The Two Best Luminous Watches that Shine Bright in the Dark

Luminous watches have always been popular in watchmaking since a long time ago. Without this important element, you will not be able to read the time when there is no light at all. Until this day, there are two common types of luminous that are used for self-illumination: tritium gas tubes and SuperLuminova. Below I will give you recommendations of two luminous watches that have high legibility during nighttime.

Ball Fireman Night Train III Black 43mm Ref. NM1092C-S5-BK2

I’d like to inform you that almost all Ball Watch Co. timepieces are made of alternative approach tritium for nighttime visibility. Tritium gas tubes are developed by one of Swiss watch company, but it was first found by Ernest Rutherford in 1934 when he was conducting nuclear weapons testing. Tritium gas is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen that causes no harm to your body.

Inside the gas tubes, the tritium (H3) releases some electrons. These particles then stimulate a phosphor to emit a low and steady glow in the dark. This type of luminescent paint doesn’t need to be charged by taking light from external sources. Definitely a practical use for everyday life. See also: Gnomon’s Highlight: Ball Watches for Women from Different Line-Up

Let’s move to the dial that shines bright in the dark. Fireman Night Train III Black 43mm Ref. NM1092C-S5-BK2’s dial is beautifully painted in deep black with a slight accent of sunburst, sparkling when the natural light passes through it from any angle. You’ll easily find the thick and thin baton indexes for the markers, while the two hands are shaped in blunt style. 

“RR” signature in the second hand represents the accuracy standard of Ball watches. They are all inserted with 61 micro gas tubes that will dance extremely gorgeous in 4 color palettes: orange for hour markers, bright blue located at 12 o’clock, yellow to indicate the second, minute and hour hands, and the last is green tubes to identify the minute markers. They all are protected by a flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. So, everything inside is safe from external scratches.

As I've said, accuracy has become the main key of Ball Watch Co. craftsmanship. This series is driven by Ball caliber RR1103 which is based on Swiss ETA 2824-2 movement. It has vibrations of 28,800 beats per hour and 38 hours power reserve. No need to worry from external shocks because Ball has protected the caliber with an anti diashock system.

The entire proportion of the case sits perfectly on my wrist with a 43 mm diameter, 11.2 mm height, and 52 mm distance from lug to lug. The finishing brings you to multiple details. Satin brushed on the top of the lugs featuring contrasting double polished among the outer dial. Another interesting one is, when I turn back the case there is a picture of the night train engraved at the centre. This one of the best luminous watches from Ball is also secured with a 316L stainless steel bracelet with Ball’s logo in the push button.

Come to an end, every Fireman line-up speaks its own simplicity and luxury. Fireman Night Train III Black 43mm Ref. NM1092C-S5-BK2 not only offers you a multi-coloured tritium tubes, it also gives you Railroad standards in watchmaking for your tough activities or everyday companions. Take this series home here.

Glycine Incursore 44 Automatic Black Ref. GL0043

Another option, Glycine also offers you outstanding luminous watches. One of them is Glycine Incursore 44 Automatic Black Ref. GL0043, often categorized as an aviation themed wristwatch.

I can’t stop staring at the unique character of the California dial style that was popular in the 30's. It is a mix of Arabic numerals, Roman numerals, and arrow markers in one display. The minute and hour hands come in white blunt style. To protect the dial inside, Glycine puts a domed sapphire crystal with addition of 3 layers of anti reflective coating. Totally love the way Glycine makes this one of their luminous watches in a vintage minimalistic look.

Unlike Fireman Night Train III Black 43mm Ref. NM1092C-S5-BK2, all markers and hands are painted with SuperLuminova that glow bright in green. The electrons in the SuperLuminova absorb solar energy to create a phosphorescent glow to make the watch legible at night.

Honestly, I can’t put down the timepiece from my wrist since it is undoubtedly sizable in a 44 mm diameter case with a slim profile of 10.4 mm thickness and 51 mm lug to lug end. Glycine elegantly settled the watch in a 22 mm black leather strap. Durable and long-lasting, is all I can say about the watch band material.

Further, Glycine’s improvement continues in the caliber GL224 which is based on ETA 2824-2 or SW200-1. It has a beat rate of 28,800 bph and 38 hours power reserve. The custom rotor can be seen when you turn back the case through its big screw down crown that is located at the 3 o’clock position. That type of crown offers you a 100 meter water resistance, no need to be afraid anymore from water splash.