Luminova v Tritium

[strafer_kid]

Hi guys

I am a new guy to this forum and the broader world of Rolex.

I have two watches - white Sub 1680 from 1979, and a new Explorer 42mm. Both are beautiful watchs.

The lume on the Sub is virtually gone, though the Explorer as expected, is very bright.

I read quite a bit however about luminova and tritium, and was wondering if someone could explain the difference in the two.

Many thanks

[kilyung]

Enjoy!

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=100300

[financeman]

Thanks for the link. A very good read

[strafer_kid]

Very informative - many thanks indeed

[cchris]

Luminova is photoluminescent. Shine light on it, and it glows for a few hours. You can 'recharge' it with a bit of light.

Tritium is radioluminescent. It shines b/c it emits radiation that causes material in the tube to glow. You cannot recharge it..it has a fixed lifespan til it runs out radition to throw off.

[HRV]

Thanks mike

[strafer_kid]

So are older vintage Subs etc more likely to be tritium than luminova? Also presumably luminova at some point also eventually loses its lume altogether and does not recharge?

[8675309]

I have a Ball watch with tritium tubes. Glows 27/7, but will eventually dim after 20-25 years.

[77T]

Originally Posted by strafer_kid

So are older vintage Subs etc more likely to be tritium than luminova? Also presumably luminova at some point also eventually loses its lume altogether and does not recharge?

Those Vintage Subs made until the mid '90's used Tritium. After than Luminova.

Eventually all luminous material degrades over time and dims - but RSC can apply fresh luminous material during a service if you wish.

I wouldn't touch Vintage Subs, but that's each owner's decision.