according to industrial designers, and sci-fi visionaries of the time. And today, it's a pretty awesome piece of nostalgia.

Because the trend of LED watches fizzled as quickly as it emerged, squarely within the 1970's, these nifty relics can be appreciated as a very concise snapshot into a specific moment in electronic watchmaking history.

For more on the history of LED wrist watches, I highly recommend reading Joe Thomson's HODINKEE article from the FOUR REVOLUTIONS article series, "The Lost Chapter: A Concise History of the LED Watch"

CONDITION & SPECS

This watch has been made available in the shop through by an individual who purchased the watch from the original owner. The watch is in excellent condition, having recently been serviced by Birks in 2019.

The black LED screen dial is in excellent condition, rarely seen on LED watches of this vintage, with only minimal wear. The time is revealed by pressing on the pusher, and the seconds can be revealed by holding down the same pusher. There is a 2nd recessed pusher that you press to change the time. All functions on the watch are working as they should. The steel case is in very good condition, with only light wear. 

INCLUDED

• Original stainless steel link bracelet
• Black suede Rios 1931 strap
• Original Birks leather pouch
• Original display case (the inner brace is cracked in half, as seen in picture)
• Service papers (2019)
  
  

WARRANTY

Birks provides free lifetime service on all Birks watches. This warranty is transferable and will be passed on to any new owner of the watch. A particular benefit to Canadian buyers. 

Brand: Birks
Type: Digital, LED
Production Year: 1970's
Complication: Time only
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet: Original steel tapered bracelet
Case Size: 36mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Dial Colour: Black LED screen
Movement: Quartz
Service History: 2019 (Serviced by Birks)

Read Buying a Vintage Watch before making your purchase.