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Old 10 November 2024, 12:22 AM   #1
MellyVinelli
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1680 Lume dot

Does anyone know how the lume dot is attached to the bezel of a 1680? Is it glued or a pressure fit of some sort. After 50 years I am concerned that if it’s glue that glue is quite brittle and it’s just a light bump from falling out. As you can see, this is the original and the creamy patina matches throughout and I’m a bit paranoid about that yet I do like to wear my watches.
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Old 10 November 2024, 12:52 AM   #2
Fredrik
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It is press fit.
My original lume dot on my -78 1680 just crumbled into dust a few years ago. I had a new installed at my RSC for $50 but it is unfortunately luminova.

In the picture you attached it looks like your lume dot has a metal surround, or is it just a reflection? A 1680 should not have that, only later references.
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Old 10 November 2024, 01:34 AM   #3
MellyVinelli
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fredrik View Post
It is press fit.
My original lume dot on my -78 1680 just crumbled into dust a few years ago. I had a new installed at my RSC for $50 but it is unfortunately luminova.

In the picture you attached it looks like your lume dot has a metal surround, or is it just a reflection? A 1680 should not have that, only later references.
Thanks for the reply. I would even prefer if they colour matched a piece of paper with acrylic around it because the rest of the tritium is toast anyway.

What you’re seeing is reflection from the acrylic dome. There is no metal surround on the pip.
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Old 10 November 2024, 07:07 AM   #4
seattleal
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I recently acquired a 1680, same serial number range as yours, and same pale lume dot. I replaced it with one that matches the lume of the dial. See pics.

PM me if you'd like more details.
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Old 10 November 2024, 10:16 PM   #5
MellyVinelli
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Quote:
Originally Posted by seattleal View Post
I recently acquired a 1680, same serial number range as yours, and same pale lume dot. I replaced it with one that matches the lume of the dial. See pics.

PM me if you'd like more details.
That matches very very well. Is it luminova?
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Old 11 November 2024, 06:13 AM   #6
seattleal
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That matches very very well. Is it luminova?
No, it's an inert coloring agent. Since the lume on these watches is now exhausted I was more interested in matching the lume patina than the inactive tritium based fluorescent compound.
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Old 11 November 2024, 07:09 AM   #7
MellyVinelli
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Originally Posted by seattleal View Post
No, it's an inert coloring agent. Since the lume on these watches is now exhausted I was more interested in matching the lume patina than the inactive tritium based fluorescent compound.

That’s an excellent option actually. Is this off eBay?


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Old 12 November 2024, 05:51 AM   #8
Fredrik
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Quote:
Originally Posted by seattleal View Post
No, it's an inert coloring agent. Since the lume on these watches is now exhausted I was more interested in matching the lume patina than the inactive tritium based fluorescent compound.
It looks good.
I have thought about drilling out the luminova paint from my lume dot and just fill it with matching paint. It would look a lot better.
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Old 12 November 2024, 07:50 AM   #9
Dan S
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You can buy empty pearls on eBay and paint the inside however you want.
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Old Yesterday, 12:17 AM   #10
swish77
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Quote:
Originally Posted by seattleal View Post
No, it's an inert coloring agent. Since the lume on these watches is now exhausted I was more interested in matching the lume patina than the inactive tritium based fluorescent compound.
How does it react under UV? I would assume it’s not the same reaction as tritium.
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Old Yesterday, 12:54 AM   #11
Loyer
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Ever notice how many old Rolex watches have the dot fallen out ? Seems like a poor dot design or attachment method.
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Old Yesterday, 03:13 AM   #12
Dan S
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Originally Posted by swish77 View Post
How does it react under UV? I would assume it’s not the same reaction as tritium.
Most people just use paint, TBH, which I suppose is an "inert coloring agent."
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Old Yesterday, 09:43 AM   #13
seattleal
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Quote:
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Most people just use paint, TBH, which I suppose is an "inert coloring agent."
But technically Dan, paint can be luminescent - inert used here to specify non-luminescent.

In any case I have no idea what it is, except that it color matches the lume, and like the lume does not glow after exposure to visible or UV light.

Mission accomplished.
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