Delma Oceanmaster Lume: A Full-Lume Dial Sailing Watch with BGW9 and C1 Super-LumiNova
Delma's Luminous Sailing Watch Puts Lume Center Stage
Swiss watchmaker Delma has taken the concept of watch lume to new heights with the Oceanmaster Lume — a sailing-inspired timepiece featuring a fully luminous dial that transforms from a colorful sports watch by day to a glowing beacon by night. Available in four standard-production colors plus a limited edition, the Oceanmaster Lume demonstrates how multiple grades of Super-LumiNova can work together to create a dramatic luminous effect.
Triple Super-LumiNova Application
What sets the Oceanmaster Lume apart is its sophisticated use of three different Super-LumiNova grades across different dial components:
| Component | Lume Grade | Daylight Color | Glow Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dial Surface | Turquoise Super-LumiNova | Blue/Green/Yellow/Orange | Matching colored glow |
| Hour Markers | BGW9 Super-LumiNova | White | Aqua blue |
| Hands | C1 Super-LumiNova | White | Green |
This multi-grade approach creates visual contrast in low-light conditions. The BGW9 markers glow aqua blue — nearly identical to the dial's own luminescence — while the C1 green-glowing hands provide additional legibility against the luminous background.
BGW9: The Blue-Glowing Grade
BGW9 Super-LumiNova has become increasingly popular in modern watchmaking for its distinctive appearance. In daylight, BGW9 appears white, making it versatile for both light and dark dial configurations. When charged and viewed in darkness, it emits a cool blue or aqua-colored glow that many collectors find more elegant than the traditional green of C3 lume.
BGW9 is commonly found in luxury sports watches from brands like Omega, Tudor, and Rolex (where it's used under the Chromalight branding). Its blue glow offers a modern alternative to the military-standard green lume that has dominated watchmaking for decades.
C3 Super-LumiNova: The Industry Standard
The C3 grade remains the most widely used Super-LumiNova variant in watchmaking. Named for its bright green glow (similar to the classic radium and tritium lume that preceded it), C3 offers excellent brightness and longevity. It's the go-to choice for dive watches, field watches, and military-inspired timepieces where maximum legibility in darkness is paramount.
Oceanmaster Lume: Specifications and Design
Beyond its luminous dial, the Oceanmaster Lume is a robust 500-meter water-resistant sports watch built on Delma's proven Shell Star platform:
- Case Diameter: 44mm in 316L stainless steel
- Thickness: 13.8mm
- Water Resistance: 500 meters
- Movement: Sellita SW200-1 automatic (28,800 vph, 41-hour power reserve)
- Crystal: Domed sapphire with anti-reflective coating
- Bezel: Unidirectional 120-click with nautical compass scale
- Price: $1,650 USD
The watch features Delma's "tactical planner" dial markings — red and blue indicators designed for regatta navigation and wind orientation. While these sailing-specific features add character, the Oceanmaster Lume's core architecture is shared with Delma's dive watch collection, including a helium escape valve that's more suited to saturation diving than yacht racing.
Full-Lume Dial Trend in 2025-2026
The Oceanmaster Lume arrives amid growing interest in full-lume dials across the watch industry. Brands are increasingly using luminescent material not just for legibility, but as a design element in itself:
- Studio Underd0g 02SERIES Mantis: Features seven layers of X1 GL C3 Super-LumiNova for a green ombre-to-glow effect
- IWC Pilot's Watch Black Aces: The first IWC with a fully lumed dial
- Delma Oceanmaster Lume: Full-lume dial available in blue, green, yellow, and orange
- Cartier Santos: New black dial versions with lumed Roman numerals and hands
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between BGW9 and C3 Super-LumiNova?
C3 emits a bright green glow and is the most common lume grade used in watches. BGW9 appears white in daylight but glows blue/aqua in the dark, offering a more modern and subtle aesthetic. Both are non-radioactive and can be recharged by exposure to light.
How bright is a full-lume dial compared to traditional lume?
A full-lume dial covers a much larger surface area with luminescent material, creating a more dramatic overall glow. However, individual markers or hands with concentrated lume may appear brighter in isolation. The Delma Oceanmaster Lume uses its full-lume dial as a design feature rather than purely for enhanced legibility.
Can the Oceanmaster Lume be used for actual sailing?
While designed with sailing in mind, the Oceanmaster Lume's 500m water resistance and helium escape valve are features inherited from dive watch architecture. The "tactical planner" dial markings and nautical bezel scale can assist with regatta navigation, but most owners will appreciate it as a colorful sports watch rather than a professional sailing instrument.
Sources: aBlogtoWatch, Delma Watches, RC Tritec
Related: Best Dive Watches with Super-LumiNova | Sailing Watches Buyer's Guide