Deadstock Vacuum Tubes Revived for Your Wrist

From NIXOID lab, based in Ukraine, three models of wristwatches that display time using Soviet-era vacuum tubes have been launched on the crowdfunding platform Campfire. These watches utilize vacuum tubes (IN-16, IV-9, IV-3A) that were originally manufactured for military use in the Soviet Union and remained in warehouses until now. Selected for their excellent condition from deadstock of these robust vacuum tubes, encased in thick glass and resistant to vibration, these retro-futuristic watches have been completed.

The "NIXOID" model uses a Nixie tube (IN-16). Nixie tubes display numbers by illuminating mesh and wires inside a glass tube. Production ceased worldwide in the 1990s, making them rare today. Pressing a button on the side of the watch causes numbers to appear in an orange glow, displaying hours and minutes separately. The lower part of the numbers illuminates in a blue-green hue, creating a retro ambiance. A single charge lasts over 20 days, and over two months in standby mode. Even if the battery runs out, there's no need to reset the time; the correct time is automatically displayed upon charging.

The "GLOWER," using a filament tube (IV-9), is a model that expresses numbers with seven straight lines. By employing microcircuits for filament control, power consumption is reduced. Similar to the "NIXOID," pressing the button on the side of the watch displays the time, and a long press allows checking the battery level. A single charge lasts over 14 days, and over two months in standby mode.

The "ERA" is a model that uses a fluorescent display tube (IV-3A). It features a rectangular form with four display sections and can last over 15 days on a single charge, or over two months in standby mode. These models come with red, blue, black, and green straps, with a white strap exclusively available for the Campfire campaign.