A vacuum tube watch is a clock that utilizes vacuum tubes to display time. This follows a technology that is now over 45 years old and very easy to read. Although vacuum tube watches are no longer in production today, they are loved by vintage watch enthusiasts for their unique design, workmanship, tradition, and aesthetics. 

Construction

Vacuum tube watches display time in orange color. They require no button to adjust and when you want to view time, you just hold it like an ordinary watch. The time is displayed in 14mm digits.

The vacuum tube watch is also water-resistant and very rugged as the case is made of anodized aluminum. This makes the watch very strong and durable. As a result, it can hold up to years of use without showing serious signs of damage.

The band is made of rubber and can stand used in moist environments.

How it works

As we said above, a vacuum tube watch utilizes a glass tube without air to display time.  It also has a filament that is the source of free electrons. On the outside, you will find a metal part that carries electrons from the tube.

Vacuum tubes on their part are electronic devices that rely on the passage of electrons through a vacuum. These tubes take different forms and were the basis of the electronic industry until the mid 1960s. At this time, advanced electronic devices such as transistors and integrated circuits overtook them.

The most common types of vacuum tubes took the shape of electric bulbs. These came with a tube, pins, and additional terminals on the side of the bulb.

The type of glass tube used in the vacuum watch is referred to as a triode. A triode is a 3 element tube that consists of a heated cathode that emits electrons, an anode that collects emitted electrons, and a wire mesh between them that controls the flow of the electrons. A variation in the applied voltage causes a variation in the electron flow between the plate and the cathode. As a result, there is an amplification of the emitted light.

Vacuum tubes were the precursor of the current transistors that we have in our electronic devices. However, vacuum tubes were much larger and temperamental than transistors and required regular replacements. This is because they could generate a lot of heat during their operation and this would cause the filament to burn. Similarly, since vacuum tubes could generate a lot of heat, they required more power than the transistors we use today.

In short, vacuum tubes operate just like transistors by forcing electrons to move from one place to the other. And although their working mechanism is different, they have the same effect of moving a controlled number of electrons from point A to point B.

Why may you want this watch?

You may want to buy a vacuum tube watch because of the following reasons:

Aesthetic value

Everyone loves something that looks attractive. A vacuum tube watch fits this bill as it is a very unique watch to wear. When you adorn this watch, you are going to capture the attention of many people.

Also, this watch is vintage. This means that it will bring the style and looks of the yesteryears alive. As a result, you are going to enjoy this watch a lot. Vintage watches have that appeal that is not present with watches of today. From a technology and age perspective, the vacuum tube watch falls within the most sought after vintage watches in the market.

Rarity

Unlike other types of watches that are mass produced today, the vacuum tube watch was produced in very limited numbers. As a result, you get a watch that is not common in your area. 

Rising value

Unique pieces such as the vacuum tube watch only increase value as time goes on. This means that the watch resale value in the coming years will be much higher than it was when purchasing it. As a result, the vacuum tube watch is seen as an investment tool.

The watch lasts long

As we mentioned above, a vacuum tube watch comes with robust construction and use of quality materials. With the use of strong aluminum and steel construction, the watch is assured to last for a long time. This means that the watch will be in your collection for decades to come.  And unlike other vintage watches, vacuum tube watches use a battery operated movement that does not require regular service.

Experience the joy

One of the biggest reasons why you should get a vacuum tube watch is because of the joy you will get from owning one. Each of these watches has their unique personality, history, and story to tell. When they built the vacuum tube watches way back in the 70s, the designers were looking at a daily beater. Therefore, by getting one and wearing it often, you will be fulfilling this vision.

Conclusion

A vacuum tube watch has its place in history as one of the most innovative watches of the 70s era. It operates by displaying time in a vacuum tube. It is a unique watch that is also good looking.