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Tritium watches have improved the watch tech industry with their glowing effect even without the use of batteries.
If you are among those who love good watches, I bet you must have seen the latest technology in watches or you are probably searching for the next best thing in watches.
Basically, one of the unique features of tritium watches is their ability to glow in the dark. This makes it easy for you to see the watch, and tell time without the use of external light.
One common way to achieve a glow-in-the-dark effect without the use of electricity or batteries is with luminescent paint, colloquially called lume.
With growing technology, modern lume now has the ability to be charged either by electricity or solar and then produce a glowing effect. But this glowing effect only lasts for a period of time, in most cases, hours which is its shortcoming of it.
The best approach to creating luminescence is by using tiny glass tubes filled with tritium gas which glow constantly and autonomously for years without needing any power source. It is only very few watch companies that employ this interesting technology.
This technology is what the tritium watches have adopted and used to create great watches that glow in the dark
Tritium gas tube illumination was engineered and developed by a Swiss company known as MB Microtec, the company is known for producing their own watch under the brand Traser, and also supplies other companies with the glowing tubes. This glowing tube tech can also be found in the emergency exit signs. Although Tritium is radioactive, it is not at all harmful in the form of quantities found in watches.
Overview – Best 10 Tritium Watches You’ll Love
| Product Image | Product Name | Rating | Shop Here |
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Marathon 41mm Diver’s Quartz (Tsar) |
4.2 |
Buy On Amazon |
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Marathon Watch JSAR(46mm) | 4.4 | Buy On Amazon |
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Heavy Water Diver(TM) Titanium Watch | 4.2 | Buy On Amazon |
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Luminox Navy Seal Men’s Watch – Black Dial | 4.4 | Buy On Amazon |
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Luminox Men’s Navy Seal Pacific Diver | 4.9 | Buy On Amazon |
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Marathon Watch WW194014 CSAR |
4.7
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Buy On Amazon |
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ArmourLite Operator AL1502 Series | 5.0 | Buy On Amazon |
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Hazard 4 Heavy Water Diver(TM) BlackTie | 4.5 | Buy On Amazon |
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Marathon General Purpose Mechanical (GPM) Watch | 4.1 | Buy On Amazon |
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Smith & Wesson Men’s Sports Watch | 3.3 | Buy On Amazon |
Things You Should Know Before Buying A Tritium Watch
At Smart Choice Makers, we help our readers make the best decision before buying anything online, this is because, we don’t just write about a product, we give you details of things you need to know before making a purchase on any product.
So, if you are looking to buy any Tritium watch, here are a few things that you should know or consider as they will help you make a better decision.
Tritium Watches Brightness Levels
One of the reasons why you may want a tritium watch in the first place is so you can be able to see it in the dark and tell the time easily. If this is true, then you might want to go for something with enough brightness for ease of use.
Basically, there are two types of these tritium watches. They are the T25 and the T100. In some cases, the T100 may come as just T, it’s the same as T100.
The T100 tritium watches usually glow a bit brighter than the T25 tritium watches. 25 and 100 may refer to some Tritium millicuries contained within the vials of the watch.
Tritium Watches Warranty
Another thing to look out for is the warranty of the tritium watch. I bet you don’t want to spend a good amount of money buying a watch without being covered in case something happens. Especially when it is a natural occurrence. This is also why we took the time to ensure that all the tritium watches we mentioned in this post come with at least a one- or two-year warranty.
Please note that most time warranty will not cover any caused by you which may include surface scratches, breakage, or other similar damage. A warranty typically covers issues that occur on the inside of the tritium watch that involves a part not working well or engine failure. However, do ensure that you read the details of the warranty before making your purchase.
Source of Tritium
The source of the tritium is very important. You should make sure you are buying a watch with original tritium. Most tritium used in these watches comes from Switzerland and the company that produces the majority of the tritium used is MB-Microtec AG. To know if the tritium used in the watch you are about to purchase comes from MB-Microtec AG, kindly check for the company seal. It is usually located somewhere on the watch.
SRB Technologies is another company that supplies tritium and is based in Canada. Although there are no tritium watch companies that currently state that they are using the products from SRB Technologies, this may be because the watchmakers that do, do not disclose the supplier they are using either because it’s not part of their agreement terms to state it that they are suing tritium from SRB Technologies or it does not really matter to them.
There may be other sources of tritium as rumors have it that there is a company in China producing tritium for watch manufacturers, however, this information is yet to be verified.
Colors of the Tritium Watch
There are many different glow colors that these tritium watches come in.
The type of paint coating used on the tube of the watch will determine the kind of color that glows in the tritium watch.
Most of the colors available with the tritium tech include; Green, White, Yellow, Red, Dark blue, Orange, and Light blue. These colors are all excellent options depending on what you are looking for. However, some of them may be difficult to see especially the Red, Dark blue, and Orange colors.
In some cases, people prefer the green color because it glows brightest and is easier to see in the dark.
Tritium Watches Material
The main materials used for tritium watches are Stainless Steel or Carbon Reinforced Polycarbonate (CRPC). Tritium watches that are made of stainless steel are far better than those made of CRPC. But due to budget and price, some people will prefer buying the tritium watch that uses CRPC. If you are on a budget, you can get good quality tritium watches under $250 that use CRPC but beware that this material does not last like that of stainless steel and may break easily.
So, if you plan on wearing your watch regularly, then it is recommended you invest in a good tritium watch that is made from stainless steel.
Tritium Watches – What Type of Glass is Used?
The type of glass material used to make the screen of the tritium watch is another thing you should consider.
Although there are several materials that can be used for the screen of the watch, the most common are mineral glass and sapphire crystal glass.
Tritium watches that come with mineral glass screens are not too expensive, this is because the mineral glass screens are made of lower quality like that of the glass used for home windows. They are not very strong and can easily scratch or crack.
So, if you are on a budget and cannot afford the more expensive tritium watches with sapphire crystal screens, you may opt for the ones made with mineral glass.
Sapphire crystal is great and very strong, making it less prone to cracks and scratches. The watches that have their screen made with this material cannot crack or scratch easily, making the watch last longer.
Another thing to consider about this is that scratches affect the way the light glows on the watch at night. This is why you should really consider the type of glass material used for the watch screen.
Generally, tritium watches that have their screen made with sapphire crystal are more expensive than those that are made with mineral glass. When buying tritium watches, you should always check to see if it was specifically stated in the description that sapphire glass has been used.
Here is the list of the best ten tritium watches you can buy today.
1. Marathon 41mm Diver’s Quartz (Tsar) Tritium Watch with Sapphire Crystal
The Marathon TSAR is an amazing tritium watch and definitely one of the watches to add to your collection. It has a water resistance of up to 30 ATM – 300 meters (1000 feet) underwater.
The Marathon TSAR tritium watch is made from 316L surgical grade stainless steel that measures 36 mm and is 13 mm thick. It is a purpose-built watch that will not let you down. This tritium watch screen is not just made from any type of glass but a synthetic sapphire crystal that resists scratches.
The Marathon TSAR is manufactured in La Chaux de Fonds Switzerland that provides the highest level of quality and accuracy in manufacturing. Inside the TSAR watch, there is a Swiss-made 3 jewels ETA F06 high torque quartz movement.
The TSAR tritium watch uses self-contained Tritium gas tubes which provide constant visibility in low-light situations or in darkness. The gas tube is placed on each hour marker and uses Mara-Glo for the 12-hour bezel marker. Tritium tubes are self-illuminating gas tubes that contain an isotope of hydrogen. This makes them glow always without dulling down in their brightness like normal photo-luminescent paint which requires an external light source to create a glow.
In all, the TSAR is a very solid watch that is lightweight and comfortable to wear.
Pros:
- It’s a lightweight watch that has a water resistance of up to 1000 feet
- The glass screen is made of supper quality synthetic sapphire crystal that provides great resistance to scratch.
Cons:
- The issue with the watch is in its “busy” face which makes it difficult to see at times.
- There have also been some complaints about the clasp of the bracelet.
Read Also: 10 Best TV For Bright Room – Full Review and Buying Guide
Marathon 41mm Diver’s Quartz (Tsar) Tritium Watch with Sapphire Crystal
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2. Marathon Swiss Made, JSAR Quartz Divers Watch with Sapphire Crystal
The Marathon Diver LGP (Le Grand Plongeur) is a great dive watch with an extra-large case and a high torque, it has an accurate Swiss ETA-F07 quartz movement. This is among the best tritium watches and it is designed for use by Search and Rescue (SAR) divers and manufactured under the ISO 6425 standards, the Marathon JSAR is a watch built to withstand the most extreme of conditions. The LGP is also known as the Jumbo Search and Rescue (JSAR).
This tritium watch is water-resistant down to 30 ATM – 300 meters (1000 feet) underwater and is made from 316L surgical-grade stainless steel. The Marathon JSAR is a hefty, purpose-built watch that will not let you down on any adventure you intend to use it for. The glass of the JSAR is made from synthetic sapphire created to resist scratches and ensure maximum dial legibility.
The JSAR is handmade and manufactured in La Chaux de Fonds Switzerland, this guarantees the highest level of quality and accuracy in manufacturing. Inside the JSAR, you will see a Swiss-made, ETA-F07 high torque quartz movement that guarantees you a reliable and accurate timekeeping experience. The hands and markers of the JSAR tritium watch is been illuminated by the MaraGlo photo-luminescent paint.
The MaraGlo enables the watch to glow on its own for 8 hours after being exposed to a light source. The Marathon JSAR is a combination of Military toughness and Swiss craftsmanship in a watch that always gets the job done, and looks good doing it.
Pros:
- The watch comes with an EOL (End of Life) display where second-hand advances in 4-second increments when the battery needs replacing.
- Water resistance of up to 300 meters (1000 Feet)
Cons:
- It does not have a continuous glow effect, the glow may only last for 8 hours after being exposed to a light source.
Marathon Swiss Made, JSAR Quartz Divers Watch with Sapphire Crystal
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3. Heavy Water Diver (TM) Titanium Tritium Dive-Watch
The heavy water diver watch is an amazing tritium watch that glows continuously using self-powered tritium. It uses Swiss mini-lamps like those found in pistol night sights – this won’t fade overnight like luminescent paint.
it has a Swiss movement that guarantees reliability and accuracy. This tritium watch is also built with 100% titanium, the amazing part is that the watch is 50mm large and only half the weight of a normal steel watch yet double in its strength.
This is a proven dive watch with water resistance up to 300M/ 1000 ft. in depth. It has unique, bold, military styling Features with easy-to-read numerals and an exclusive integrated 24-hour scale.
This tritium watch aesthetics is submarine-inspired with perfectly finished precision, embedding a 60-click uni-directional dive bezel topped with a tritium zero indicator and an Easy-turn screw-down crown. The face numerals designs are 3D stencil – 2-layer designs which along with an angled chapter ring make it not only tactical but also a sophisticated Timepiece suitable for both office and formal events.
This heavy water diver watch is available in an unprecedented range of tactical and Urban oriented colors and comes with a variety of straps and bracelets you can choose from. This watch has been used in the most extreme environments by Special Forces, explorers, and professionals worldwide yet it still stands without a scratch.
Heavy Water Diver (TM) Titanium Tritium Dive-Watch
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4. Luminox Navy Seal XS.3501/3500 Series: Tritium Watches
The Luminox Navy Seal Automatic Wrist Watch comes with a unique approach to dive watches and is part of the Navy Seal series.
It is comfortable enough to wear both in and out of water because it has water-resistant by up to 200 meters, has a Carbonox case with a crown double-security gasket, and has a self-powered visible constant glow that can last up to 25 years in any light condition.
If you are looking for a watch that could take the shock of a firearm discharge, is waterproof, with a watch face that is bold enough so it could be read without any reading glasses, and can be seeing any light condition including low light, this Luminox Navy Seal Automatic Tritium Watch fits just perfectly.
It handles any pressure easily and is very resistant to scratch
Luminox Navy Seal XS.3501/3500 Series
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5. Luminox Men’s Navy Seal Pacific Diver Tritium Watch: 3120 Series
This Luminox Men’s Navy Seal Pacific Diver 3120 Series comes with a silver stainless steel oyster band. It is among the best tritium watches you can think of adding to your watch collection or getting as a gift for a loved one.
This Tritium Watch features a self-powered illumination system employing tiny micro gas light sources.
The case of the Luminox Pacific Diver Tritium Watch is made from high-grade 316L stainless steel. This is marine-grade stainless steel which is a perfect fit for this timepiece. Making it very ready for the jobs/tasks ahead. The marine-grade stainless steel material is used on the side of the case, back, and crown for ultimate quality and protection.
The back of the watch features a screw-in design similar to the crown providing the watch with a water resistance of up to 200 meters. Allowing you to submerge the watch to great depths when diving without getting worried. The black bezel displays in an increment of five and is unit-directional making it highly unlikely to be knocked out of place.
Also, the glass is built with an anti-reflective coating to prevent glare from the sun or a torch at the bottom of the sea during diving. The bracelet features a probable model of oyster from the original Rolex oyster design where three chains interlink to make one.
Luminox Men’s Navy Seal Pacific Diver Tritium Watch: 3120 Series
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6. Marathon Swiss Made Military Issue Chronograph Pilot Automatic Watch.
The marathon swiss made military issue chronograph pilot automatic watch comes with a Tritium glow effect and is available in both rubber Strap or stainless-steel bracelets.
This lovely marathon pilot’s chronograph watch is designed to be used for multipurpose activities such as diving, search and rescue operations, as well as flights. The Pilot’s Chronograph watch is mostly referred to as the Chronograph Search and Rescue (CSAR). It is water-resistant down to 30 ATM – 300 meters (1000 feet) underwater.
The tritium watch is handmade in La Chaux de Fonds Switzerland to ensure the highest level of quality and accuracy in manufacturing. Inside the CSAR tritium watch, there is a Swiss-made, 25 Jewel Valjoux ETA 7750 automatic chronograph movement.
The dial of the Marathon CSAR shows both 12-hour and 24-hour time marks, Date, and Day. The chronograph timing is dual graduated, the inner graduations contain 1/5 sec and as well as a decimal of 1/100 minute timing (an alternate inner timing ring). It has a sweep central seconds hand which indicates 1/5 sec up to 60 seconds; Chronograph sub-registers measure up to 30 minutes and 12 hours each.
The register indexes and hands make use of MaraGlo paint for low-light viewing. Its encapsulated tritium (Isotope H3) light sources are used for dial at each hour position as well as the Minute and Hour hands.
This is an excellent, tough watch that is built to withstand any condition and lasts for a very long. It can be used for a variety of sports including tennis, shooting, hiking, swimming, and diving, and any heavy-duty work like working on construction sites carrying tools, hammering bricks, going up and down on ladders, etc. without getting any scratch on the crystal.
Marathon Swiss Made Military Issue Chronograph Pilot Automatic Watch.
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7. ArmourLite Operator Series AL1502 Tritium Watch
The ArmourLite Operator Series AL1502 is another top-quality tritium watch you should consider for your timepiece.
The AL1502 has proven to withstand tough occasions when used by special force operators in the most demanding environments, in fact, the watch was designed and built to survive any harsh condition. The company combines a shatterproof Armour glass crystal with a carbon fiber reinforced case to make this one-of-a-kind tritium watch that is both ultra-tough and ultra-lightweight.
This watch features 14 green and orange self-powered tritium markers by trig light which helps you easily tell the time in any condition even in a dark environment and they are guaranteed to last for many years. These constantly glowing tritium markers are the same type that is used in weapon sights.
The shatterproof Armour glass crystal can withstand up to 6,000 Vickers, this gives the dial its ultimate protection. This crystal was achieved using the same technology as bulletproof glass, meaning it won’t shatter even when one layer is compromised.
Also, the watch is powered by a reliable and accurate Swiss Made Ronda 515 quartz movement that helps ensure uninterrupted service. This movement features a legible date display as well.
This tritium watch is also water-resistant and can be used by underwater explorers, offering water resistance of 100 meters (10 ATM). In addition, the 60-clicks unidirectional ratcheting diver bezel helps keep track of elapsed bottom time when diving.
If you are looking for an average-priced tritium watch with excellent quality, then this is a great choice.
ArmourLite Operator Series AL1502 Tritium Watch
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8. A Series Heavy Water Diver (TM) Black-Tie: Titanium Tritium Watches
The A-Series Heavy Water Diver watch comes with self-contained ever-glow tritium-vial lamps; the watch glows continuously using self-powered tritium (H3) Swiss mini-lamps like those found in pistol night sights – won’t fade overnight like ordinary lume paint.
The A series heavy water diver tritium watch is made of a titanium case which is light, strong, and hypoallergenic with a high water resistance feature.
The tritium vials are not inset but they are 80% above the face surface – this makes them visible from the edges not just from above.
The A-Series Heavy Water Diver Tritium Watch is large and substantial enough with its 50 mm high-vis design; it also comes with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass and the crystal interior is anti-reflective coated.
The moisture-wicking map texture under the rubber strap, combined with a relief trench and many buckle holes keep the wrist dry at all times.
The watch also comes mounted with a custom T.P.R. band, and 1x military-grade thermoformed travel case.
A Series Heavy Water Diver (TM) Black-Tie: Titanium Tritium Watches
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9. Marathon General Purpose Mechanical (GPM) Military Tritium Watch
This is the new and improved General Purpose Mechanical (GPM) tritium watch from Marathon. It features a new dual winding movement, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and improved water resistance.
The GPM tritium watch is designed to be used in the field by infantry or other military personnel which is why it is built to the strict military standards of MIL-PRF-46374G, although the uniform personnel will live wearing this watch, it could as well be worn by civilian which is why it is called the General Purpose watch. – It is a true all-purpose watch that will be your reliable companion for many years.
The new GPM makes use of Japanese-made “Dual Winding Movement” (DWM) and can be wound both by manually winding the crown or by use of the automatic self-winding rotor (transferred energy caused by the movement of the wrist).
Because of this new winding system, the watch usually produces a mechanical noise and you can also feel the rotor can oscillating; reassuring you that the automatic winding system is performing as intended. Once fully wound the GPM will run for approximately 41 hours without the need to be wound again. It can also be worn to wind using the automatic self-winding rotor.
The case of GPM tritium watch is made from a high-impact fiber-shell, that does not sacrifice quality or durability and still keeps weight low. The dial, minute, and hour hands contain tritium gas-filled tubes which ensure a constant glow for maximum low-light visibility.
Tritium has been a trusted source of illumination for military equipment, ranging from watches to aeronautical displays, firearm sights, and binoculars.
The tritium tubes glow on their own and do not need any external charging light source, it does not fade in brightness making it an ideal configuration for night-time or low light operation. The crystal of the new GPM is made from sapphire ensuring the highest possible scratch resistance, legibility, and durability.
This new sapphire crystal is 3mm thick, providing added durability and impact resistance. Adding to the overall durability and reliability is the upgraded water resistance on the new GPM giving it a water resistance of 5ATM (50 meters/164 feet), making sure that it will not yield to the elements.
Marathon General Purpose Mechanical (GPM) Military Tritium Watch
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10. Smith & Wesson Men’s Sports Watch with Swiss Tritium H3
The Smith & Wesson SWW-450-BLK diver watch is a great timepiece designed to keep up with your everyday activity and lifestyle while maintaining its dependability and striking look. This tritium watch also provides a dial that can be viewed in low light conditions and total darkness using the Swiss tritium H3.
It is designed with a black stainless-steel case and rotating timing bezel, and comes with scratch-resistant hardened mineral glass crystal that protects the Thailand movement, Swiss components, calendar date, and the (3) white hands that display the hours, minutes, and seconds.
This tritium watch is water-resistant up to 200-meters (660 feet), meaning it can be used for the rigors of recreational scuba Diving and still stand strong. The Sport is equipped with a tritium light source that’s sealed under high pressure and is resistant to water, oil, and the most corrosive materials making it last for many years and also providing over 20 years of constant glow.
The components of this tritium watch include a Black rubber band and a Black dial with white numbers and measures 40 mm in diameter. The Smith & Wesson SWW-450-BLK Sport Swiss tritium H3 watch comes with a 1-year limited warranty that protects against defects in material and workmanship.
Smith & Wesson Men’s Sports Watch with Swiss Tritium H3
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What You Should Look for in Tritium Watches
It is very essential you know exactly what you are buying before you make payment. On our part, we ensure all this was checked in all the products we talked about because we want the best for you.
Brand
The brand speaks volumes about an item, in fact, this might be the first thing a lot of people seek out to ensure that they are getting a quality product.
Brand, in this case, does not just mean luxury brands but also quality and reliability. A brand’s legacy tells so much about how they have functioned and served people over the years; if people were happily satisfied or not. This is why all our products are picked from brands with a well-proven track record. Irrespective of the price range of the items, these brands already made a name for themselves in the industry.
Durability and Functionality of Tritium Watches
Another thing to look for in tritium watches is durability and functionality. All the tritium watches mentioned in the post go beyond just telling the time. They have some sophisticated and very complex functionality ranging from the water-resistance depth rating to other features such as the night glow, and compass, these additional features make these watches different.
If you love exploring the wild, tritium lume is not the only thing you’ll need. Another aspect to look at is the strength of these tritium watches, they are so strong that they can withstand any pressure through them. This is what makes them very durable. Of course, without this durability, these watches might just be another fragile piece of jewelry. So always go for a timepiece that is durable and meets all the functions you are looking for.
Price
This is always the determining point of your purchase. It is always important to not compromise the price for cheap products as you may end up regretting the action, however, it is also advisable to go for what’s affordable and within your budget. Tritium watches may be expensive but it does not mean that you can’t find the one that matches your budget.
Whether you are looking for a simple watch or a military-grade timepiece, you should never ever compromise important features for the price. This is why we took our time to provide you with watches that are not only reasonably priced but also provide features worth what you are paying for.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tritium Watches
What are Tritium Watches?
Tritium watches are watches that use the GTLS (Gaseous Tritium Light Source) technology which uses a mix of phosphors and tritium to make a visible light – this is the type of light that can be seen in the dark.
This light does not need any external power or charging source like electricity. It uses an isotope of hydrogen – this is responsible for making the watch hands and indices glow in the dark.
The tritium technology is also found in other types of applications, such as stop signs, kit markers, emergency exits, and pistol sights.
This substance was generally manufactured for industrial purposes and emits electrons through the beta decay process. When those electrons meet with phosphorous, it results in a fluorescent light that can last up to 20 years.
When you seal the tritium within a glass tube, it glows even brighter – and the result may even be a hundred times brighter.
Are tritium watches dangerous?
When tritium is used in a high dosage, it can be dangerous. One good thing with the tritium watches tech is that the dosage has been used in such a low dosage that makes it not dangerous to humans. Also, because the radiation is absorbed by the glass and the case, there is no harm unless it comes in direct contact with your intestinal walls and lungs.
In a nutshell, as long as you don’t inhale it or swallow it, then it should be very safe.
How long does tritium glow last?
The duration of tritium glow depends on the quantity used by the watch manufacturer. Usually, it can last for as long as 15 to 25 years.
How long does tritium night sight last?
The tritium night sight should be able to last for the entire night – well at least until the moment when the place is half-illuminated.
Once there is enough sunlight to take over, the night sight will no longer be visible.
Conclusion
These ten tritium watches are the best you can find in the market right now. These watches were carefully researched and compiled based on real customers’ usages and their personal thought. Some of them might be a bit pricy and out of your budget, but there are some that you can always get within a reasonable price. However, if you are still looking for something cheaper than what we have listed already, you can check for more tritium watches here.
