Dial/Bezel Luminescence

[TPDSOT]

I just purchased a Sub / date from an AD this week. I have a question on the luminescence of the dial markers. The markers, the hands, and the circle on the bezel do not seem very bright. When I am in a totally darkened environment I can read the watch. However, if their is any ambient light I have a hard time reading it.

This is my 1st Rolex and was wondering if this is normal. Is it tritium which provides the luminescence or another material. Is their something I have to do to make the markers and hands more readable under low-light conditions?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Originally Posted by TPDSOT

I just purchased a Sub / date from an AD this week. I have a question on the luminescence of the dial markers. The markers, the hands, and the circle on the bezel do not seem very bright. When I am in a totally darkened environment I can read the watch. However, if their is any ambient light I have a hard time reading it.

This is my 1st Rolex and was wondering if this is normal. Is it tritium which provides the luminescence or another material. Is their something I have to do to make the markers and hands more readable under low-light conditions?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

This is normal. The lume substance Rolex uses is called Luminova. They stopped using tritium about five-seven years ago. Luminova can be charged via natural light or with a light bulb. It'll glow brightly at first and then drift to a dim glow.

This is a sore point among some Rolex owners as they think it should glow better. For me, it's good enough.

[Gedanken]

Well, it was good enough to tell me that my cat jumped on my chest and woke me up at 4.15 this morning. I think it works.

[Rockrolex]

First of all, welcome to TRF.

Atomic is correct. The luminova Rolex uses does not have a great deal of staying power, which irks some people. The rest of us just live with it. It's a relatively minor nuiscance compared to the other fine qualities of this brand.

So how about posting some pictures of your new acquisition.

[JJ Irani]

Welcome to TRF, TPDSOT!!

You've purchased the best Rolex out there!! Wear it in good health and post some pics whenever you can!!

Thanks - JJ

[TPDSOT]

Thanks for all the replies. Why did rolex ditch the tritium and go with luminova? Rockrolex, I'll post a picture tomorrow. I've been thinking about purchasing for years and finally decided to do it. Even after reading the do's and dont's on the forum, I can't help but be scared to death of scraping it on a doorway, tabletop, etc.. Hopefully that will go away the more I wear it. Thanks again.

[JJ Irani]

Tritium is considered mildly radioactive. Besides that, it seems to lose its glow after a few years. Luminova is apparently a better substitute and lasts longer.

As for your phobia of scratching the watch....welcome to the club, pal!! Most of us are anal about one thing or another....but I think the dinging, scratching and bashing part just about seem to coincide!!

JJ

[Uncle-AJ]

Hello and welcome to TRF. Don't worry about scratches etc your watch can take a lot and after a service it will come back like new. Surface scratches can always be polished out, only very deep scratches and dings are a problem. Wear your watch and enjoy it.

[Rockrolex]

Originally Posted by TPDSOT

Thanks for all the replies. Why did rolex ditch the tritium and go with luminova? Rockrolex, I'll post a picture tomorrow. I've been thinking about purchasing for years and finally decided to do it. Even after reading the do's and dont's on the forum, I can't help but be scared to death of scraping it on a doorway, tabletop, etc.. Hopefully that will go away the more I wear it. Thanks again.

As the others have said, don't worry about scratches. You've got one of the most durable watches around. It takes an awful lot to make a dent (although if you do some searching here, you'll find that Gedanken (James) managed to figure out a way to put a nice ding in his ).

But don't be afraid to wear your Sub. You bought to wear. Now Just Do It!!

Tritium actually has a half life of about 12 years. So after that time period elapses, the tritium goes dead and will not glow. Luminiova doesn't seem to have that same limitation, thus the switch. Who wants to get a redial every 12 years?

As for not wanting to scratch it... When I got my ExpII, I thought I'd only wear it for 'nice' occasions. However, I didn't want to not have it on my wrist and it slowly became part of me. Now I wear it everywhere, doing yard work, swimming, cycling, you name it.

You can't buy a tougher watch than a Rolex.

[TPDSOT]

I don't know if this is the appropriate place to post pics, but here they are. Sorry for the poor quality/old camera. I am a proud 1st time owner and wanted to share with this knowledgeable group.

ROLEX 122305 001.jpg

ROLEX 122305 002.jpg

[JJ Irani]

That's a great watch, pal. I've said it a million times, but I'll say it once more for your benefit...that is the ULTIMATE Rolex!!

Wear it in good health!!