Omega Time Computer 1

The Omega Time Computer 1 (TC1) was released in 1972 and became available in Europe that year, making it the first LED watch sold in Europe. In the United States, it was marketed under the name "Omega Digital" and reached the market by late 1973.

Although Omega announced a new digital model (with date functionality) for a late 1974 release in the U.S., the original TC1 had already appeared in the American market the prior year, sold as a premium LED timepiece during the early digital watch boom. The original TC1 was produced in limited numbers, with fewer than 100 units made, and the cases were sourced from Star Watch Case in the USA or Fontana in Italy, not by Omega itself. The movement was based on Pulsar technology, specifically the Cal 1600 (Pulsar) module, which was used across various brands including Hamilton's QED.

Later models in the Time Computer series—such as the Time Computer II (TC2), III (TC3), and IV (TC4) were produced in significantly greater numbers. The TC2, introduced in 1974, added a date function and used the Caliber 1601 module. Production numbers for the entire Time Computer line are estimated at around 15,000 pieces across all models and variants from 1972 to 1975.

Telly Savalas wore the Omega Time Computer 1 (TC1) in the TV series Kojak. It was a gold-plated model with a red LED display, released in 1974. It was powered by the Caliber 1600 module. It became iconic due to its prominent placement on Savalas’s wrist throughout the series, symbolizing the show’s modern, tech-forward style.

Vintage surviving models in good condition typically bring well over $2000 on the used market if operational. Other vintage watches with bright red wire-bonded LED display may also be available on the used market. Pulsar LED Time offers replacement modules (like the PLT-1) that can restore or replicate the original red LED function in vintage Omega, Pulsar, or Hamilton LED watches.