Luminous watches - types of illumination technologies
Various
Luminous watches - types of illumination technologies
The illumination of the watch elements is a very practical feature, which allows you to check the time (and other values on the dial) even in the complete darkness. This function is used in both elegant and sporty models that need to be reliable and helpful in all conditions. Let’s take a closer look at different illumination technologies used in watches.
Illumination technologies
Nowadays, the possibility to illuminate the watch dial or its elements is the basic specification of most models available in the market. This practical function makes it possible to read the information displayed on the dial without any problems in the darkness or in unfavourable weather conditions. The bright illumination is a key feature in watches designed for travellers who need to have a reliable wristwatch during their expeditions, regardless of the conditions around them. The most common types of illumination include: Neobrite, LumiBrite, Indiglo and H3 tritium technology.
Neobrite - fluorescent coating that shines in the dark
One of the most popular and most common types of illumination is Neobrite. This fluorescent coating provides long-term illumination of hands and indices after only short exposure to either natural or artificial light. In other words, the watch needs to be exposed to light to be able to glow in the darkness later on. All you have to do is expose the watch to bright light when wearing it. It's as simple as that! The light intensity and time of illumination of Neobrite depends on the amount of light it has accumulated. Neobrite can be recognised by its green colour. A great men's watch with Neobrite coating is Epos Passion Automatic 3402.142.20.38.25. The glowing hands are placed on a white dial, so the values can be read even in complete darkness. An interesting accessory for women, on the other hand, is Casio SHEEN Gorgeous Cut Glass Women's Watch SHE-3068SPG-7AUER. The model features glowing hands and indices and impresses with its elegant look.
LumiBrite - innovative technology
Another way of illuminating a watch dial is LumiBrite, e.g. a special paint that is placed on watch hands and indices. Its basic components are strontium aluminate, europium and dysprosium. LumiBrite doesn't have toxic properties, so it's safe to use. It's commonly used by brands such as Seiko and Citizen. One of watches that uses this type of technology is Seiko Prospex Diver Solar SNE547P1.
Indiglo - intense and long-lasting illumination without the need for light exposure
Indiglo was developed by Timex and has been used since 1992. The technology is based on incorporating an electroluminescent panel as a backlight for even illumination of the watch dial. It has a self-powered illumination system, so it doesn’t need any separate power source. This system is activated by the watch crown, which needs to be gently pressed and held. Indiglo illuminates the entire dial, including the date display and additional subdials. The green-blue light changes its colour depending on the colour of the dial and is very pleasing to the eye. Indiglo is primarily used by Timex. The brand uses it for illuminating digits on digital displays. The watches with Indiglo technology usually have a mark on the dial placed at six o'clock. If you're looking for a watch with Indiglo, check out Timex Modern Originals T2N793. This popular model is almost entirely black - the watch's only colourful element is the yellow second hand that perfectly contrasts with the dark shade.
H3 tritium technology - impressive innovation
One of the most innovative solutions of the dial illumination is the use of tritium. It's also known as H3 illumination technology owing to the chemical formula of this element. This type of illumination doesn’t need a special button to start up and doesn't require any battery. Special glass tubes placed on the dial are covered with luminophore that reacts with tritium. This enables the system to shine continuously for up to 25 years. Its illumination power is up to 100 times greater than in the case of fluorescent coatings. Despite the widespread opinion of tritium radioactivity, this element is completely safe for humans due to its low concentration found in the watch. An intriguing men’s watch with tritium-filled glass tubes is Vostok Europe Lunokhod-2 Chrono 6S30-6205213. This model has been designed for the most demanding users. It has a water-resistance level of 300 meters, so you can swim and dive with a watch on without any worries.
