A good watch does not only tell time but tells time always. With most watches, its a matter of squinting or touching the screen when it becomes dark. A luminous watch solves this problem by showing you the time. It does not matter whether it’s dark or during the day time.
Of course, working with luminous dials can become a sort of compromise where you can tell time always but the dials age quite fast. This happens when the dials start becoming dim but again, nothing lasts forever and you can always replace the dials.
So why does the watch glow in the dark?
In the 1920s there was the case of women who unknowingly ingested a radioactive element while painting dials. After they successfully sued for damages, changes came about and today, modern safe luminous materials are used.
Table of Contents
7 Best Luminous Watches for 2021.
1. Bulova Men’s 43mm Marine Star Black Dial Goldtone Chronograph Watch
The Bulova brand is a well-known global name that stems from the United States. This is a brand known for innovation, craftsmanship and advanced technology. Their reputation is found in their classic art of timekeeping and at the same time embracing innovative ideas hence remaining true to its legacy.
A Bulova watch is more than just a time-telling product it is a piece of history. Joseph Bulova founded the company in 1875; Bulova remains an iconic brand at the forefront of today’s timepiece industry forever pursuing a profound history of firsts.
The Bulova Men’s 43mm Marine Star Black Dial Goldtone Chronograph Watch comes with a built-in stopwatch and time is displayed up to 59 minutes.
Bulova watches comes with a 3 year global warranty and any other assistance you may need from the manufacturer is available from their website.
Fact checks.
How can I get a manual for my watch? Most manuals are available for download as a PDF.How do I wind my mechanical watch? Mechanical watches are powered by the movement of your wrist as you wear it. It is recommended that you use a watch winder when you are not wearing your Bulova watch every day.My watch is broken, how can I get it repaired? Bulova has several service centers throughout the world see the list or service center from there website.My battery is dead, where can I get a new one? It is recommended taking you watch to nearest authorized Bulova retailer or use the store locator from the company website to get authorized dealers near you.
Pros
Water resistance
Quartz movement
42mm case diameter
Cons
The large diameter is not for everyone
2. Citizen Men’s CA0715-03E Promaster Diver
The Citizen Men’s CA0715-03E Promaster Diver is a luminous watch with a black polyurethane wrist strap. It is a three-hand analog display and still offers quartz movement. The black dial face is not only beautiful but also supports the luminous hour markers.
With Eco-Drive technology, the watch is powered by light and never needs a battery, so you’ll never need to open your case back or compromise your dive again.
The chronograph functionality features a 60-second chronograph hand. The window prevents straining since it is made from an anti-reflective mineral crystal. All this enwrapped in a round stainless steel case.
To maintain your watch and last longer it is recommended you inspect your watch once in every two to three years. To keep your watch water resistance, the packing needs to be replaced regularly as no product that does not need service for longer services, though the product comes with a 5 year warranty.
The watch uses built in rechargable cell to store electrical energy. You charge the watch by exposing the dial to light such as direct sunlight or fluorescent lamps. To ensure optimal operation, charge the watch in direct sunlight outdoor once a month for 5 to 6 hours, when you take your watch off, be sure to place it in a location where the dial can receive direct sunlight. The manufacture say that when the watch is fully charged it last up to 7 months without exposure to light.
Polyurethanes are one of the most multipurpose plastic materials. The nature of the chemistry allows polyurethanes to be reformed to solve challenging problems, to be molded into unusual shapes and to enhance industrial and consumer products by adding comfort, warmth and convenience to our lives.
Pro
Watch sizing guide
Imported
Well built
Classy
Cons
This watch seems to not disappoint
3. Citizen Men’s BL8000-54L Eco-Drive Calibre 8700 Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch
This Citizen model might as well be crowned the master of multitasking. It has several features like a multi-function dial that has a perpetual calendar, dial date and dual time. The dial here is moderate in size since it only measures 39mm and it is a mineral dial window. The perpetual calendar readjusts itself automatically.
Japanese technology never disappoints and with the Citizen Men’s BL8000-54L Eco-Drive Calibre 8700 Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch, there is Japanese quartz movement together with an analog display.
Utilizing electrical power converted from virtually any light source, this extraordinary invention changed forever the way watches could be powered. The Eco-Drive eliminates the need to ever replace batteries.
From the boardroom into the swimming pool. This watch offers you water resistance of up to 100 meters or 330 feet but never have it on when scuba diving.
The blue background with the three subdials ensures that you are always updated on the day, time and month. You can set an alarm and check the time under the sun since the face is made of non-reflective material.
Pros
Non-reflective mineral crystal
Perpetual calendar
Alarm
Dual time
Screw back case
Cons
Has a steel strap and might be heavy for others
The eco drive feature does not work well
4. BLWRX 44mm Men’s 1000m Diver Japanese Automatic Sport Stainless Steel Watch
This imported piece of Swiss time telling technology functions precisely any time of the day. You get a stainless steel case that has a 120 click unidirectional ceramic bezel. What’s more? The movement is automated and your dates are on analog display.
How deep can you go? Well with the BLWRX 44mm Men’s 1000m Diver Japanese Automatic Sport Stainless Steel Watch there are 3 things you can do without any worry. You can go swimming, scuba diving and snorkelling. This is because the watch is water-resistant to up to 1000 meters.
What makes this watch different is its special luminova filled technology that allows the luminous ability of the watch to be a long-lasting one. This also allows the watch to be very effective during dark hours or in dark places.
User experience, this watch is built like a tank, it has an outstanding quality and the actual body is superb. Everything is purely quality. A great watch for the money and the blue face is quite striking in person.
Pro
Diver’s watch that has a water resistance level of up to 1000 meters or 3300 feet
Can resist heavy water pressure
Sapphire crystal glass of 5mm in thickness
Classic design
Cons
A bit heavy
5. Citizen Watches BU0050-02L Calendrier Black One Size
Another one from the Citizen brand, the BU0050-02L Calendrier is an eco drive quartz watch that offers both analog and digital movement. All its functions come wrapped in a stainless steel case while at the top you have a mineral glass crystal. The watch movement is by quartz that measures vibrations in a piece of quartz and powered by a battery.
The best part is that this is a Japan-made watch that has a long warranty period of five years. What might not be so pleasing is that it cannot be worn in water levels superseding 100 meters.
This quite a lower level compared to some luminous watches. The watch comes with a leather strap and deployment clasp with push buttons. Water resistance WR100/10Bar/333ft you can swim shower and do snorkeling without much worry. The watch has 3 hand with analog month, day and date.
Pro
Citizen Eco-Drive
Never needs a battery
Mineral crystal window
Adjustable black leather wrist strap
Cons
Low water resistance level
6. Seiko Men’s SSC017 Prospex Analog Japanese Quartz Solar Stainless Steel Dive Watch
The Seiko Men’s SSC017 Prospex Analog Japanese Quartz Solar Stainless Steel Dive Watch is one of the few unique watches. This large size solar powered dive watch has 43bmm stainless steel case built with a black colored dial. The watch has a shock resistance and is scratchproof. It is a solar-powered bracelet watch. It is luminous and has three chronograph subdials. The watch has a smooth, unidirectional bezel, which rotates easily and accompanied by a clicking sound.
You can have it purchased in the United States or imported. The dial window is Hardlex made and the stainless steel. The water resistance level, in this case, is a bit reasonable. It is 200 meters or 660 feet. This is an upgrade from other watches, such as the Seiko Sportura, which is only resistant to 100 meters.
Although this Seiko wristwatch was designed to be worn for professional marine activities, diving, serious surface water sports, snorkeling, and other activities. It is not recommended for scuba diving since that usually takes the user below 200 meters. You will not need battery change as it is powered by all types light. With a full charge by just exposing the watch to the sun will easily give you a 6 months of working without recharge.
The Japanese quartz movement of the Seiko Prospex makes it very reliable, accurate, and the additional features of this watch such as Lumibrite lume, the adjustable strap chronograph seconds hand and the safe clasp make it suitable for most watch lovers.
The watch is covered by a return policy also, which gives you a no question asked refund of your amount if you wish to return the product.
Pros
Solar-powered
Hardlex dial window.
Attractive black and blue color
Easy to read Lumibrite lume on hands and makers
Japanese quartz movement offering greater precision
Amazing chronograph with split timimg windows.
Cons
The watch may be a little large and bulk for people with small wrist.
Not suitable for serious scuba divers
7. INFANTRY Mens 100M Waterproof Aviator Pilot Watch Chronograph Date Military Tactical Rubber Band
The watch is a complete revolutionized INFANTRY workmanship. The watch movement was in-house advanced to be as the heart of this precise timepiece, the watch is designed with brass and stainless steel while the case is PDV coated; K1 thickened scratch resistance mineral glass. is your simple luminous watch that can do different things. You can swim and shower wearing this watch but you should not press its buttons while doing so.
This is a military styled band that really suits outdoor activities. The numerals are large enough and easy to read plus the watch glows in the dark. This model is water resistance but only up to 100 meters. The manufacturers were generous enough to offer a two-year warranty.
Watch index and hands are made of strong Japanese-made luminous material coating. Aside from this, it also consists of unique watch movement for each of its 3 models in the market, giving you a personalized watch solution for every life explorer.
Pros
Glow in the dark
Chronograph
Waterproof
Cons
Low water resistance level
The rubber band can get uncomfortable after a while due to skin reaction to sweat accumulation
The Luminous Watch Buying Guide
What sets the luminous watch apart from other watches is that it glows but otherwise it’s just another wristwatch that does more. A luminous watch is great since you do not need to strain your eyes to check the time.
It should also be noted that it is not every street that is safe for you to use your phone to check the time. The worst part is when you have to turn on the lights just to read the time. If you normally work in dark areas or late into the night, a luminous watch is a necessity.
Why People Buy Luminous Watches
There are many people who prefer luminous watches and you might be wondering why. Well, there are several reasons.
They are convenient
It is better to work with a luminous watch than always retrieving your phone from your pocket or bag to check the time. In a meeting room, this would be regarded as a rude act.
You only check the time
Let us just be honest, nobody just checks the time on the phone and puts it back. The moment you get your phone you will be tempted to check the messages. With a luminous watch, you are not distracted.
It’s fashionable
We live in a world where looks are not taken lightly. So by getting yourself a good luminous watch, you will be doing yourself a great favor. It’s about saying less but doing more.
Factors To Consider When Buying A Luminous Watch
Quality of the Luminous watch.
We can never emphasize enough how quality reigns supreme. The price tag should never be the sole determinant when it comes to choosing a product. Check out all the specifications of the watch. If the specs are great and the cost is cheap, well it’s not just a good bargain, check again. High-quality products are normally made of high-quality materials and the cost is usually passed on to the buyer so if it is too good to be true, think twice.
What will you be using it for
You need to decide what you need the watch for. There are several varieties of luminous watches depending on functionality. Some of the varieties are:
# Luxury watches
# Military-grade watches
# Dress watches
# Chronograph watches
# Divers watches
A person who loves fishing would settle for a divers watch while an active person would opt for a chronograph watch.
Luminosity of the luminous watch
Luminosity levels vary from watch to watch. So depending on how much glow you want, you will be charged accordingly. The luminosity levels also depend on the use of the watch. If you are rarely in dark places then moderate glow will suit you just fine. Just ensure that whatever you get is bright enough to stop you from straining your eyes.
Price of the luminous watch.
How much are you willing to spend to get a good watch? There are plenty of watches available. Once you decide what type and style of watch you want, you’ll need to decide what kind of price tag to look in There is always something for everyone.
As much the features might not be many but the watch will serve its purpose. A cheap luminous watch does not mean that you overlook quality. Do not buy something that will break down in a matter of weeks.
Weight of the luminous watch
Luminous watches are made using different materials and the heavier the material, the heavier the watch. It is also a matter of personal preference. There are those who are just fine with heavy watches while others prefer light ones. If you want something light and comfortable then a luminous watch with leather straps will be better than one with metallic straps.
Style
What’s your style and what clothes do you plan to wear with the watch? If your style is sporty, then you will want a luminous watch that matches your sports outfit. If you are a lady, you will not want to wear your sports watch while going out in a dress.
Who is getting the watch
The correct question is who will be gifted? This is because if you are getting it for yourself then choosing won’t be a problem but if you are getting it for someone else then you will need to be very keen.
You need to know the person’s wrist size, colour preference and if they could be having allergies. The simplicity and complexity of the watch also comes into play.
Dial size and color
The dial size refers to the size of the watch’s face. A thin wrist will match with a smaller dial size. This means that people with big wrists look good with a big dial. Getting a dial size that does not match your wrist size attracts unnecessary attention.
The dial cover is usually made of crystal or mineral glass. Sapphire crystal is scratch resistant as compared to mineral glass but it is more susceptible to cracking since it is more brittle. If you are an outdoors person then get one with a dial cover that is resistant to breakage.
Brand of the luminous watch.
What is your style and when do you plan to wear the watch? Go for a watch that matches the occasion. As for the brand, it matters only if the brand truly delivers what it stands for. It is also a matter of the statement that you want to make.
Conclusion.
Although there are thousands of luminous watches available online, you need to take your time to get one that suits your needs. A good luminous watch should not just glow brightly at night.
Instead, it should be accurate or have very little accuracy margins, be comfortable on your wrist, have all the features you would want in a watch and definitely be long-lasting
There is something for everyone and it does not matter your taste. If you want to show your classy side then the Bulova brand would be what to opt for. If you are active then the BLWRX 44mm Men’s 1000m Diver Japanese Automatic Sport Stainless Steel Watch is recommended. All in all, it is important to note that price is not a limiting or decisive factor. Always check the features first and what you truly need.
We hope that this review guide with this list of 7 best luminous watches in the market has been useful and you will now know what to do before your next purchase.
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Hey, pretty great review! When people look for dive watches, they don’t realize how important lume is. I mean, you’ll be 200 feet underwater, so how would you check the time if the watch doesn’t have enough luminous paint!
Absolutely Theo,
Thanks for the comment….Even when diving in the caves it will be of great help and it can help you calculate the best time to get out though some are so advanced they can beep to alert you your time is elapsing saving a life.
I have purchased a Citizen Luminous watch before and did not like it that much. Taught it was a good purchase because of the notoriety of the name Citizen. Now would like to purchase another luminous watch to replace the Citizen and you have provided a variety for me to consider for my next watch. The Seiko brand sounds interesting and by the detailed image like the cool design. I am considering to purchase this watch within the next week! Thanks for helping me with choosing a replacement watch.
Hi Jannette
Regret you did not get what you wanted. But Citizen products are known to be robust and well designed. Would have been grand to know the product you had purchased. Its well known that 1930 CITIZEN was founded and it has promoted a multi-cultural mindset that fosters excellence and creativity.