ATLAS LEATHER POLYMER HYBRID STRAP

Automatic watches, often called self-winding timepieces, trace their lineage back centuries. They truly began to take shape in the 18th century, thanks to innovators like Abraham-Louis Perrelet. His key breakthrough was the rotor mechanism, which uses the natural motion of the wearer’s wrist to wind the mainspring—eliminating the need for daily manual winding. While today’s versions are more refined, that same core concept still drives automatic watchmaking.

It was in the early 1900s that these watches advanced significantly. In 1923, English watch repairer John Harwood patented a crucial design for a practical self-winding system, effectively establishing the modern automatic watch. From there, Swiss and other global watchmakers continually enhanced the technology by introducing bi-directional rotors, extended power reserves, and improved accuracy.

The enduring appeal of automatic watches lies in the harmony of heritage and engineering. Rather than relying on batteries, they draw power from the subtle movements of the wrist—relying on an intricate network of gears and springs. This combination of mechanical precision and artistry is what grants automatic watches their timeless status: a fusion of tradition and innovation that keeps time simply by being worn.

Named after the Titan in Greek mythology who bore the heavens on his shoulders, the Atlas is synonymous with travel, power, and endurance - qualities that define our Swiss Made Field watch.

Building on the legacy of the MX10 (once supplied as standard issue to UK Special Forces), the Atlas delivers everything you’d expect from a NITE Watch: toughness, precision timekeeping, and our world-class Tritium illumination. Its brushed steel case offers a refined look, while the streamlined design and flush wrist positioning ensure lasting comfort. Yet beneath its modern lines, the Atlas proudly reflects NITE’s bold and robust heritage - always ready to perform under pressure.

The Atlas also shares its DNA with the original “Dirty Dozen” field watches worn during World War II. Commissioned by the Ministry of Defence, these twelve designs had to withstand the harshest conditions and meet strict specifications for waterproofing, chronometer-level accuracy, luminous markings, and durable construction.

Made in Switzerland by Roventa Henex SA, the Atlas is housed in a traditional 316L brushed steel case and powered by the Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement. The hands feature a dual-colour mountain cut with our signature Tritium illumination - a testament to our ongoing commitment to clarity, reliability, and enduring style.

Completely self-powered and providing a constant glow throughout the night, Tritium illumination technology has been trusted for decades by the emergency services, mountaineers, deep-sea divers and military personnel due to its unwavering reliability and performance in mission critical situations.

Tritium, also known as super heavy hydrogen, was first discovered by Ernest Rutherford, ML Oliphant and Paul Harteckin in 1934.Tritium emits electrons through beta decay and when these electrons interact with a phosphorous material, a fluorescent light is created that can last up to 20 years.When this Tritium powered illumination is sealed inside a glass tube, it is known as a GTLS (Gaseous Tritium Light Source) which is up to 100 times brighter over a long period than any comparable technology.To produce a GTLS vial, glass is lined with phosphorescent material, then filled and pressurised by a machine with gaseous tritium and sliced into segments by a laser beam to be sealed hermetically.Inside the vial, the electrons emitted by the tritium gas excites the phosphor to give off the cold continuous light. GTLS can be created in different colours, generally green is perceived by the human eye as the brightest colour.

Often overlooked but always greatly valued, the ability to tell the time with ease in the dark is the reason why each and every Nite watch is fitted with tritium illumination – widely regarded as the world’s best and most reliable form of illumination.