It is currently 28 Mar 2024, 12:28


Anyone familiar with this Optel DSM model?

Owners of VINTAGE DSM and LCD watches post their topics over here
  • Author
  • Message
Offline

coconutman351

Wizard

Wizard

  • Posts: 254
  • Joined: 28 Mar 2011, 11:47
  • Location: Honolulu, HI

Anyone familiar with this Optel DSM model?

Post12 Dec 2017, 20:09

it has a polished finish with a blank case back. anyone familiar with this model? is this an earlier Optel case type?
just checking if this is a genuine vintage Optel DSM watch. Added more photos from the listing.....

thanks all!
Robert
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Last edited by coconutman351 on 13 Dec 2017, 16:48, edited 2 times in total.
Offline
User avatar

Kasper

Guru

Guru

  • Posts: 2442
  • Joined: 25 Aug 2011, 10:25
  • Location: Belgium

Re: Anyone familiar with this Optel DSM model on ebay?

Post12 Dec 2017, 20:37

never seen before....just like someone has polished the front.
Hey you all...this board is FREE and without ADS, so at least post something every now and then to show your appreciation.


Get the latest active topics of the board here.
http://www.newdwf.com/search.php?search_id=active_topics

- Kasper -
Offline

coconutman351

Wizard

Wizard

  • Posts: 254
  • Joined: 28 Mar 2011, 11:47
  • Location: Honolulu, HI

Re: Anyone familiar with this Optel DSM model on ebay?

Post12 Dec 2017, 21:08

The seller claims he purchased it that way, polished. Most of the Optel watches I've seen have a heavily brushed finish. I also find it strange to have a clear back cover with no Optel engraving on it. The case design also seems to be very unique, unless it's some kind of prototype. LCD display clearly shows it's a DSM LCD panel.
Offline

coconutman351

Wizard

Wizard

  • Posts: 254
  • Joined: 28 Mar 2011, 11:47
  • Location: Honolulu, HI

Re: Anyone familiar with this Optel DSM model on ebay?

Post12 Dec 2017, 21:23

I more note: I noticed the case has a beveled area where the watchband connects to the watch, typical Optel case is smooth all the way to the watch band with no distinct beveling action going on near the band.
Offline
User avatar

bruce wegmann

Pulsar Moderator

Pulsar Moderator

  • Posts: 1287
  • Joined: 02 Aug 2004, 02:13
  • Location: San Diego, CA

Re: Anyone familiar with this Optel DSM model on ebay?

Post13 Dec 2017, 02:19

This all looks "factory" to me...but, in any event, it's certainly got one of the crispest, highest-contrast DSM displays I've ever seen. Probably worth more than the asking price, for that alone.
Offline

coconutman351

Wizard

Wizard

  • Posts: 254
  • Joined: 28 Mar 2011, 11:47
  • Location: Honolulu, HI

Re: Anyone familiar with this Optel DSM model on ebay?

Post13 Dec 2017, 03:01

Thanks Bruce! I have not seen this watch model anywhere that's posted, and yes to your point about the display, I've seen posts that had very low contrast DSM modules, and I believe this is simply due to age.
Offline

coconutman351

Wizard

Wizard

  • Posts: 254
  • Joined: 28 Mar 2011, 11:47
  • Location: Honolulu, HI

Re: Anyone familiar with this Optel DSM model?

Post13 Dec 2017, 15:47

Update: I initially offered $250.00 and the seller countered at $300.00 so I accepted his offer. Will post updated photos, I still haven't seen this model with this case type. Seller stated the watch was purchased from Optel Corporation old stock when it closed, so I'm wondering if this was their last commercial DSM model before closing.
Offline
User avatar

richard_uk

Guru

Guru

  • Posts: 1075
  • Joined: 12 Jul 2004, 16:18

Re: Anyone familiar with this Optel DSM model?

Post13 Dec 2017, 15:50

That was a steal!
Offline

coconutman351

Wizard

Wizard

  • Posts: 254
  • Joined: 28 Mar 2011, 11:47
  • Location: Honolulu, HI

Re: Anyone familiar with this Optel DSM model?

Post13 Dec 2017, 15:58

Thanks Richard! I still haven't been able to search the web for this particular Optel DSM watch model. So I'm not sure if this model didn't hit the mass market prior to Optel Corporation closing. I'm still researching on the history of Optel DSM watches as this is my first purchase of one.
Offline

Adam

Techno Mage

Techno Mage

  • Posts: 610
  • Joined: 30 Oct 2007, 03:44

Re: Anyone familiar with this Optel DSM model?

Post13 Dec 2017, 16:54

Because of the cost in producing the case, could it have been an earlier prototype/option by the end the were trying to cut costs as much as possible and the case manufacture did see cutbacks. I have various models, look at the early Mathey Tissot digital with a similar case, nothing polished but definite changes to the design were seen later.

regards

Adam

DSC_5523.jpg


DSC_5526.jpg
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
http://www.digital-watch.com - online database of 2000+ watches, manuals and adverts from the 70s-90s
http://www.vintagelcd.com - Vintage Digital Watches for sale
Offline

coconutman351

Wizard

Wizard

  • Posts: 254
  • Joined: 28 Mar 2011, 11:47
  • Location: Honolulu, HI

Re: Anyone familiar with this Optel DSM model?

Post13 Dec 2017, 17:06

Thanks Adam, appreciate you sharing some bit of information on these watches. What's interesting about this model is on the case back there's no writing on the case back. All other Optel watches I've seen writing stating "Optel Corporation" or Stainless Steel caseback...etc. This one has a blank case back. Interesting.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Offline

coconutman351

Wizard

Wizard

  • Posts: 254
  • Joined: 28 Mar 2011, 11:47
  • Location: Honolulu, HI

Re: Anyone familiar with this Optel DSM model?

Post13 Dec 2017, 19:44

Apparently this ebay seller either worked for Optel Watches or took advantage of a flash sale when they went out of business. Looking at the sellers history he has sold over 17 Optel DSM watches. Unless he is an avid DSM watch collector deciding to liquidate his collection. Interesting....
Offline

coconutman351

Wizard

Wizard

  • Posts: 254
  • Joined: 28 Mar 2011, 11:47
  • Location: Honolulu, HI

Re: Anyone familiar with this Optel DSM model?

Post26 Dec 2017, 21:50

Sharing pics of my Optel DSM watch of my recent purchase. Watch is working perfectly and looks brand new, no scratches on the band or case. Nice!
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Offline

Adam

Techno Mage

Techno Mage

  • Posts: 610
  • Joined: 30 Oct 2007, 03:44

Re: Anyone familiar with this Optel DSM model?

Post26 Dec 2017, 22:05

That display is amazing so crisp. And the case is pretty amazing too. Any more clues now you have it?
http://www.digital-watch.com - online database of 2000+ watches, manuals and adverts from the 70s-90s
http://www.vintagelcd.com - Vintage Digital Watches for sale
Offline

coconutman351

Wizard

Wizard

  • Posts: 254
  • Joined: 28 Mar 2011, 11:47
  • Location: Honolulu, HI

Re: Anyone familiar with this Optel DSM model?

Post26 Dec 2017, 22:24

Yes, the seller is Louis Zanoni's son, Greg Zanoni. Super nice guy. His dad purchased a lot of Optel watch inventory after it went bankrupt, thus the excellent condition of the watch. It definitely adds a special connection to the inventor of the LCD watch. The watch case style appears to be an unreleased version as I still cannot find a similar listing. Will share more as I get more information from Greg.
Offline

Adam

Techno Mage

Techno Mage

  • Posts: 610
  • Joined: 30 Oct 2007, 03:44

Re: Anyone familiar with this Optel DSM model?

Post26 Dec 2017, 22:29

I could do with a DSM panel if he has any left :grin1:
http://www.digital-watch.com - online database of 2000+ watches, manuals and adverts from the 70s-90s
http://www.vintagelcd.com - Vintage Digital Watches for sale
Offline

coconutman351

Wizard

Wizard

  • Posts: 254
  • Joined: 28 Mar 2011, 11:47
  • Location: Honolulu, HI

Re: Anyone familiar with this Optel DSM model?

Post26 Dec 2017, 22:31

He sells only complete watches unfortunately as he sees more value selling them whole. He will be posting a flashing DSM model and a Field Effect display. If you're interested I can connect you with him.
Offline

Adam

Techno Mage

Techno Mage

  • Posts: 610
  • Joined: 30 Oct 2007, 03:44

Re: Anyone familiar with this Optel DSM model?

Post26 Dec 2017, 22:37

That's fine, I understand. I have a Delvina dsm that Id like a panel for. I'll find one one day.
http://www.digital-watch.com - online database of 2000+ watches, manuals and adverts from the 70s-90s
http://www.vintagelcd.com - Vintage Digital Watches for sale
Offline

coconutman351

Wizard

Wizard

  • Posts: 254
  • Joined: 28 Mar 2011, 11:47
  • Location: Honolulu, HI

Re: Anyone familiar with this Optel DSM model?

Post26 Dec 2017, 22:45

It appears DSM displays are much harder to find than Pulsar LED displays. I suppose it's because Pulsar had a higher volume of watches manufactured. Based on the crazywatches.pl website appears only 35,000 units of the DSM watches were ever manufactured. I suspect when the Field Effect LCD display models came out its power saving and greater operating efficiency made the DSM technology obsolete. I still like the super white DSM segments, adds a unique look to the watch.
Offline
User avatar

clockace

Techno Mage

Techno Mage

  • Posts: 544
  • Joined: 25 Feb 2008, 03:28
  • Location: Arizona

Re: Anyone familiar with this Optel DSM model?

Post27 Dec 2017, 05:35

There was an obituary for a Louis J Zanoni in our local paper last week. Any connection? If it is the same person, he founded a company called Zantec(tac),. Specialised in electronic watch repair parts and services. He sold it many years ago, but I think they are still in business. I dealt with them 6-7 years ago. Peter
Offline
User avatar

bruce wegmann

Pulsar Moderator

Pulsar Moderator

  • Posts: 1287
  • Joined: 02 Aug 2004, 02:13
  • Location: San Diego, CA

Re: Anyone familiar with this Optel DSM model?

Post30 Dec 2017, 03:23

Yes, it is the same person. Sorry to hear this news...he was a pioneer in the realm of digital electronics.
Offline

coconutman351

Wizard

Wizard

  • Posts: 254
  • Joined: 28 Mar 2011, 11:47
  • Location: Honolulu, HI

Re: Anyone familiar with this Optel DSM model?

Post30 Dec 2017, 20:00

I'm not sure if this is the same Louis Zanoni, I did not his son's name, Greg Zanoni, in the family list. This listing that I found was in the Phoenix AZ area. Maybe a different Louis?
Next

Return to Vintage DSM and LCD Watches

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 47 guests