Super-LumiNova on a watch: What is it for ?

How do the hands of your watch glow in the dark?

Have you ever noticed that the hands of your watch continue to glow after dark? This remarkable feature is made possible by Super-LumiNova, a luminescent coating applied to the hands and hour markers. This gel (often tinted blue or green) absorbs light and emits it in the dark, allowing you to read the time at a glance, regardless of the time or lighting conditions.

Dive with us into the behind-the-scenes of this essential watchmaking technology and discover how Charlie Paris integrates it into the heart of its collections.

From radium to Super-LumiNova: the story of a watchmaking revolution

Telling the time in all circumstances has always been a challenge for watchmakers. At the beginning of the 20th century, Pierre and Marie Curie discovered radioactive materials, paving the way for the association of chemistry and watchmaking (notably with the use of radium).

However, the proven dangers of radioactivity have led chemists to seek alternatives. Titanium was once used because of its lower toxicity, but it had a major drawback: a lifespan limited to only 12 years.

The definitive solution ultimately emerged from a historic partnership between the Japanese company Nemoto and the Swiss company RC Tritec. By bringing back from China a luminous ceramic based on strontium aluminate, the head of RC Tritec changed the game. The LumiNova patent was filed in 1994, offering a non-radioactive, extremely durable, and powerful alternative, which was quickly adopted by the watchmaking industry (as well as for signage).

Super-LumiNova®: the brilliance of innovation on Charlie Paris watches

At Charlie Paris, the pursuit of excellence goes hand in hand with meticulous attention to legibility. That's why our timepieces incorporate premium Super-LumiNova®. Combining horological elegance with adventure-ready robustness, our collections Alliance And Concordia They shine day and night.

Collection Alliance : luminous endurance

Designed for lovers of classic watchmaking in search of performance, the collection Alliance It incorporates hour and minute hands as well as indices carefully coated with Super-LumiNova®. The result: a smooth, elegant and timeless readability in all circumstances.

Collection Concordia : the watch born for adventure

Designed to withstand the most extreme environments, the Concordia is the ultimate tool watch. Available in an automatic GMT version, it combines technicality and aesthetics:

• Absolute waterproofing up to 30 ATM (300 meters).
  
• Maximum robustness thanks to a screw-down crown and sapphire crystal.
  
• Super-LumiNova® X1 on the hands and indices, guaranteeing exceptional legibility in total darkness whether underwater, at high altitude or during polar nights.
  

A controlled brilliance that stands the test of time

Whether you opt for the timeless elegance of the collection Alliance or for the robust reliability of the ConcordiaSuper-LumiNova® transcends the watchmaking experience. More than just a technical detail, it is a discreet yet powerful light that guides your moments, from the soft clarity of twilight to the mysteries of the deep.