Traser P99 Iris, or "Hide That Dial!"

Would you hide one of a watch’s biggest advantages so that it can’t be seen? The Swiss company Traser did just that—and went ahead and patented it. And since these watches are designed for soldiers, this Swiss manufacturer isn’t afraid to do so either.

The Military and Technology

The first Traser watches were introduced in 1989. They were the world’s first watches to feature tritium capsules and were supplied to the U.S. Army in accordance with MIL-SPEC specifications.

Backlight technology, however, dates back much further, and it was tritium—which replaced radium—that was at the very beginning. When tritium decays, it emits beta radiation, which causes the zinc sulfides in the coating to glow. Tritium was far safer than radium, which was used until the 1960s. However, this was only true provided that the watch remained intact, preventing contact with the skin or inhalation.

However, one indisputable advantage of tritium was that it glowed constantly, without needing to be charged. The manufacturer Traser decided to take advantage of this feature by incorporating it into the sealed tubes we know today.

Does tritium glow, or doesn’t it?

The latest P99 Iris takes this to an even higher level. The Super Powered Trigalight lives up to its name and is now even brighter and more intense. The Swiss manufacturer has developed a special coating that gives the capillaries greater luminosity. So this first innovation is clear and makes sense.

However, there’s one more new feature that sets this watch apart from the rest—let’s say, the run-of-the-mill ones.

You can view this special mechanism by rotating the bezel 90 degrees counterclockwise. This closes the iris diaphragm, which consists of 16 blades. That’s right—this watch has a diaphragm, similar to the ones you might be familiar with from cameras.

When opened clockwise, the slats slide elegantly under the edge of the case. And just like on cameras, they serve the same purpose: to let light through. This feature is easy to operate and moves smoothly; it never feels clunky. According to the manufacturer, this system is also completely maintenance-free, as the slats require no lubrication.

But why hide a watch’s most important function—displaying the time—on a watch? It’s not even so much about the time, which is powered by the Ronda 517, as it is about its backlighting.

The case design was conceived to enhance the watch’s camouflage function and avoid drawing unnecessary attention. The robust stainless steel case features a black PVD coating, which has a subdued finish that makes the dial stand out even more.

But imagine you’re lying in a sniper position and your watch could give you away. All the more so if the luminescence is perfected to be visible under all circumstances. That’s good for a soldier—but not always. The cover simply hides the entire dial, allowing you to continue working in the utmost secrecy.

Video Review: Traser P99 Iris Tactical

Qualities of a Good Soldier

Thanks to its screw-down case back and crown, the watch is water-resistant to 10 ATM, or 100 meters. This means the Iris isn’t a classic diver’s watch. Still, you don’t have to worry about water—its water resistance is sufficient for all kinds of water activities, including diving, as long as you stay a few meters underwater. Avoid deeper dives, though.

The dial with an iris aperture is protected by sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating. This ensures excellent readability of the time or an unobstructed view of the aperture—depending on how the watch is currently set.

The P99s are 46 millimeters in size, and when I say “large,” I mean really large. It’s not so much about the watch itself as it is about the bezel with its built-in aperture. The bezel is almost as tall as the watch case itself. This offers advantages such as good readability and easier operation. This is very beneficial in situations where the user doesn’t have the time or peace of mind for fiddly adjustments. The ergonomically shaped bezel also makes it easy to use even while wearing gloves.

A mistake slipped in

What’s really hard to defend, though, is the choice of strap. It features a NATO strap, which, while it goes hand in hand with military watches, makes an already bulky piece even bulkier. You’ll definitely know that the Iris is on your wrist. Comfort was also taken into account, and the model is also available with a rubber strap. So let everyone choose what’s more comfortable for them.

Traser is synonymous with innovation and functionality. The P99 Iris excels in both areas, and even if you don’t use the aperture in everyday life, you can at least enjoy an original complication in your watch that’s sure to put a smile on your face. If you’re not sure what to make of this watch, come check it out in person at our Helveti store!

Specifications

• Reference: P99 Iris Tactical
• Dimensions: 46 mm x 17 mm x 53 mm
• Movement: Ronda 517 battery-powered quartz
• Water resistance: 100 m
• glass: sapphire with anti-reflective coating