Automatic, or self-winding, watches trace their roots to the 18th century and pioneers like Abraham-Louis Perrelet, who introduced a rotor mechanism powered by the wearer’s wrist movements. Although modern designs are more refined, the essence remains the same: an intricate network of gears and springs drawing power from everyday motion.

In the early 1900s, English watch repairer John Harwood patented a crucial self-winding system, setting the stage for continual improvements by Swiss and global watchmakers - such as bi-directional rotors, extended power reserves, and greater accuracy. This harmony of heritage and engineering keeps automatic watches timeless and battery-free.

Building on that legacy, the Atlas features a Sellita SW200-1 movement with a mechanical lever and automatic winding. Its 28,800 vibrations per hour produce a smooth sweep of the second hand. Hour, minute, and large second hands combine with a date display, and the winding stem offers manual winding, quick date correction, and precise time-setting via stop-seconds. An exhibition caseback reveals the finely tuned gears and springs that power the Atlas - uniting tradition and innovation in one contemporary design.

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.