Radioactivity In Vintage Rolex Dials

[JohnBaker3]

There have been several recent threads on the 6542 GMT dials and bezel inserts...

Until the end of 1963, many Rolex and other watchmakers used radioctive paint to make them luminous in the dark. The only problem was that these paints contained RADIUM (and later replaced with safer TRITIUM). The potential for serious medical issues was still not fully understood at this time.

Here is a link to an article on NPR that discusses the plight of the "Radium Girls" who worked here in the USA right after WW 1.

http://www.npr.org/2017/04/22/525063...orkers-science

It would be wise for anyone owning a pre-1964 watch to know how to properly handle these vintage timepieces....

Be safe.

Photo from HQM

[spoilsofwar01]

Hi John, such a sad story, I only read up on this a few weeks ago and was shocked to learn how they were treated when it was first identified, I recently heard that Tritium is also is to be no longer used by Rolex, will need to have this confirmed.

[madonofrio]

Originally Posted by spoilsofwar01

Hi John, such a sad story, I only read up on this a few weeks ago and was shocked to learn how they were treated when it was first identified, I recently heard that Tritium is also is to be no longer used by Rolex, will need to have this confirmed.

Tritium hasn't been used by Rolex since the late 1990s.

[Cryten]

If you're interested in the story, here's the documentary on the radium girls, with interviews with the girls themselves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWuBu00zTr4

[jban5]

Have there ever been any cases where disease has been shown to be caused by wearing a watch with any of the radioactive elements applied? Or has there been any reported disease among professionals in the jewelry trade or with collectors?

I'm not trying to trivialize this situation, I am sincerely curious if there has ever been any recorded problems associated with just being in proximity to these materials via wearing, etc.

[spoilsofwar01]

Originally Posted by madonofrio

Tritium hasn't been used by Rolex since the late 1990s.

Hi there, I wasn't aware of this, so I guess in time Tritium dials will also reach higher prices, thanks for the heads up on this matter, Rgds "H"

[Chrmer3]

They are a lot "hotter" outside the case than in... In the case readings are very low.. well under 1

Here is a pic of the 1675 pcg I took the other day- this watch is currently on ebay. 9.99 maxed the meter...
This of course is a radium dial.

Radium stopped very early 1960's
Tritium stopped approx. 1997 in the "U" serial run

Chris

[Gecko10]

You would be far more endangered eating off of early Festaware than from wearing your watch, for heaven sake.

[jban5]

I think I'm going to put together a lead lined casket, just big enough to fit 2-3 watches. Carry it with me to estate sales and house calls. When someone presents the right watch just pull out the noisiest Geiger counter and open the box at the ready. Maybe have a print out of how to decontaminate from radioactive waste. Should help with the negotiations.

[JohnBaker3]

Originally Posted by jban5

Have there ever been any cases where disease has been shown to be caused by wearing a watch with any of the radioactive elements applied? Or has there been any reported disease among professionals in the jewelry trade or with collectors?

The radiation levels outside the watches with radium dials is much lower than when the case is opened and the movement removed.

That's why I am concerned for watchmakers that work on these watches. The radium can form a dust that could be inhaled or contaminate the workspace.

I read that there was at least one lawsuit against ROLEX over the RADIUM dials; I thinks it was more over the loss in value of the watch than any specific illness that the watch caused...

[madonofrio]

Originally Posted by JohnBaker3

That's why I am concerned for watchmakers that work on these watches. The radium can form a dust that could be inhaled or contaminate the workspace.

Not trying to be rude, but how many, if any, watchmakers do you think are not aware that radium and tritium were used as luminous material for old watches?

Even the cases of radium poisoning mentioned here seem to be from direct consumption. I wonder if there are any cases of poisoning from trace amounts of gas?

[R.W.T.]

I'd be more concerned with Fukushima and Hanford than a radium dial.....

[TudorSnowflake]

I'd not sleep with the watch on nor would I wear it 7 days a week.