TIMEX Watches with backlight | red

Backlit watches are nothing new in the world of watchmaking. Therefore, there are now several types of watches that glow in the dark. How and when did backlit watches originate and what should you buy? We will advise you. 

History of backlit watches

Backlighting is one of the features that is used not only in monitors, displays, televisions, but also in watches. This function or category of watch illumination originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with illumination providing radium to the watch.

These were mainly watches that had hands painted with a radio, which made them glow. Later, however, the negative effects of radio were discovered. Also the Rolex company, which produced watches with backlighting from the radio, began to reduce its production from 1957.

However, a complete ban on radio use came around 1968. Later, promethium and tritium were used in watches, which were also harmful to health. The watchmaking industry was fascinated by the backlight function, but the radioactivity was dangerous for humans. With this in mind, watch manufacturers continued to research photoluminescent materials, which were used to illuminate dials.

In 1993, a solution was found. The Luminova was invented in Japan in the 1990s and changed the watch industry. Later, the Super-Luminova was developed in Switzerland, which charges with light and brightens the watch without any radioactivity.

However, the end of an era has not completely abandoned radioluminescence. No other technology has allowed, and still does not allow, to illuminate the important elements of the watch with a higher intensity and constancy of the emitted light. Tritium has become a safe alternative to radium. Tritium illuminated watches are known brands Luminox, Vostok Europe, Ball and others.

Designer watches with backlight

Super-Luminova is a long-lasting material that has also become an industry standard thanks to its safety, so you won't find radioactive watches on the market that are harmful to your health anymore.

Among the first watches to use Super-Luminova to illuminate their watches is the Rolex watch. Later, however, the brand itself produced its own version of backlighting, which is called Chromalight.Both cause the watch to backlight different colors. You can find watches that have green, blue, purple and gold backlighting.

Supposedly, watches that have Chromalight backlighting can glow longer and more intensely. In addition, many brands produce watches with backlighting, using Super-Luminova material for the backlighting.

Among the very popular, trendy and high quality backlit watches are men's and Ladies watches:

●      Casio

●      Casio G-Shock

●      Lorus

●      Timex

●      Bulova

●      Secco

●      Lacoste

●      Seiko

●      Calypso

●      Traser

●      Guess

●      Citizen

But it's not just prestigious watch brands, as watches in all price ranges have backlighting.

Types of backlit watches

Phosphorescent watches, backlit watches, luminous watches, watches with photoluminescent dials or watches with electroluminescent dials. There are several names for watches that glow in the dark, but also several types of watches.

Photoluminescent watches are one of the most common types of glowing watches, using non-radioactive and non-toxic paint to illuminate. This colour absorbs light and then emits it in green or blue shades.

Conversely, the electroluminescent glow comes from an electric current and passes through a wire that is mounted behind the dial. Press the button on the side to activate this current and your watch face will light up. Therefore, you may encounter either a luminous dial or a luminous dial. The offer is really big nowadays, so you can also choose a backlit watch in a sporty or elegant design and in different price ranges.