An affordable tritium option: Nite Alpha

Yesterday, we took another foray into the Ball Watch catalog, which of course features tritium tubes at the core of the design. While those are lovely to aspire to, we acknowledge that those may be a bit too pricey for many folks. Want something a bit more affordable? Then consider the Nite Alpha.

The Nite Alpha is a take on the classic, and ever-lovely, dive watch design. More than just having the good looks, the specs actually back it up. We’ve got a fuller list down below, but here’s a quick rundown:

T100 Tritium illumination: tell the time, all the time.

300m water resistant: discover the darkest depths.
10-year battery life: a decade of adventure.
Ceramic bezel insert: premium design, ultra-scratch resistant.

Sapphire crystal face: ultra-scratch resistant.
Swiss-made movement: accuracy and reliability, always.
2-year warranty: for peace of mind.

You’ll notice that the Nite Alpha is a quartz-driven watch. That might turn off some readers, but again, there’s a time and place for everything. And if you want a watch that you don’t need to think about and fuss with resetting all the time, a quartz movement with a 10-year battery in it is hard to argue with.

Past the movement, we rather like the finishes they’ve got on the steel cases, as well as the angular three-link bracelet that comes paired to them. The inclusion of a sapphire crystal and a ceramic bezel insert just helps to sweeten the pot.

Then again, you can find those on any number of watches. We’re looking at the Nite Alpha because of the tritium tubes. You’ve got tubes in two colors on the dial (either flat or more traditional round tubes) ensuring you can read the time, along with the round tubes on the handset. Past that, you also get a small round tube embedded on the bezel in the place of the usual luminous pip. You know, ensuring that you can keep track of your countdown in the dark.

Pricing for the Nite Alpha collection starts at $580 on a synthetic strap that is fitted to the lugs. Or if you prefer (and what we’d recommend), you can go for the bracelet option that is finished-matched to the case for $700. To may way of thinking, a quartz tritium diver is a perfect camping/outdoors sort of a watch, keeping the time and enduring the activities. You can check out the full lineup over at nitewatches.com