1680 Lume dot

[MellyVinelli]

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.

[Fredrik]

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.

[MellyVinelli]

Originally Posted by Fredrik

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.

[seattleal]

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.

[MellyVinelli]

Originally Posted by seattleal

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?

[seattleal]

Originally Posted by MellyVinelli

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.

[MellyVinelli]

Originally Posted by seattleal

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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[Fredrik]

Originally Posted by seattleal

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.

[Dan S]

You can buy empty pearls on eBay and paint the inside however you want.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by seattleal

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.

[Loyer]

Ever notice how many old Rolex watches have the dot fallen out ? Seems like a poor dot design or attachment method.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by swish77

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."

[seattleal]

Originally Posted by Dan S

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.