What is the difference between Superluminova (conventional) and LLT (activated luminosity)?

Superluminova has to be exposed to a light source (natural or artificial) to get charged and then it will hold the luminosity for a limited time dependent from the quality of the material. The duration of the visibility is approximately between 3.5 and 8 hours. Luminox watches with the LLT’s (activated luminosity) need no external light source to “charge” the paint on the dial or hands in order to glow. They neither require a push of a button to light the dial as do watches with electro luminescence, and therefore Luminox watches do not consume any battery power. These are the main advantages of the LLT’s.

How long can a Luminox Light Tube stay bright?

The technology Luminox uses provides 24/7 luminosity, regardless of conditions, for up to 25 years. For the first ten years, we guarantee that the intensity of the glow remains constant. From then on, it is subject to decrease due to the energy loss of the gas but will still glow for up to 25 years.

As a result of the Luminox Light Technology, Luminox watches are always readable at a glance, during the day and the night.

The glass tubes are made from borosilicate. (Borosilicate glass is a type of heat-resistant glass)

The Tritium gas which emits the light is a radioactive form of ordinary Hydrogen gas. Tritium gas is sealed inside these small borosilicate glass tubes, and continuously emits light. Each borosilicate glass tube is laser cut and sealed.

Luminox watches are water resistant and shock resistant. Its light sources have unique properties: They are unaffected by water, oil and most corrosive materials.

The tubes go through a labor intensive manufacturing process with quality control being a dominant part of the production. They are inspected for dimensions, brightness, temperature, thermal shock and Tritium leakage. Random sample testing is performed continually for discoloration, brightness decay, reduced pressure and vibration effects. 

The light tubes require no external power source or exposure to light in order to work. They have a life time of up to 25 years. The low-level Beta radiation cannot penetrate the inner glass tube. They are therefore completely safe for all uses. Should you actually manage to break the inner tube (by smashing it with a hammer or similar impact), the tiny amount of Tritium gas will simply disperse, without harm to humans or the environment. The light tubes are being cut to perfect length by a laser and filled with a low active gas. The electrons emitted by the tritium gas activate the luminous substance which enables a long lasting and strong visibility at dark.

Low tolerance glass tubes thanks to high precision laser cutting

The light tubes placed in Luminox watches are the world‘s smallest gaseous tritium light sources – Luminox LIGHT TECHNOLOGY (LLT)