Is the HP-01 worth the effort?

[Maximilian Hohmann]

Hello!

(03-26-2023 06:23 PM)John Garza (3665) Wrote:  It looks nice...

To be honest I don't think that it looks nice. I have spent quite some money to get working ones in gold and stainless steel for the sake of a complete collection, but a nice watch looks different than these. In my opinion. It is a huge brick of a watch, thick and heavy, and only looks remotely interesting when the display is on. Which it isn't most of the time.

(03-26-2023 06:23 PM)John Garza (3665) Wrote:  ... and the chance of scratches or damaging the display would seem to relegate it to a 'storage box queen'.

This is my guess regarding 99,9% of HP-01 watches too: storage box queens. Additonally, it is totally impractical to use because the recessed keys can not be operated with one's fingers. For that you need either the little fiddly tool that clips into the wristband or the "pen" that originally came with every watch. One or both of them is usually missing from most HP-01 watches offered for sale, and even if these tools are included, they often miss their soft plastic tip. Which is essential because otherwise the lettering will be scratched off the keys after a very short while. If you ever find a working HP-01 for a reasonable price make sure to use the softest possible tool for pressing the keys!

Regards
Max

NB: It must be 10 years that I last took out one of my HP-01 watches from it's box. A shame, really, but I have plenty prettier, cheaper and less vulnerable watches for everyday use to chose from. And calculators too!