Where’s the lume?

[Nathanjmarcus00]

Hello all

Recently purchased this 18038. Loving it

Noticed today that the hands do not glow. After a bit of research I believe it’s because these are 40+ years old and titrium has a half life of 12 years.

The outer markers do, however, because it was recently replaced and I think they are lume.


Resell value aside — Should I replace the hands at next service ? Do they even make lume hands for the 18038, or titrium hands that will glow?

[Old Expat Beast]

Either new hands or an older tritium dial. One or the other.

[EagleBear]

If I had that beauty I would see if I could re lume them, they look to be in good shape. Either way you have a beauty there enjoy it :)

[Nathanjmarcus00]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Either new hands or an older tritium dial. One or the other.

If I buy NOS titrium, will it even glow?

[996marty]

If it bothers you that much I’d get them re lumed
Great looking watch

[Nathanjmarcus00]

Originally Posted by 996marty

If it bothers you that much I’d get them re lumed
Great looking watch

Wouldn’t relume However I would potentially replace.

But my question is this even possible.

[Andad]

I would just wear it.

Looks good.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Nathanjmarcus00

If I buy NOS titrium, will it even glow?

No. But either both or neither should glow. Not one or the other, IMO.

[Nathanjmarcus00]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

No. But either both or neither should glow. Not one or the other, IMO.

-Definitely not changing the dial.
-Can’t buy old titrium, and don’t want to replace with lume hands (don’t even think they exist)
-don’t want to relume the titrium, as I heard doesn’t come out great, doesn’t match, devalues, etc..

So I think my only option here is to keep the original hands and keep this dial. Suggestions?

[spoonraker]

Buy a used set of original hands and have someone apply modern lume to them.

[Nathanjmarcus00]

I see some luminous hands online ..

So I guess the question becomes — do I replace to match, or keep the original titrium for value?

[CarlOver]

Replace with lume hands and keep the originals. Seems like you want limed hands.

[GGGMT]

Nah. If you’re interested in lume, vintage isn’t your move.




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[madsitalia]

Originally Posted by Nathanjmarcus00

Hello all

Recently purchased this 18038. Loving it

Noticed today that the hands do not glow. After a bit of research I believe it’s because these are 40+ years old and titrium has a half life of 12 years.

The outer markers do, however, because it was recently replaced and I think they are lume.


Resell value aside — Should I replace the hands at next service ? Do they even make lume hands for the 18038, or titrium hands that will glow?

Congrats

Do you go into the wilderness without light and need the lume? How often do you really need the it? Besides from going into the the toilet without lights to see the lume

I would just wear and love the watch

[madsitalia]

Originally Posted by GGGMT

Nah. If you’re interested in lume, vintage isn’t your move.




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Exactly but only uses mine when not turning the lights on in the bathroom