The new Hamilton PSR 74 offers a compact take on the digital watch that started it all
Zach BlassBefore we discover the new Hamilton PSR 74, let’s take a step back. In the wake of the quartz crisis and resurgence of romantic mechanical watchmaking, battery-driven watches became taboo – less than their mechanical peers. But if we transport ourselves back to the ’70s, while many of the Swiss manufacturers were ruing the day quartz technology was born, the first-ever digital watch, the Hamilton Pulsar, arrived to much fanfare – futuristic and next-gen. In those days, it may as well have been the birth of the iPhone.
This is why it was very suited, and perhaps even more fitting, for Roger Moore as James Bond to sport one in Live and Let Die. Even in the real world, it became a hot and novel wrist attraction worn by the likes of Elvis, Jack Nicholson, Keith Richards, Elton John, and more. Furthermore, these Pulsar watches were even co-branded and sold by Tiffany & Co. So when its revival, the Hamilton PSR, arrived in 2020, the quartz snob chatter was considerably silenced by the overwhelming nostalgia and appreciation for a design icon of the past. Since 2020, we have seen the same model presented in new colourways, both in terms of case and bracelet and digital display, but today a new PSR model joins the existing lineup: the PSR 74.
As its name suggests, the PSR 74 draws inspiration from the Pulsar Cushion introduced in 1974. Whereas the modern PSR launched in 2020 measures 41mm in width, 13.3mm thick, and has a case length of 35mm, the new PSR 74 scales the measurements down to 30.9mm across, 12.4mm in thickness, and a case length of 25.6mm. That being said, while it is noticeably smaller, it’s equally robust, maintaining a 100-metre depth rating.
In the same manner the PSR was introduced in fully brushed steel and yellow gold PVD, the PSR 74 rehashes these two fully brushed colourways – each outfitted with an LCD/OLED display with red numerals. These numerals have been designed to maintain the original typeface seen in 1974. Aside from the obvious size difference, the PSR 74 case has two pushers – one at 3 and one at 9 o’clock. This allows you to simultaneously view both the time and date on demand. Further functionalities include the ability to have the time displayed in 12 or 24-hour formats.
Now, it’s not just the size difference between the PSR and PSR 74 that is very noticeable, but the style of the bracelet as well. Smaller, Presidential-style links have been swapped out for the Pulsar Cushion’s dramatically tapered bracelet with broader, Y-shaped links. With its narrower silhouette, it has more of a bangle bracelet look. The bracelet is secured to the wrist via a butterfly-style clasp that, in my opinion, allows you to keep the watch better centred on the wrist.
I mentioned the design differences of the modern PSRs – but what is the price difference? At US$745, the stainless steel model is priced US$50 less than the previous PSR equivalent, which is to be expected given the smaller size. All things considered, I don’t anticipate those with larger wrists opting for the smaller PSR 74. That said, the PSR 74 is not overtly being marketed towards women, so Hamilton has simply expanded the collection to add a new heritage-derived form. This adds a new dimension to its modern PSR lineup – something I would never complain about.
With its smaller size, I would say the key difference between the models is the PSR feels like a watch with a bracelet, whereas the PSR 74 may feel more like a bracelet with a watch. But don’t forget, they are both equally functional and robust. Ultimately, in a wristwatch landscape that is seeing a shift to more design-driven sensibilities, the PSR 74 is a functional watch that delivers a retrofuturistic design that harkens back to 1970s flair – a style that’s really in-demand horologically speaking.
Hamilton PSR 74 pricing and availability
The Hamilton PSR 74 is available now through the Time+Tide Store. Price: US$745 (stainless steel), US$845 (yellow gold PVD)
| Brand | Hamilton |
| Model | PSR 74 |
| Reference | H52304130 H52314130 |
| Case Dimensions | 30.9mm (W) x 12.4mm (T) x 25.6mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel Yellow gold PVD |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire, AR coating |
| Dial | LCD/OLED display |
| Bracelet | Case-matching single-link bracelet, butterfly clasp |
| Movement | H-40e, quartz |
| Power Reserve | 4 years |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, date |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$745 (steel) US$845 (yellow gold PVD) |