Super-LumiNova

Super-LumiNova is a brand name under which strontium aluminate–based non-radioactive and nontoxic photoluminescent or afterglow pigments for illuminating markings on watch dials, hands and bezels, etc. in the dark are marketed. This technology offers up to ten times higher brightness than previous zinc sulfide–based materials.

Europium doped strontium silicate-aluminate oxide powder under visible light, long-wave ultraviolet, and in total darkness.
Lume applied on a diver's watch to make it readable in low light conditions.
LumiNova pigments in the dark

Super-LumiNova is based on LumiNova pigments, invented in 1993 by Nemoto & Co., Ltd. of Japan as a safe replacement for radium-based luminous paints.[1] Nemoto & Co. was founded in December 1941 as a luminous paint processing company and has supplied paint to the watch and clock industry for over 70 years.

Besides being used in timepieces, Super-LumiNova is also marketed for application on:

  • Instruments: scales, dials, markings, indicators etc.
  • Scales: engravings, silkscreen-printing
  • Aviation instruments and markings
  • Jewelry
  • Safety- and emergency-panels, signs, markings
  • Aiming posts
  • Various other parts

These types of phosphorescent pigments, often called lume, operate like a light battery. After sufficient activation by sunlight or artificial light, they glow in the dark for hours. Larger markings are visible for the whole night. This activation and subsequent light emission process can be repeated again and again, and the material does not suffer any practical aging. Strontium aluminate–based pigments have to be protected against contact with water or moisture, since this degrades the light emitting quality.[2][3][4]

Alternative for afterglow pigments

Tritium-based devices called "gaseous tritium light source" (GTLS), that are an alternative for afterglow pigments, have the advantage of being self-powered and producing a consistent luminosity that does not fade during the night. However, they are radioactive and have a half-life of slightly over 12 years. This means the intensity of the tritium-powered light source will gradually fade, generally becoming too dim to be useful after 20 to 30 years.

Tritium was used on almost all Swiss Watches like Rolex watches from 1960 to 1998 when it was banned.[5] and the original Panerai Luminor dive watch Radiomir.[6] Tritium-based substances ceased to be used by Omega SA in 1997.[7] By the late 1960s, radium was phased out and replaced with much safer alternatives.[8]

See also

References
  1. "NEMOTO & CO., LTD. | Products & Services". Archived from the original on 2008-12-05. Retrieved 2008-11-26.
  2. AR, RC TRITEC AG, Teufen. "Schweizer Qualität Seit mehr als 80 Jahren Ihr kompetenter Partner für Leuchtpigmente und High-Tech Anwendungen : RC TRITEC AG, Teufen AR". RC TRITEC AG.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. "Nemoto & Co., Ltd LumiNova". Archived from the original on May 17, 2008.
  4. "Glow in the Dark (Phosphorescent) Technologies".
  5. "Nine Basic Rules of a Buying a Vintage Rolex". Bloomberg.com. 7 January 2020.
  6. "Seven great dive watches". The Week UK.
  7. Gomelsky, Victoria (September 2, 2014). "A Comeback for the Military Watch". The New York Times.
  8. "What Makes Luminous Watch Dials Glow?". Bloomberg.com. 9 July 2018.
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