Radium, when did Rolex stop using it?

[vegard_dino]

Hi all.

When did Rolex stop using Radium on there dials and/or hands?

I am dreaming of a vintage Rolex, a late 40`s-50`s model, but was told to look out for watches with Radium.

[rolexpawn]

Originally Posted by vegard_dino

Hi all.

When did Rolex stop using Radium on there dials and/or hands?

I am dreaming of a vintage Rolex, a late 40`s-50`s model, but was told to look out for watches with Radium.

You have nothing to fear, it is harmless unless you lick the dial.

Information:

Luminova: Nemoto, a Japan based company developed this for the lume on watches. This is used on Rolex watches from about 1998 until present. This is the safe lume used today. Since it is new no one knows if it will age like the other lume Rolex used.
Tritium: This was used on Rolex watches from 1960 to 1998 when it was banned. This was also radio-active. 12 year shelf life on the lume. This will change color with time, making it awesome looking.
Radium: This was used on Rolex watches until 1960. Due to risk of cancer (of people applying Radium to the dials and yes they did have people get cancer from this) they quit using this. This was radio-active. This will change with time, making it awesome looking.

[HL65]

I love to look out for watches with radium--that is to own! There is no worries as long as you don't sleep with watch on your lap-LOL...Or open up watch and get radium in eyes or mouth etc.

[vegard_dino]

LOL, Great.

Thanks.
Then the hunt is one.

[bb3188]

radium lume was used up to early 1960's
its not too bad but to be safe, i do take some precautions,ie not wearing it for too long a period....
\cheers Mark

[Saxon007]

Here is a fascinating (and somewhat horrifying) story about radium and watches.

http://www.damninteresting.com/undar...-radium-girls/

[vegard_dino]

Thanks for the information.

[rolexpawn]

Another interesting note, was the exhumed a body that worked at the plant and the radiation was so high they had to wear protective clothing and re-bury here in a led coffin. That body was exhumed decades after her death.

[DiamondJack]

That's a real eye opener and thanks for sharing. Crazy to think that Marie Curie's notebooks still cannot be handled today because of the 1,600 year half life of Radium......

[HL65]

Because I am concerned with everyone's health and safety - please those who are worried send me radium watches- 6200's, 5510's, 6538's - all Big Crown Subs, 6542 Baklelite, Panerai- 6152's, 6152, 6154 and 3646's etc..I will take them off your hands to help keep you from dangers of radiation at no cost to you...

[onkyo]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Because I am concerned with everyone's health and safety - please those who are worried send me radium watches- 6200's, 5510's, 6538's - all Big Crown Subs, 6542 Baklelite, Panerai- 6152's, 6152, 6154 and 3646's etc..I will take them off your hands to help keep you from dangers of radiation at no cost to you...

You are a nice guy Ken....

[HL65]

Originally Posted by onkyo

You are a nice guy Ken....

Thanks Pav- as are you my friend! My offer is for you too but something tells me you will live with the danger!

[rolexpawn]

Marie Curie died in her 60's which is good for a woman. Her husband was not so lucky he fell while trying to cross a street and was whacked by a buggy. So they were not that affected by the research.

[Welshwatchman]

Originally Posted by rolexpawn

Marie Curie died in her 60's which is good for a woman. Her husband was not so lucky he fell while trying to cross a street and was whacked by a buggy. So they were not that affected by the research.

Marie most likely died as a direct result of her prolonged exposure to relatively high levels of radioactive emissions from the discovered elements Radium and Polonium.

Pierre was known to be in a bad way (fatigue, fainting and nausea) before he fell in front of a carriage.

Their research papers, books, pens etc are still too "hot to handle", some 100+ years on.

[onkyo]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Thanks Pav- as are you my friend! My offer is for you too but something tells me you will live with the danger!

I enjoy living life on the edge.....

[vegard_dino]

Hi and thanks for good information :)

[HL65]

Originally Posted by onkyo

I enjoy living life on the edge.....

You and me both!! Marcello- my offer also good for you if you get worried please send radium my way!

[marcello pisani]

Originally Posted by vegard_dino

Hi all.

When did Rolex stop using Radium on there dials and/or hands?

I am dreaming of a vintage Rolex, a late 40`s-50`s model, but was told to look out for watches with Radium.

end of the 50s.

[HL65]

Posts over the years...When a dial gets named after you --you are not doing badly unless it is a Daytona- which yours isn't!!

[marcello pisani]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Posts over the years...When a dial gets named after you --you are not doing badly unless it is a Daytona- which yours isn't!!

but most of those you have seen come from my big records ......

[HL65]

Originally Posted by marcello pisani

but most of those you have seen come from my big records ......

So here all these years I thought they were your personal collection! Well I am guessing that some of them are yours- at least I hope so as you have been one of most informative helpful people in vintage world and a good man!! Much thanks for your contributions and we are lucky to have you here with us now!!
My sincere respect-- Ken