The Traser watch brand name was introduced in 1989 and is a division of Swiss-based mb-microtec, which makes illumination for multiple industries.
Headquartered (near Bern) in Niederwangen, Switzerland, all Traser watches are 100% Swiss-made, are water-resistant to a minimum of 200 meters, and feature Trigalight self-powered illumination technology that uses safe tiny glass tubes filled with tritium to provide a bright, reliable light source for a decade or longer with no external energy needed — day or night.
History
Founded in 1969 by Oskar Thüler, the physicist who discovered and developed Trigalight self-powered illumination technology, mb-microtec is the global leader in developing, manufacturing, and producing self-illuminating gaseous light sources.
With around 100 employees and a state-of-the-art factory that was inaugurated in 2018, mb-microtec manufactures illumination products in-house for the watch, aerospace, automotive, and security industries.
According to Traser, “The development and manufacture of the world’s first self-illuminating watch by Traser’s parent company, mb-microtec, resulted in the establishment of the Traser brand in 1989. A batch of 300,000 of “The Original”, the first traser watch (Ref. P6500 Type 6), was supplied to the US Army and was designed in accordance with their unique specifications.
In 2011, Traser introduced a custom design for the Swiss Air Force as well as a limited edition for two Russian special units. In 2012, Traser presented a special edition for the 100-year anniversary of the Russian Air Force and, from 2015 to 2017, Traser was the Official Timekeeper of the Tour de Suisse.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of mb-microtec, Traser broke a world record with the T1000, it developed the world’s brightest self-luminous watch. The one-of-a-kind timepiece made its début at Baselworld 2019, the world’s largest trade show for the watch industry. With an incredible 318 Trigalight pipes, the T1000 glows with an intensity of more than 1000 microlumens — 50 times stronger than any conventional watch with H3 technology. The luminous flux was tested and certified by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS).”
Today, Traser produces three collections: Outdoor, Tactical, and Divers.
Outdoor
The Traser Outdoor collection consists of a broad range of timepieces including chronographs, GMTs, and three hand models (Swiss automatic or quartz). This is the brand’s so-called “fashionable” line yet the watches still feature 46 mm diameter cases (in stainless steel or composite materials, 200 meters of water-resistant, and reliable Trigalight tritium-filled tubes. The collection is made up of the P96 Outdoor Pioneer, P68 Pathfinder GMT, P68 Pathfinder Automatic, P67 Officer Pro Chronograph, P67 Officer Pro Automatic, P67 Officer Pro, P59 Essential, and P59 Classic.
Retail prices range from $340 to $1,170.
Diver
Traser started with tactical watches in 1989 and that’s still a core focus. Diving watches are a natural complement to tactical watches as both are often designed for true professional uses. The P67 SuperSub Diver and P67 SuperSub Diver Automatic come in 46 mm diameter stainless steel cases and are depth-rated to 500 meters of water resistance compared to the rest of the Traser watch models, which have 200 meters. The P67 SuperSub Diver features an automatic helium escape valve for professional saturation diving, a rotating ceramic count-up dive bezel for timing, and reliable Trigalight tritium-filled tubes to ensure visibility even in the darkest underwater conditions.
Retail prices range from $705 to $1,495.
Tactical
In 1989, after extensive research and engineering, The Original (P6500 Type 6) — the first self-illuminated watch ever produced — was supplied to the US Army. The professional Tactical collection still represents the core of Traser. The P99 T Tactical and P99 Q Tactical, which most closely resemble the first Mil-Spec Traser watch (the P6500 Type 6), to the contemporary P66 Tactical Mission and P69 Black Stealth lines — the Tactical line embodies the brand’s roots “…with highly resistant materials, uncompromising functionality, robust design, and a strong appearance.”
Retail prices range from $555 to $890.
Professional Illumination
Whether making illumination for the sights on a gun or a tactical watch, Trigalight technology by mb-microtec delivers the most consistent professional self-powered lighting. All Traser wristwatches feature Trigalight self-powered tritium-filled tubes — designed for anything from casual use to hiking, diving, aviation, and full-fledged professional tactical situations.
Photos by Traser.
