Saying Goodbye: Pulsar PM3175X1 (was PJN299X1) RAF style chronograph
I've just boxed up and sent this baby to a new owner. I surprised myself by doing this, because it's a watch I actually liked, and it was reasonably rare, albeit cheap.
What is it? Basically, Pulsar made a special run of two watch styles for Rubicon Watch Company in the UK around 2020.
Both styles were based on watches that Pulsar had previously provided to the RAF in the UK for pilots and navigators. So, basically, civilian versions of the RAF watches.
These watches are no longer available at Rubicon. Haven't been for years. Hence why they're reasonably rare.
The main difference between the issue watches and these civilian versions was size (the civilian version at 42mm was larger), some crown guards on the issue watch, and some minor differences with the dial and chrono layout. You can compare my watch with the issue watch it was based on in the pictures above.
The only modification I made to the watch was a very good quality - and very comfortable - grey nato strap. It really suited the watch, and is the most common colour I see on issue watches nato straps, so could well be what the RAF issue them on.
So why'd I sell it? I find it just wasn't getting wrist time, and that's going to intensify when I get a new, bespoke watch from a well known European independent in the flieger style (I'll say that much for now), sometime in the months ahead.
I could just see the Pulsar gathering more and more dust than it already is (figuratively speaking; I have a watch box!). And for what? I didn't make a huge amount of money selling this watch (nor did I lose a lot!), so it wasn't for the money. I'd just rather someone wears the hell out of it, rather than I hold onto it for no real reason.
I've loved watches all my life, going back to the 1980s. Current watchbox: Seiko, Bulova, and Casio.
There seems to be a current mood on WC for selling on (or giving away) if it's not getting wrist time, and that makes sense. I think we all have one or two we should let someone else enjoy.
I hadn't noticed that, per se, but it's an attitude I can fully support. The dozen watches I owned 5 years ago, aren't the dozen watches I owned 2 years ago, (mostly) aren't the 5 watches I have in my watch box at present. My watch journey has been one of evolution, clearing out the old, bringing in the new... seeing what sticks. I'm starting to slow down and have a smaller, highly refined collection in general. I reckon by mid year I'll be running on about 4 watches, and two of them won't be watches I currently own at this moment.