Dial luminosity has gone

[SPG8]

I have a Submariner and Explorer II both around 1998 vintage and dials marked "swiss-T<25" so share the same luminous chemical.

But since I just purchased a new Explorer 39mm and its lume even shines outdoors in shade, I have realised that both the Submariner and the Explorer II dial markers do not illuminate in the dark - not even a trace! This is the same for the hands. However, the dot on the Submariner bezel illuminates for hours after any bright light has hit it.

Both watches are in "like new" condition and their markers are brilliant white - the same as my new Explorer 39mm as best I can tell when shining a bright LED white light onto them and looking at the markers under a loupe.

Yet, my 1973 Omega Speedmaster (original "moon watch") , which I bought new and is in mint condition, lights up like a beacon - markets and hands alike! Sure it only shines for about 1 or 2 hours. That dial is marked "Tswiss madeT".

Is the chemical on these recent Rolexes that poor?

Both watches have recently had full Rolex 5 year overhaul services - did they miss something when doing the service?

Any ideas?

Thanks.

[OysterDavid]

Until the Luminova era...the most current lume material, Rolex was never known for bright, shining lume. What's happened to you is that the tritium has just naturally worn out on your older watches. It's a normal deterioration of that material, so nothing is wrong.

There are a very small number of craftsmen around the world who can and do quality relume jobs, but the 'normal' way to deal with this is to just have the dial replaced with a new service dial with luminova. I'm going to guess that you didn't bring up the matter at the recent service events and the technicians didn't volunteer to swap dials (at a cost, of course). If this is important to you and you want the factory replacements, then it might be possible to bring the watches back to the service facility and ask them to replace the dials without a full service.

May the rest of your day be illuminating...

[Kissdrb]

My sub is just 5yrs old and it NEVER was very bright unless I just came in from the outside. In complete darkness after being inside for a while it would have no lume in the dark. I just thought that was how it was made but always wondered how a diver could see anything once in the water without an additional light.