Rolex lume intensity

[philip1019]

I noticed on my sub-c (purchased very recent), the lume isnt really bright? Do i need to let it power up by wearing it in daylight or exposing it in light? I have noticed pictures of rolex lumes and they are so bright, mine is very dark in comparison.

Thanks

[The GMT Master]

You do need to give a charge with a light source before you use it, either daylight or an artificial source. Just don't do what I did with my Seiko http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=151591

[mickyvee]

If you think your lume is going to jump out, and light your way home, you're due for a disappointment. I'm on my second Rolex, and they have both been lacking in the lume department. If you expose the face to a strong light source for ten minutes, the numbers flouresce vividly for a short while, but soon grow dim. A bit poor for such an expensive watch, but par for the course, as far as I'm aware!

[supercharged]

Originally Posted by mickyvee

If you think your lume is going to jump out, and light your way home, you're due for a disappointment. I'm on my second Rolex, and they have both been lacking in the lume department. If you expose the face to a strong light source for ten minutes, the numbers flouresce vividly for a short while, but soon grow dim. A bit poor for such an expensive watch, but par for the course, as far as I'm aware!

It's the same on my Omegas

[RRGHOST1]

Rolex are pretty poor when it comes to a good lume. Even charging it up is poor. the best is probably the DSSD.A good lume shouldn't be that difficult, my Citizen lasts a dam sight longer than my Pepsi.

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by supercharged

It's the same on my Omegas

Pretty much the same on any light-activated paint compound. The best I've seen is the one Seiko uses, but it's a rather lurid green colour that would look out of place on a high-end watch. The other alternative is a brand like Ball, who uses tritium tubes, as opposed to the tritium paint that was banned back in '98

[geronimo509]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

You do need to give a charge with a light source before you use it, either daylight or an artificial source. Just don't do what I did with my Seiko http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=151591

I thought I read something once where a guy boiled his rolex for over and min and there was no damage. I didn't think a light bulb could do that much damage to it.

Anyway, I think a lot of lume shots are taken right after being exposed to a light source. Mine gets dim pretty fast, but once my eyes adjust to the dark, I can read it very easily.

[rmfnla]

I think lume is lame.

I have it on my DJ and I think it makes the hands look cheap. The dots on the face are barely noticable, especially at night!

[darthmouse]

Originally Posted by philip1019

I noticed on my sub-c (purchased very recent), the lume isnt really bright? Do i need to let it power up by wearing it in daylight or exposing it in light? I have noticed pictures of rolex lumes and they are so bright, mine is very dark in comparison.

Thanks

Keep in mind that pictures may look bright because of long exposures. Even if the lume isn't very bright, a long exposure makes it look vivid. For example-

[Art161]

Those "look at this fantastic lume" threads are not what your eyes are going to see if you wake up in the dark at 5 AM and look at your Rolex to see what time it is. If members enjoy posting these threads, fine. But there should be no expectation that the photos portray what you will typically see in the real world.

[Newportkrieger]

I can almost read by the light off the lume on my Omega SMP 2254.50.

[Lion]

I agree with Art, the lume on Rolexes is what it is. Nowadays if you want to see what time it is in the middle of the nite then look at your cell phone!!!