Re-lume question....

[kevin5]

I made a post yesterday about my 1675, and someone is asking me if the dial was re lumed. How can I tell if the dial has been re lumed, it looks like it has the original tritium as there is creamy patina, however the watch does have a faint glow still and it is on a gilt dial.

Here is my original post with pictures...

http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=185527

Thanks again TRF!

[Jason71]

It doesn't look to have been relumed, but I would have to see additional pictures to have a better idea. The original tritium could glow a little. If it was luminova, you would see a bright glow after a couple minutes in direct sunlight.

[kevin5]

Originally Posted by Jason71

It doesn't look to have been relumed, but I would have to see additional pictures to have a better idea. The original tritium could glow a little. If it was luminova, you would see a bright glow after a couple minutes in direct sunlight.

If I put the watch directly under a light and it glows does that mean its been re lumed?

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by kevin5

If I put the watch directly under a light and it glows does that mean its been re lumed?

This is my 5513 that has been relumed. It should glow like a torch after being placed in bright sunlight, or if it is placed 6" from a fluorescent light for 30 seconds. HTH

[kevin5]

This one glows when placed on a light but not like yours. Does re lumed affect the value of the watch?

Thanks!

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by kevin5

This one glows when placed on a light but not like yours. Does re lumed affect the value of the watch?

Thanks!

Yes, most definitely. I only had mine relumed because it had been relumed (very poorly) in the past. All original is the rule-of-thumb for vintage models. See if you can post some closer shots of the dial.

[HL65]

Just because watch glows does not mean it was re-lumed. Old tritium can glow but it won't hold glow very long. FYI

[JEC]

Certain tritium mixes will still glow for a short while after being exposed to light. The compound is always a mix of tritium and a phosphor agent that reacts to the tritium to glow. The tritium is dead, but the phospor will still glow if it is "charged". Depends on the year, some old dials don't glow at all.

Luminova will glow strong for a few minutes then fade, but will continue to shine for hours. Tritium lume can glow bright for a few minutes, then go completely dead. Originally when the tritium was active they would glow continously without being exposed to light. Luminova takes energy from light, whereas tritium is the energy source in old dials.

[kevin5]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Just because watch glows does not mean it was re-lumed. Old tritium can glow but it won't hold glow very long. FYI

Ahhh Ok, that's what happens. It'll get a little kick of lume for 30-60 seconds then it fades away.

I will still try to post some better pics

Thanks ;)

[bb3188]

Originally Posted by kevin5

Ahhh Ok, that's what happens. It'll get a little kick of lume for 30-60 seconds then it fades away.

I will still try to post some better pics

Thanks ;)

thats quite normal for the early tritiums(which is correct for yours) to me(ie IMOO) the markers do not look like a relume......
thats a nice 1675

Mark