In This Article
Tritium has been used in watches since the 1960’s, but the first watch to use Tritium gas tubes was Traser’s P6500 military watch originally released in 1989. Since then, Tritium tubes have become the cold standard for long lasting illumination in the tactical watch market. The advantages of using Tritium are obvious, long-lasting illumination that does not require any battery or light-based charging that is easy to see in dark environments. Since the release of P6500, Traser and numerous other watch companies have adopted the use of Tritium in both tactical, outdoor and luxury watches.
The Original P65 Returns
Traser has brought back the P6500 back to production under with the newly released P65 Tactical Mission. The P65 is now available to the public in both a black polycarbonate case or titanium case. Both versions are available with rubber or NATO textile strap, and the Titanium version has an optional titanium bracelet.
P65 Build Features
The Traser P65 features precision Swiss quartz movement ensuring reliability and accuracy while running on a standard watch battery. The watch face on both versions is made from anti-reflective sapphire providing scratch resistance and excellent visibility.
Both models have excellent water resistance – The polycarbonate model is rated 10 ATM ( up to 330 feet) water depth) and the Titanium model is rated at 20 ATM (up 660 Feet water depth). Simply said, both versions will withstand rain and snow, both models will be safe to swim or snorkel with – but the Titanium version will be required for light scuba diving.
The watch hands feature tritium tube illumination and there is tritium illumination above each number on the watch face. All the Tritium tubes are standard green except for the tube that sits above the 12 which is orange. The watch face also has a simple date window located at 3.
The rotating bezel is easy to use and is textured to ensure it can be used with or without gloves. The side of the case has a single dial used to set the time.
Real World Use
I tested the carbon reinforced polymer version of the P65 in both normal daily activities and while out in the field. The opinions expressed are based on my personal experiences with this model.
In a market dominated by large watches with complicated buttons, dials, and sometimes bright screens and smartphone connections the P65’s 43mm size and light weight make it an absolute joy to wear in day-to-day activities or while navigating harsh wilderness terrain.
The P65 was easy to read in bright sunlight – and the tritium tubes make it easy to read the time at night without producing bright light that can disturb others around you, mess with your natural night vision, or give away your position.
The P65 held up well in light and heavy rain for prolonged periods with no signs of water damage and the case and face handled a day of rock scrambling and my day-to-day woods activities well with no signs of damage. Accumulated dust and dirt washed away under running water at home or in a stream while out in the field.
As someone who typically doesn’t like rubber straps, I found the rubber P65 rubber strap comfortable as the design allows a bit more breathability when compared to other rubber straps. The NATO style strap is also well made – not feeling incredibly stiff or rough.
Overall Impressions of the Traser P65
If I had to sum up my impressions in a single statement, I would say the Traser P65 is a refreshingly simple watch for those who want a rugged time piece. It isn’t fancy, it doesn’t have a bunch of dials, and it doesn’t offer a million functions like a smart watch – it tells time and it does it well!
The P65 is not designed for the boardroom, it is built for those who live, work, or play in harsh conditions and unforgiving climates. It’s built for people who need a simple timepiece that is visible day or night. The P65 is a reliable tool that doesn’t get in the way and does exactly what you need it to do.
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