Timex INDIGLO night-light is a proprietary backlighting technology used in many of Timex's watch models. It is designed to provide a bright and evenly distributed light that illuminates the entire watch face, making it easy to read the time in low light conditions. In contrast, traditional light or lume on a watch typically only illuminates the hands and hour markers, which can make it difficult to read the time if the watch face is cluttered or has a complicated layout.
There are several key reasons why Timex INDIGLO night-light is superior to traditional light or lume on a watch:
Brightness: Timex INDIGLO night-light is significantly brighter than traditional light or lume. It uses a special electroluminescent lamp that is powered by a small battery, which allows it to provide a bright, consistent light source that is easy to see in any lighting condition. In contrast, traditional light or lume relies on the natural decay of a glowing substance, which can be dim and difficult to see in bright light or when the watch has been inactive for an extended period of time.
Ease of use: Timex INDIGLO night-light is very easy to activate and deactivate, with a simple button press or twist of the crown. I remember finding it by accident as a kid and being mesmerized by the glow.
Durability: Timex INDIGLO night-light is highly durable and reliable, with a long lifespan and low maintenance requirements. It is not affected by temperature or humidity, and it does not require regular charging or recharging. In contrast, traditional light or lume can be sensitive to environmental conditions and may require regular maintenance or replacement to maintain its effectiveness.
Versatility: Timex INDIGLO night-light is available in a wide range of watch styles and designs, including sport, dress, and casual styles. It is also compatible with a variety of features and functions, such as chronographs, alarms, stopwatches, and world time zones.
Timex, a company known for its innovative and thoughtfully designed watch features, saw the potential for a night-light function in the market and decided to utilize electroluminescent technology in its digital and analog watches. Prior to the release of the INDIGLO night-light feature in the early 1990s, there was no easy way to read a watch in the dark. This was a frustrating problem for many consumers and Timex saw an opportunity to provide a solution.
After the successful release of the Timex Ironman Triathlon watch, which quickly became the best-selling watch in America, Timex began to explore other areas of innovation. While the company had already focused on improving timekeeping efficiency and water-resistance, it felt that night-lights were a functional feature that consumers were seeking. Timex researchers had been experimenting with electroluminescent technology in various consumer applications and decided to try it out in timepieces.
The INDIGLO night-light feature was released in 1992 and featured a thin paper film on the dials of the watches that acted as a light bulb when illuminated by battery power. The "INDIGLO" name derives from the word indigo, thanks to the distinctive blue glow emitted when the night-light is activated. Timex's hunch was correct and the INDIGLO night-light was a major success. It has since become a standard feature on many watches, but it was the innovative thinking of Timex that brought this convenient and practical feature to the market. The INDIGLO night-light is just one example of Timex's commitment to meeting the changing needs of consumers and offering solutions to common problems.
Overall, Timex Indiglo is a superior backlighting technology that offers a bright, easy-to-use, and durable lighting solution for watches. It will however eat batteries. Not because it uses a lot of power necessarily, but because once you see it in person, you will keep pressing the INDIGLO night-light button long after you know the time just to see the comforting glow. You will press the button just for fun, or to show your friend. You will let your kids see it, and they will activate it 1000 times in a row, and still not get enough of the alluring glow. Batteries are cheap and with INDIGLO, it's worth it!
The watches featured here are the from the Timex Mk1 Aluminum series, with a 40mm silver case, with white military field watch style dial, it came on a black and silver reflective strap. Another with a 40mm black PVD case, with black military field watch style dial, it came on and yellow and silver reflective strap. The Timex Mk1 Aluminum is a quintessential field watch with a sturdy lightweight aluminum case. The entire Timex Mk1 Aluminum series is awesome, with options for chronograph or three hand style field watch and a variety of colors to suit any taste. I like them so much that I bought several and mix and match straps often. I also throw them on perlon straps or NATO straps. I even tried it on a bund from Vario just to see what the was like. They are real strap monsters. It is an ideal choice for anyone who values reliability, convenience, and versatility in their timepiece. Also shown is the Timex T49961 Expedition Scout 40mm Fabric Strap Watch that comes on a olive drab canvas strap. All are good choices and will light up your life!