For many people, a watch is the most important part of their outfit — the strap and dial work to bring the entire ensemble together.
Why not diversify your collection with hand-picked tritium tube watches?
Tritium is a top-of-the-line illumination technology that emanates a distinct glow.
This advancement in timepiece technology brings a unique aesthetic to even the dullest of office watches.
If you thought glow-in-the-dark watches could not be made for adults, think again! Watches with tritium markers boast radiant elements that focus on improving visibility, functionality, and design.
With the innumerable options available to choose from, picking what is right can be a challenge.
Therefore, on your behalf, we have reviewed some of the best tritium watches to help you make a well-informed decision.
To know more, read on!
See Our Best Watches With Tritium
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1
Best Overall
1Marathon GSAR Military Tritium Watch
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2
Best For Higher Budgets
2Bertucci A-4t Super Yankee Illuminated Watch
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3
Best For Low Budgets
3Vostok Komandirskie Russian Tritium Watch
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1. Marathon GSAR Military Tritium Watch
- The Marathon GSAR military tritium watch is water-resistant up to 300m
- Its Swiss-made auto movement offers incredible accuracy and precision
- It comes with tritium illumination
- The watch has a stainless steel body and has a rubber strap for increased comfort and durability
- Rubber strap
Marathon WW194006, popularly referred to as GSAR – Government Search and Rescue – is a top-quality purpose-made military tritium watch.
If you’re seeking a tough military watch, look no further than Marathon GSAR!
They are designed specifically for divers conducting dangerous, deep-sea Search and Rescue missions (SAR).
Additionally, this piece also comes recommended for the US Marine Corps.
This timepiece has an easy-to-read second hand and dial. And like most military watches, it has an elegant matte black face.
Its overall design makes it stand out at formal events while maintaining a discreet yet robust façade.
Furthermore, the Marathon GSAR includes a high-end anti-reflective (AR) sapphire glass coating.
This coating is durable and very difficult to source, and the crystal allows you to tell the time in direct sunlight or even underwater!
You will get limitless precision and durability with this military tritium edition because of its Swiss-made 2821-2 movement, which is exceedingly reliable and accurate.
Lastly, this watch uses one of the most popular auto movements in the industry; also used by Tag Heuer and Hamilton, among others.
Specifications
Pros
- Automatic Movement
- Self-illuminating tritium tubes
- Useful for Search and Rescue missions
- Stainless steel
- Water-resistant up to 1000 feet
Cons
- Some users complained about the watch's small 'month' figure
2. Bertucci A-4t Super Yankee Illuminated Watch
- It has a top-quality titanium metal body
- It has a shatter and scratch-resistant dial
- 3-year warranty
- 5-year lithium battery
- Vintage design
This Bertucci A-4T watch blends World War 2 military styling with a robust titanium construction, cutting-edge Swiss movement, and luminous markings.
The first thing you will notice with this watch is its crown placement. One may think it impedes usability; however, it does the opposite!
This immaculate timepiece boasts improved functionality in a classic build. It is a must-have for those with high expectations from their wristwatch.
This A-4T Yankee military-style watch has a case diameter of about 44mm and lugs that can easily accommodate a one-inch wide strap.
Its impressive case size improves readability, even in dim light conditions.
In addition to that, like most field watches, the A-4T Yankee comes with a high-quality straight-through nylon strap rather than a two-piece band pinned to the lugs.
It is also incredibly easy to change the strap! We don’t want to undersell this feature because it is vital.
Most companies that have advanced smartwatches also find it difficult to improve the strap-changing procedure. In comparison, Bertucci seems to have perfected it.
Thanks to the high-quality titanium-built Unibody case; it’s extremely lightweight when put on.
Also, it can resist water up to 100m without jeopardizing functionality.
Furthermore, its 5-year lithium battery will ensure longevity. You will forget that watches require a change of power source!
Additionally, this watch has a dial that is secured by shatter and scratch-resistant mineral crystal.
And its Swiss movement provides the reliability and accuracy that you deserve.
Specifications
Pros
- Durable
- It offers an impressive 100m water resistance capacity
- Swiss Movement for precision
- Lightweight
- The watch includes Swiss movement to provide accurate time and higher reliability
Cons
- Some people complain of stiff straps
3. Vostok Komandirskie Russian Tritium Watch
- It’s dial include a matte grey finish, gold-tone hour numbers to make readability easier
- The watch is highly shock-resistant
- Provides stainless steel bracelet with multiple color options to choose from
- Water-resistant up to 200mm
If you want a budget-friendly military watch with industry-competitive durability, reliability, and water performance, choose the Vostok Konamdirskie Russian Military Watch!
It has a high-quality, grey dial with the word ‘commander’s’ written in Russian.
That’s because Vostok automatic wristwatch is part and parcel of the famous ‘Kormandirskie’ line of high-end military divers watches.
With a dimension of 41.7 mm and a lug size of 20mm, this Russian military tritium watch can fit on any wrist and provide a better wear experience than most other wristwatches on the market.
In addition to that, it has a dense, stainless-steel body case that makes the watch feel luxurious and premium.
Plus, it has a large, signed crown that adds to the overall personality of this exclusive military watch.
Finally, this Vostok piece has a company engraving on the backside of its stainless-steel body case.
Something which is not commonly seen on budget-friendly tritium watches.
Moreover, this military wristwatch offers a decent water-resistant capacity of 200mm, so feel free to dive into the sea while wearing the Vostok automatic wristwatch.
Specifications
Pros
- Auto self-winding movement
- Anti-shock balance
- It has luminous dots and hands, which make it easy to read even in low lights
- Luminous dots and hands
Cons
- Only a few people claimed that the crown felt a little wobbly after excessive tuning
4. Stuhrling – Analog Dive Watch
This attractive quartz dive watch is ideal if you enjoy being in the water, as it’s suitable for swimming, snorkelling and even diving, up to 330 feet. The face has large, easy to read numerals, which are luminous, meaning the dial glows after exposure to light. A rotating bezel is marked at five-minute intervals, allowing you to measure elapsed time up to an hour. This is a great feature for diver’s needing to monitor their time under water. There’s also a screw down crown to ensure water resistance. Even non-diver’s can appreciate the design features of this classic watch, and the quality materials, such as the triple-row link bracelet and deployant clasp, made of surgical grade steel. This watch uses a Japanese Miyota movement for accurate and reliable timekeeping.
Specifications
Pros
- Stylish design.
- Easy to read watch face.
- Water resistant up to 330 feet.
- Japanese Miyota movement.
- Deployant clasp for perfect fit.
Cons
- The screw down crown is a little harder to access than on non-diving watches (to maintain water resistance).
5. Luminox – Evo Navy Seal
The Evo Navy Seal from Luminox features durable polyurethane case and band, resists under 660ft (200m) of water, and glows 100 times brighter than other luminous timepieces on the market. This makes it the ideal design for people who need to tell the time in low-light or no-light conditions or for professional marine activity.
The large face, durable mineral dial window, and white hands and markers make it easy to read the analog black dial with one date complication by the 3 o’clock position. The watch features both 12h and 24h formats and the unidirectional textured bezel is adorned with minute indexes for easier timing.
At its core, the Evo Navy Seal is powered by a Japanese Quartz movement, which means it is highly accurate. In summary, this is a highly durable, comfortable to wear, reliable timepiece that can be used by professionals with demanding jobs like US Navy Seals, Air Force pilots, medical personnel and more.
Specifications
Pros
- Durable build & protective case
- Reliable & accurate quartz movement
- Easy to read face
- Good water resistance
- The glowing markers are bright
Cons
- The band breaks in time
- The glowing markers will lose power in time
- Replacement parts are quite expensive
6. Luminox Navy Seal Tritium Watch
- Its tritium tubes offer stunning lighting even under low lights
- Water-resistant up to 200m
- Lightweight
- Water-resistant
The Luminox Navy Seal Tritium Watch has an edgy design and offers unrivaled functionality.
Thanks to its all-black design, this Luminox watch provides incredible visibility even in low-light conditions.
Its white-colored date and embossed numerals also encourage functionality in bright light situations.
It has an all-black 44mm body case made from carbon fiber-reinforced polymer to provide additional strength while ensuring that it also feels relatively lightweight.
Moreover, the dial window of this Navy Seal watch is constructed with a shatter-resistant, scratch-resistant, and shock-absorbing mineral glass.
Furthermore, its luminous black design makes this timepiece easy-to-read. It is also specifically designed with black Arabic numerals and hour markers, which blends superbly with the black hour, minute, and second’s hand.
It has a broad rubber band and a double-locking buckle that functions well when dry or wet.
This helps you go from place to place without overthinking a change of outfit.
Lastly, this Luminox all-black Men’s watch comes with an authentic Swiss Quartz movement that allows for long-lasting battery life and accurate timekeeping.
Specifications
Pros
- Super-sleek all-black design
- The watch provides an all-black comfortable band and straps, even when you wear it wet
- Provides genuine quartz movement for precision and reliability
- Scratch-resistant glass
- Quartz movement
- Durable
Cons
- It's a bit hard to change the straps of the watch
7. Stuhrling Pro Diver Watch
- It has a traditionally classic yet stylish design
- Provides water resistance up to 330 feet or 100m
- Fully adjustable bracelet
- 2-year warranty
If priority is reliability and accuracy, choose the Stuhrling Pro Diver Watch!
It has an overall traditional yet elegant design that provides a superior water-resistant rating of 100m and a rubber gasket seal to prevent leaks — making this timepiece ideal for snorkeling, swimming, diving, and other water-related activities.
This pro diver watch comes with a triple-row bracelet with a push-button safety clasp for adjustments if required. With age and changing workout routines, the size of your wrist alters over time.
The adjustment capabilities of this Stuhrling piece will ensure that it stays with you through any future size changes.
The classic design and its all-inclusive blue dial and white hour, minute, and seconds hand make this Stuhrling piece a perfect everyday watch.
Additionally, due to its luminescent accents, its dial glows when exposed to the light.
This timepiece is very easy to use and provides precise time due to its quartz movement. Also, to make it a worthwhile purchase, the watch offers a comprehensive 2-year warranty.
Specifications
Pros
- Easy-to-read
- The watch has a stainless steel case and provides increased durability and resistance
- Ultra-accurate
- Fully adjustable bracelet
- Water-resistant
- Can abide by any dress code
Cons
- The crown is hard to change
Best Tritium Watch Buying Guide
Brightness & Light Source
Most people buy tritium watches for their luminescent features; the glow offers increased visibility, accuracy, and functionality.
You will find two kinds of tritium watches available on the market: T25 and the T100 (T100 is also listed as simply ‘T,’ so don’t get confused when you come across this).
The numbers 25 and 100 denote the volume of millicuries inside the gas tube of a tritium watch.
Although both types provide adequate illumination, if you want the brightest tritium watch for yourself or a loved one, choose a T100 variant as it offers a superior glow.
Movement
All watches are categorized based on the quality of the movement mechanism they use.
Mechanical movement watches need constant rewinding; however, they don’t require batteries and are quite reliable.
Automatic movement watches, including tritium watches, are self-winding and don’t require manual winding at all — these watches self-rewind using the wearer’s wrist movement.
Then there is a third kind, known as the quartz movement. These are battery-dependent watches that stop running when cells run out of juice.
Design
Among the many things one has to consider when buying a watch, design ranks as one of the top deciding factors. Tritium watches are available in various styles, builds and with a selection of straps.
Before deciding what style to choose, you should analyze what would best resonate with you and your wardrobe.
Do you like super sleek or bold, glamorous, classic or elegant?
If your wardrobe contains bold patterns, expressive accessories, and bright colors, choosing a design that delivers a statement might slightly overdo it.
On the other hand, if your wardrobe is less expressive and one-dimensional, choose a tritium watch that stands out.
Nonetheless, most tritium watches are military-style and rugged and can blend well with almost every style.
Materials
Many people prioritize design over all other aspects. However, one of the most overlooked features is the timepiece’s overall build quality.
It should always be given precedence while picking out a watch. Because, what’s the point of getting a good looking piece, that won’t last the year.
The structure is all the more important if you’re planning to wear your watch in the field or during outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, cycling, hiking, missions, swimming, etc.
If this is the case, you should always choose a timepiece with a rugged, robust strap.
You can choose between three different materials: rubber, canvas, or metal.
Canvas is a good option but can be scratched or damaged by sharp objects. Rubber, on the other hand, is a decent option for a band as it’s easy-to-wash.
However, metal bracelets are the safest and most reliable option to go with, as they provide increased scratch resistance.
If you decide to buy a watch with a metal bracelet, please ensure that it is built using stainless-steel, Because stainless-steel is best known for its ability to withstand wear and tear despite prolonged usage.
Uses
Tritium watches are useful in several specific scenarios, such as swimming, snorkeling, diving, military operations, and other exhaustive or low-light situations.
They provide accurate timing and higher reliability, even when it is dim and dark, thanks to their luminous features.
Lets elaborate further:
Military
Due to its luminescence, the tritium watch is the most popular watch among army, navy, airforce, and marine personnel.
When deployed in low-light areas or high-pressure situations, military men have their movements restricted. Their mission guidelines and deliverables are also defined by time intervals.
Therefore, tritium watches justify their use from a military standpoint.
Most of these military tritium watches are water-resistant — making them an essential accessory for goal-oriented individuals handling time-sensitive tasks.
If you are interested to read more about best tactical watches, make sure you give our guide a chance.
Dive
All dive watches with tritium provide value for money. That is because they offer 100-times better brightness than most other types of glowing timepieces.
And since visibility and time restrictions are of high priority to divers, dive watches with tritium are the best option.
Additionally, many tritium watches provide water resistance ratings up to 100m to 200m. However, not all of them are waterproof, so make sure to check that the one you are buying has an IPX rating.
Dive watches usually come with a higher price tag, but we’ve managed to find some high quality pieces that come at a good price in our best dive watches under $500 guide.
Pricing Range
Although you have to consider several factors before deciding to buy a tritium watch, the most important thing to consider is the price range.
You don’t want to burden your wallet excessively just to tell the time!
Tritium watches are some of the most expensive types of illumination watches.
However, this doesn’t mean that all tritium watches are costly. There are plenty of reasonable choices available.
You can find a great tritium watch anywhere between $250 to $2500. Don’t forget, the more the features, the higher the price.
Although, if you’re buying one for professional usage, it would be beneficial to invest as heavily as your wallet allows.
This is because you may feel like investing in a watch that doesn’t feature in our list.
Although we stand by Tritium watches, we cannot vouch for timepieces that we haven’t reviewed. And in that scenario, it would be helpful to get one backed by a renowned brand name.
Our Verdict
Tritium watches exude a rugged toughness that is missing in most high-end, everyday watches currently available.
They also offer unique designs, higher visibility, and unmatched functionality.
With a tritium technology timepiece on your wrist, you’ll be able to keep track of time in a dull cave, underwater, on your campsite, and in a dark and gloomy forest — making it your companion in the darkest of hours (no pun intended).
Our picks were chosen after careful deliberation, where we judged each watch’s capabilities.
We found the ones that offered the highest functionality for the least amount of money from various trials and comparisons.
Our top pick is Marathon GSAR Military Tritium Watch.
It offers a range of premium features such as stainless steel for durability and reliability and automatic movement for accuracy.
Plus, it features self-illuminating tritium tubes to let you see the time in low-light situations.
We stand by all our picks because they offer usability and value, and most importantly, they conform to our strict criteria.
Picking a tritium Timepiece from our collection will ensure longevity and quality!