Traser / MB Microtec P6502 H3 watch…
Traser / MB Microtec P6502 w/H3 Illumination, Stainless Back / Diver. $140 – $320. #P6502.420.32.01
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This is my second Traser watch, my first being the ETA automatic classic. This time I wanted something lightweight and quartz. A “go-to beater” with nice H3 tritium illumination. The P6502 fit the bill. For those that don’t know about H3 watches by now.. like I mentioned in my first review: Tiny H3 / Tritium glass vials (laser sealed) above glow in the dark for roughly 20 years. No batteries, no pressing buttons, no charging up under a light, just pure glowing radioactive isotope goodness 🙂
The glow level is equal to your standard glow in the dark luminova paint, though with paint you can get a brighter initial glow “just� after you have charged it up under light. Tritium /H3 glows slightly dimmer than paint, but it is constant and does not need to be charged, battery powered, etc. No fear spending 8 hours in the dark with no light, your watch can still be read easily. Do not expect to navigate through a dark cave with only your watch as illumination / torch to lead you through.. haha. It’s bright, but only for reading the time accurately.
I got both the NATO strap (stock) and an optional rubber strap. The rubber strap I rolled up and boiled in water to give it a natural bend since it was a little stiff on the wrist out of the box. Now if fits perfectly.
The reason I went with the P6502 over say the P6500 is the stainless steel case with true screw back. This allows a 200m water resistant spec and the case may take a few more hits vs a plastic case. The 6502 also adds a tritium tube on the second hand to see seconds in total darkness.
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The 6500 series is simply awesome. With either strap it looks bad ass, and performs just as well. The military style dial lacks any branding and only mentions “H3” and the radiation symbol. 24 hour marks and a date window are also included. The watch itself is lightweight and thin to boot. The uni-directional rotating carbon fiber bezel also includes a tritium mark.
As for where to purchase, you have to shop around. The going rate for a plastic 6500 can be around $99 online, but some offer the 6502 for only $40 more or so. On the other hand your local army navy store may have the same watch for over $300. So watch for sales and specials. Otherwise plan to spend around $260 or so.
on the NATO Strap.
It truly is a great Swiss Made timepiece, accurate, pure function and with quartz reliability and durability. A great daily wear watch.
Steel case. Rotating carbon fiber bezel with traser insert. Illuminated second hand.
Movement: Ronda 715
Case: Steel
Bezel: Carbon fibrer
Crystal: Mineral
Water resistant to: 660 feet
Size (diameter): 43 mm
Dial (color): Black
Illumination: 1-11 green, 12 orange, H/M – Hand Green, Bezel green
Bracelet (standard):Nato Strap
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