Which Brand of Watches Glows for Longer After Exposure to Light? Citizen or Seiko?

Whether you're a seasoned watch aficionado or just starting your journey into horology, the luminescence properties of watch hands and markers are a fascinating aspect to explore. Many watch enthusiasts have delved into the nuances of watch lume through numerous YouTube videos that compare different watch brands and models. Over the years, there has been a particular interest in identifying which watches continue to glow for the longest duration after exposure to light.

Understanding Watch Lume (Luminous Paint)

Watch luminosity, or lume, is the phenomenon where watch hands or markers emit light after being briefly exposed to an external light source. This glow is made possible through the use of luminous paint or a radioactive substance, often lactose, a type of inorganic compound, which is impregnated into the watch's hands or markers. This compound absorbs light and releases it slowly as energy, giving off a pale, soothing glow in the dark.

Popular YouTube Content on Watch Lume

Among the abundance of content available online, videos comparing the characteristics of watch luminosity have gained immense traction. Notably, the term 'Lume Wars' or 'Lume Comparison' often surfaces in search queries. These videos typically shine a light on a range of watches, often from popular brands, and capture the glow over an extended period, often in complete darkness, to gauge the intensity and duration of the lume.

My Personal Experiment: A 30-Watch Comparison

Curiosity sparked a personal experiment where I decided to compare 30 different watches to determine the brand and model that glows the longest in total darkness. This extensive test involved recording the glow from each watch over several hours, effectively ensuring an accurate assessment. The primary objective was to find which watch hands or markers would continue to emit light the longest without the need for constant re-exposure to a light source.

The Results: Seiko Samurai Save the Ocean

After hours of meticulous observation, it was clear that one specific Seiko watch, the Seiko Samurai Save the Ocean, stood out in the comparison. When lumed and then placed in complete darkness, it outperformed all other watches. This watch maintained a gradual but consistent glow, lasting longer than the required threshold to be considered the superior watch in terms of luminosity persistence. This outcome suggests that the Seiko Samurai Save the Ocean is a top performer in the realm of watch lume, at least in my experiment.

Conclusion

The watch industry is renowned for its dynamic exploration into innovative design and functionality. The comparison between Citizen and Seiko watches when it comes to lume indicates that Seiko's brand might have an advantageous position. More research and tests are warranted to confirm this trend across a broader range of models and applications. Whether you're looking for a reliable watch for nighttime activities or simply enjoy the artistic appeal of glowing watch hands, understanding lume can provide valuable insights.

Keywords:watch lume, Citizen watches, Seiko watches