I love technology and what better way to express my gratitude for technology than to be able to own a piece of it. My latest craving or craze has been for tritium based watches. The all mystical, glow-in-the-dark luminous watches.
In this review, we are going to embark on the following topics to get the basic understanding of a tritium based watch and perhaps, help you make a decision in owning one.
1) Understand tritium without the chemistry.
2) Producers of tritium - for watches.
3) A list of watches that have tritium tubes (vials).
4) My choice of tritium watches.
5) Authorised dealers / stores and my experience.
1) Understand tritium without the chemistry
Tritium is a radioactive gas. There are 2 designations (labels) that are being used on watches these days, the T25 and the T100 (T). The T100 which is also simply known as “T”, is said to glow much brighter than T25. At least, that is what some people think but in my personal view, I see little or no difference between the two. Most commonly used is the T25 designation on majority of the tritium based watches. The T25 or T100 (T) designation (label) is clearly marked on the watch itself. Neither are considered to be harmful. These levels won’t cause any radiation or health risk and it is heavily regulated by the countries where it is produced. On the other hand, it is always good to check the source, country of origin and the production facility where the tritium is produced. For more information on the producers of tritium, please see topic #2.
In a "technical" nutshell, T25 means the watch has between 1 and 25 millicuries (mCi) of radioactive tritium and T100 (or T) has between 26 and 100 millicuries. The mineral glass tube or vial is coated with a phosphorescent paint (zinc sulfide) in the color of choice. Tritium gas is then introduced into the tube which is then sealed. As tritium decays, its electrons excite the zinc sulfide coating thus, producing a constant glow / light that doesn't require any battery source or ambient light to charge. The glow and some may call it decay, happens immediately once these tubes / vials are sealed. So the light in these tubes (vials) are said to have a conservative shelf-life of 12 years and 25 full years as advertised by many commercial tritium producers and watch manufacturers. In other words, after 12 years the brightness of these tubes will start to fade and I’ll be damned, if you do not change your watch in the next 12 years!
2) Producers of tritium - for watches.
Basically, there are 2 producers at the moment in the market who use tritium for commercial purpose. 3 producers, if you count rumours too. The most well respected or rather the pioneer in tritium production for watches is mb-microtec ag. The rest are listed below.
a) mb-microtec ag
mb-microtec ag is based in Switzerland and is said to have the best tritium tubes (vials) available out there compared to any other. Watch manufacturers that use tubes from this company proudly, engrave mb-microtec seal onto the watches itself. In a way, the seal represents trustworthy and good quality tubes inside.
b) SRB Technologies Inc.
SRB Technologies Inc. is based in Canada. There are watch companies that buy tritium from them but strangely enough, these watch companies never disclose the source of the tubes as being from SRB Tech. Inc. even when you enquire. I suppose, this could be attributed to the trouble it got into with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) and Tritium Awareness Project (TAP) some time back for its manufacturing facility in Pembroke Ontario, Canada. The site had its worst environmental tritium contamination in Canada owing to the SRB’s past activities. But that was in the past and as of now (correct at the time of publication of this article - 19 June 2012) that they are operating within the CNSC’s guidelines and their license to operate is still valid. Also, something noteworthy is that the word from the community is that the tritium tubes produced by SRB are cheaper to acquire but are not as bright as the ones from mb-microtec. This is something that stands to be corrected/tested.
c) Rumoured, China based company.
Rumour has it that there is a third company out there producing tritium and supplying to watch manufacturers. This tritium producing company is supposedly, based in China. Now how far that rumour is true, simply beats me but the word has been spreading around within many forums and among the tritium watch enthusiast about this "phantom" company. For all you know, this rumour may be nothing more than gas in its purest form but again; what isn't made in China these days? ;-P
3) A list of watches that have tritium tubes (vials).
This list provides a rough guide to the many different watch brands that are available with tritium technology. There may be more of such brands and models in the market but this list summarizes the mainstream in tritium based watches. Each brand on the list has been linked to the respective manufacturer's website. If you encounter a broken web-link then try to do a Google or check on eBay for some of these listings.
Brand
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Tritium Source
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mb-microtec ag (trigalight)
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mb-microtec ag (trigalight)
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mb-microtec ag (trigalight)
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mb-microtec ag (trigalight)
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mb-microtec ag (trigalight)
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mb-microtec ag (trigalight)
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mb-microtec ag (trigalight)
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mb-microtec ag (trigalight)
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mb-microtec ag (trigalight)
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mb-microtec ag (trigalight)
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mb-microtec ag (trigalight)
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mb-microtec ag (trigalight)
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mb-microtec ag (trigalight)
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mb-microtec ag (trigalight)
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mb-microtec ag (trigalight)
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mb-microtec ag (trigalight)
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mb-microtec ag (trigalight)
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mb-microtec ag (trigalight)
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Not all mb-microtec ag (trigalight)
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mb-microtec ag (trigalight)
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mb-microtec ag (trigalight)
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mb-microtec ag (trigalight)
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mb-microtec ag (trigalight)
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4) My choice of tritium watches.
I am sure one can be totally spoilt for choice especially, when you are greeted with so many different brands and models. But how do you single out the right one for yourself? Well, that is the whole idea of this guide. To help you decide.
I shortlisted 3 brands and 5 models from the above list based on what I was looking for in a tritium based watch –
a) Traser H3 Black Storm Pro P6405 (Rubber Strap)
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b) Traser H3 Black Storm Pro P6405 (PVD Stainless-Steel Strap)
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c) Luminox 3402 (PVD Stainless-Steel Strap)
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d) Luminox 3152 (Stainless-Steel Strap)
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e) Firemark F1094 (Stainless-Steel Strap)
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Note: Some of the designs may look identical because traser also sells its watches as “private label” to other watch companies therefore, everything is traser except the logo and engraving.
And this is what I wanted in a tritium watch -
1) It had to be not more than $350 for a tritium watch.
2) I wasn’t looking for a dress watch so I went for a more rugged, tactical look.
3) I wanted good quality tritium by mb-microtec and majority of the tubes had to be green in colour. Green coloured tritium emits a more favorable wavelength for our eyes to see thus, we perceive this colour to be much brighter. Also, this conclusion is based on my observation which held true when I compared it with other colours. See graph below on the “brightness yield level”.
4) I wanted a watch to last so its case had to be made of steel and not the so-called “durable” material, Carbon Reinforced Polycarbonate (CRPC). CRPC in my humble opinion is rather flimsy. My friend broke his brand new Luminox 3001 within a week after the purchase. All he did was stretch and one of the pin came loose from the lug. When he tried to fix it he realised the lug was cracked. To have it repaired, a whopping $130 to change the whole casing. You can buy a brand new watch at $200! So, the moral of the story, I stood far and clear from CRPC. Food for thought, the difference in price between a CRPC and Steel made watch is about $150 or less.
5) I wanted the glass to be sapphire crystal and not the usual mineral crystal which gets scratched easily.
6) The crown had to be screwed-on to maintain a good and tight water resistance.
7) Case back, you’ve guessed it. Screwed-on too for the same reason as #6. Not the type that has 4 little screws on the back.
8) Colour of the watch case, wasn’t that particular either PVD coated black stainless-steel or silver stainless-steel.
9) 60-minute diver bezel made of steel, 24hr markings on the dial, date function and perhaps; as a bonus a different coloured hand for the seconds.
10) Strap, did not really matter as I can change that myself.
And my final pick, Traser Black Storm Pro P6504 (Rubber Strap). It basically met all of the above criteria except one - the bezel wasn’t made of steel but CRPC. Well, 9 out of 10 is very good as I couldn’t find any watch that met all 10.
5) Authorised dealers / stores and my experience.
Choosing a right store to buy your watch or merchandise from can make a huge difference too. Some stores can be a blessing while others, a painful experience. Bear in mind, all customer experiences are not equal. The check list below will provide you with some pointers on making that informed decision for your next purchase. Especially, if it is online.
a) Look out for the feedback / ratings if these stores operate via eBay or other such portals. Do take note, 100% good ratings doesn’t necessarily mean good product or service as I will go on to explain that below.
b) Look at the number of successful similar transactions the seller has conducted. Although, this point can be subjective too but it is definitely a check in the right direction.
c) Read about the seller on different forums and ask around for opinions.
d) Manufacturers Original Warranty (MOW). This is something some stores provide while others don’t and the price differs. Without MOW you may get a certain brand of watch at a cheaper price. It all comes down to whether you want to pay that extra for the MOW or walk away $100-$200 rich without one. Every watch that I have owned, never really broke during or even after the warranty period. It is simply, a personal decision that you will have to make based on your wallet size. Do bear in mind, wear and tear is not covered under warranty by any manufacturer that I know of. You will still need to pay for the repair cost even if the lug of the watch cracks during the first week of your purchase.
e) Finally, communication is the key to what make or breaks a deal. Try communicating with the seller. See how fast and accurately they respond. Seller should be prompt, helpful and also be able to render advice on situations that you may have concerns on regarding the deal.
Anyhow, I shortlisted the following online stores –
Store
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Website (click on link)
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eBay (click on link)
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Blue Tritium
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Discountshop
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Infinite Pursuits
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Discountshop
Previously known as Countshop has re-branded their company to Discountshop. If I wanted to get a Luminox I would have definitely, gone with Discountshop. Good feedback and ratings. Countless successful transactions and many good reviews on forums. Unbeatable price-list for Luminox range of watches all with 1-year sellers’ warranty. Good, prompt and very helpful communication via email.
Blue Tritium
Everything seemed perfect about this online store but they lacked in communication. I sent a query via eBay messaging about the Traser P6504 watch and never really got a response. I took my business elsewhere and bought the watch from another store mentioned below. Yes, one can easily assume that they may not have received my message. Well, after a month I wrote to them again for a watch accessory that I needed and BINGO, I got a response from someone by the name of Nicole. She asked if I wanted to order this accessory to which I replied favorably but strangely, yet again silence is all I got. I wrote a total of 4 emails thereafter, 2 via their website and another 2 via eBay messaging but the trail went cold, like before. I could never understand why a store with a good reputation of 100% will go silent on its genuine customers. But then again, nothing is ever what it seems.
Infinite Pursuits
I am extremely glad that I decided to go with this store. Extremely prompt and flawless communication. Authorized dealer for traser watches and unbeatable price offers. Rendered good advice throughout the whole transaction and fast shipping too. Though, we did run into a minor problem but it was ironed out almost immediately, and the whole experience was nothing less than 110% to my satisfaction!
Finally, we have come to the end of this article. If you have any feedback and or comments then do feel free to share it with us. We will do our best to respond to both your praise and criticism alike. Till then, stay RADIANT.
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Edit : After a year and a half, I sold the Traser P6405 and got me the Luminox 3152 (Stainless-Steel). Not that it wasn't good but just felt that the dial was slightly small for my hand and the colour black didn't really suit me that very much. Otherwise, it was a good watch.
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