Have you ever marveled how your watch glows in the dark? Much of that magic can be attributed to the innovative luminescent technology developed by RC Tritec AG. As a leading expert in this field, the family-owned company has been at the forefront of creating Swiss Super-LumiNova pigments that offer exceptional brightness and durability.
Albert Zeller, CEO of RC Tritec AG, discusses the company’s journey, the unique properties of its pigments, and the reasons why renowned Swiss watch brands consistently choose them as a trusted partner. Through his insights, Zeller showcases the company’s enduring reputation in the industry, illustrating its dedication to innovation and the high standards that have made it a key player in the world of luminescent solutions.
Bridges: Can you tell us how your family business innovated and adapted over the decades?
Zeller: It all started with my great-grandfather, who was searching for innovative products. Back then, radium-based applications were seen as high-tech products. However, it was quickly discovered that radium is harmful to people’s health; therefore, he sought an alternative to radium-activated luminous compounds. Our solution was the invention of a tritium-activated glow-in-the-dark powder. Tritium was still radioactive but less dangerous compared to radium paint, and its radiation was harder to measure and absorbed by the watch case. By the 1950s, this was considered the best solution, allowing us to begin supplying our materials to the global watch industry.
However, as you know, the perception of radioactivity changed over the decades. The Cold War and accidents such as the one at Chernobyl led to a different demand in the watch industry: Everyone wanted to offer nonradioactive solutions. This prompted us to collaborate with our Japanese partners to invent an alternative technology based on a ceramic that can be charged by ultraviolet light. This innovation, known as Swiss Super-LumiNova, is now used by all the major Western watch brands.
Can you explain in layman’s terms how Super-LumiNova pigments work?
Actually, you can imagine each grain of our pigments as a tiny light battery. This battery is charged with UV light, which can be found in any light source. The UV light excites electrons, elevating them to a higher energy state. The activated electrons are then stored and released back to their base state after a certain period. This loss of energy emits visible light from the system. The advantage is that you can repeat this process indefinitely, meaning there will never be a reduction in luminous performance.
What sets your pigments apart and why do all exclusive Swiss watch brands choose RC Tritec AG?
Due to our intensive research and development efforts, we offer the brightest and longest-glowing luminous pigments available. We have a strong focus on quality and strive to meet all of our partners’ needs. This means you will always receive the exact same color, performance, grain size and other specifications as you have been using before. If someone has a special request or demand for a particular color, we will make it a reality.
