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Tridor · 6 February 2012, 09:01 AM

Hi, all. Recently received my T serial 16700 (bought in '98) back from RSC ... a luminova service dial and hands were installed soon after purchase when RSC determined that the original tritium dial was flaking. Anyhoo, its been 14 years and I have noticed that a nice patina has formed on the dial and hands; they're certainly not the bright white they were when first installed. I've done some research on the subject and it seems the jury has been out on this issue because luminova is a relatively new material. However, now that sufficient time has passed, it seems that an argument can be made that luminova develops a patina eventually. My AD confirmed this to me and said he's seen several luminova dials dating from about '98-'00 which now have a patina. Of course this is an anectdotal rather than a scientific conclusion. Have any of you noticed a patina on your luminova?

Speed · 6 February 2012, 09:05 AM

No patina on Luminova from what I can see - so far. Ask me again in 10-20 years.

kilyung · 6 February 2012, 09:12 AM

I doubt you'll see much patina of any kind on modern Rolexes.

Tridor · 6 February 2012, 09:17 AM

Is 14 years too soon to see a degradation in the luminova material? As I said, the dial indices and hands are not the bright white they were when first installed, so it appears that something is going on.

ecsub44 · 6 February 2012, 09:21 AM

That's interesting. I wonder if others have seen that too.

My 14 year old tritium is as white as can be.

dddrees · 6 February 2012, 09:24 AM

Do have any pictures?

Tridor · 6 February 2012, 09:27 AM

I'll post some photos shortly... I'll ask the wife (architect/semi-pro photographer) to use the really GOOD digital camera.

6 February 2012, 09:01 AM	#1
Tridor "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: The Ozone Watch: DD, DJ, SubC Date Posts: 1,666	Patina on Luminova Hi, all. Recently received my T serial 16700 (bought in '98) back from RSC ... a luminova service dial and hands were installed soon after purchase when RSC determined that the original tritium dial was flaking. Anyhoo, its been 14 years and I have noticed that a nice patina has formed on the dial and hands; they're certainly not the bright white they were when first installed. I've done some research on the subject and it seems the jury has been out on this issue because luminova is a relatively new material. However, now that sufficient time has passed, it seems that an argument can be made that luminova develops a patina eventually. My AD confirmed this to me and said he's seen several luminova dials dating from about '98-'00 which now have a patina. Of course this is an anectdotal rather than a scientific conclusion. Have any of you noticed a patina on your luminova?

6 February 2012, 09:21 AM	#5
ecsub44 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: US Watch: Sub Posts: 3,175	That's interesting. I wonder if others have seen that too. My 14 year old tritium is as white as can be. __________________ *侘寂 -- wabi-sabi --* acceptance of transience and imperfection by finding beauty in that which is imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete Commissioner of WEIRD POLICE , Badge # ecsub44

6 February 2012, 09:24 AM	#6
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,253	Do have any pictures? __________________ When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

6 February 2012, 09:05 AM	#2
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,706	No patina on Luminova from what I can see - so far. Ask me again in 10-20 years.

6 February 2012, 09:12 AM	#3
kilyung 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cave Watch: Sundial Posts: 33,940	I doubt you'll see much patina of any kind on modern Rolexes.

6 February 2012, 09:17 AM	#4
Tridor "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: The Ozone Watch: DD, DJ, SubC Date Posts: 1,666	Is 14 years too soon to see a degradation in the luminova material? As I said, the dial indices and hands are not the bright white they were when first installed, so it appears that something is going on.

6 February 2012, 09:27 AM	#7
Tridor "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: The Ozone Watch: DD, DJ, SubC Date Posts: 1,666	I'll post some photos shortly... I'll ask the wife (architect/semi-pro photographer) to use the really GOOD digital camera.

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