Explorer II 1655 Lume Glow

[statuskuo]

Anybody have a vintage Explorer II 1655 (specifically mark I) that reacts to UV? Mine appears to have zero glow (not even little specks that you find on 1675's). However, the skeleton of the orange hand does glow

While on this topic, does anybody know of a reputable site that catalogs photos of UV reactions on vintage dials? I feel like that would be an invaluable resource as relumed dials get better and better...

[mineral]

I am quite sure it is correct that 1655 does not react to U.V. light at all. I own both mark II and mark iii which do not glow at all under U.V.


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[swish77]

The original tritium on 1655s shouldn't "glow" under UV/black light, but it will emit a kind of white appearance that disappears when the UV is removed. What's unique about the 1655 is the orange hand. It lights up like a torch under UV. Very cool.

Here's a photo of my (former) 1655 MK2 under UV.

[statuskuo]

Originally Posted by swish77

The original tritium on 1655s shouldn't "glow" under UV/black light, but it will emit a kind of white appearance that disappears when the UV is removed. What's unique about the 1655 is the orange hand. It lights up like a torch under UV. Very cool.

Here's a photo of my (former) 1655 MK2 under UV.

Very cool, thanks for the picture! My 1655 looks exactly the same

[AJMarcus]

Why would you expect am original vintage watch of that age to have much, if any, lume? And why would it matter to a vintage collector. I’m confused

[swish77]

Originally Posted by AJMarcus

Why would you expect am original vintage watch of that age to have much, if any, lume? And why would it matter to a vintage collector. I’m confused

He's referring to the "glow," or lack thereof, not the lume itself.

It's important because it can give clues about the originality of the tritium on the dial, depending on how it reacts to light and UV.

[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by swish77

He's referring to the "glow," or lack thereof, not the lume itself.

It's important because it can give clues about the originality of the tritium on the dial, depending on how it reacts to light and UV.

Thanks. I’m new to vintage. And I just learned something.