NoctiLumina® Watch Luminizing Kits and Materials

Using NoctiLumina® G8 and B8 Series Pigments for Bezel Lumination

NoctiLumina® G8UF and B8UF pigments are ideally suited for use on bezels of diver watches. While luminous materials used on the face and hands of a watch are protected from moisture by the case, bezel lumination is exposed constantly to humidity and water, particularly on diver watches.

Pigments based on a strontium aluminate chemistry degrade rapidly when exposed to water. Several approaches have been used in an attempt to mitigate this problem, the most common being to encapsulate the individual pigment particles in various plastics. Our B5E pigment uses this approach and may also be used on bezels either by itself or mixed with G8UF or B8UF.

NoctiLumina® G8UF and B8UF pigments do not contain strontium aluminate. Their proprietary formulation is inherently immune to degradation by water. They can be exposed indefinitely to water with no reduction in lume brightness or longevity of glow.

For bezels we recommend using any combination of B5E, G8UF and B8UF with Binder 1A due to its excellent adhesive qualities, but Binder 1 or 2 may also be used.

To luminize bezel indices, mix the pigment with the binder in a moderately thick paste-like consistency, using Thinner if necessary. Apply the material to the indices using thinned pegwood or a watch oiler under magnification. Preferably, leave the surface of the pigment slightly lower than the top surface of the bezel so there is room for a thin top coat. The lume should be allowed to cure for 72 hours at room temperature.

The lume can often be applied over existing white paint. A white paint substrate will provide a better glow to the lume, but care must be taken with Binder 1A since it can soften many paints.

If desired, a top coat may be used to protect the lume from dirt and impact. Binder 2 is best for the top coat since it is based on a material that does not dissolve the Binder 1A that the lume was mixed with. It also provides a very hard and durable surface. Apply Binder 2 using thinned pegwood or a watch oiler. Since the binder will shrink somewhat in height, be sure to dome it very slightly above the level you wish it to be when cured. Cure for 72 hours.

Cleanup or removal of a bad application can be performed using acetone or xylene, if compatible with the existing bezel materials, paints, and coatings.