Help on this 1803 lume

[ahyeung]

Hi guys, I just picked this year 1976 1803 DD recently. One night I checked on the lume, its still glowing, can any expert see anythung wrong on this?

Everything else looks fine and the RSC in HK has checked and quoted a service fee on it.








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[Hub6152]

You would be well advised not to let RSC HK touch it unless you give explicit instructions to them before hand to not touch the hands or dial. They might then refuse to perform the service at all - which is a good thing. Otherwise you’ll likely end up with a service dial and hands which will destroy much of its value.

And the reaction to UV light is exactly what it should be doing.

[ahyeung]

Alright but the other T dial sports models I have from years 1995-1998 are all not glowing anymore at all, thats what makes me worry about.

Yes I did not let RSC service my watch at the end.


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[Hub6152]

Originally Posted by ahyeung

Alright but the other T dial sports models I have from years 1995-1998 are all not glowing anymore at all, thats what makes me worry about.

Yes I did not let RSC service my watch at the end.


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Not all tritium reacts the same. As long as the glow disappears quickly it’s fine.

[Styles Bitchley]

It’s very nice. Great look on that strap.

How long does it glow for?

[ahyeung]

Its hlowing less thsn an hour inside the drawer


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[ahyeung]

How could a 46 years old watch still glowing?


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[Hub6152]

Originally Posted by ahyeung

How could a 46 years old watch still glowing?


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https://www.rolexforums.com/archive/.../t-253819.html

[swish77]

Originally Posted by ahyeung

How could a 46 years old watch still glowing?


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I think you need to define what "glow" means. Some of the Rolex tritium from the '70s will still light up under UV like the OP's DD. My 6263 does the same. However, once you take the UV away, the "glow" will quickly fade and after a couple of minutes will vanish.

If the dial is still glowing strongly after, say, an hour following UV exposure, then I'd wonder about the lume. Under the natural light photos, that DD looks beautiful and the lume looks original, to my eye anyway.

[crowncollection]

You are using blue light so it still can have glow. How long is the question


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[swaini3]

Beautiful looking watch. Glowing for around an hour is too long IMO.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by swaini3

Beautiful looking watch. Glowing for around an hour is too long IMO.

Agree. But if it's been relumed, it's been done very well and very tastefully. I wouldn't worry about it.

[mbc]

My 1974 1603 still reacts for a little while when stimulated by UV light, fades immediately and is no longer visible in a dark room after a few mins. Having said that, I do think datejust/ day-date lume from this era is different from the sports models and you’re likely fine.

[Slimpee]

Originally Posted by mbc

My 1974 1603 still reacts for a little while when stimulated by UV light, fades immediately and is no longer visible in a dark room after a few mins. Having said that, I do think datejust/ day-date lume from this era is different from the sports models and you’re likely fine.

Same exact situation with my 1803 from around ‘74. It’s barely visible in a pitch black room and fades quickly.

[rootbeer7]

I’d suggest relume. As has been proved, there are some masters in the restoration game and done properly would pass most professional scrutiny. I wouldn’t be too bothered on this piece as it looks great.

[ahyeung]

Thanks a lot for all the professional replies!

[Hub6152]

Originally Posted by ahyeung

Thanks a lot for all the professional replies!

Why not visit Ivan or Vintage Concept and ask for their opinion. Or Vintage4HK or London Watch if you’re Kowloon side.

[peobles21]

A 46 years old watch can still glow if it is not everyday watch,well babies and worn among various collections of watches over the years.

[ahyeung]

Ok just tried again, the lume faded 5 minutes later. I think everything is fine, thanks for all the responses appreciated.


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[zapokee]

Originally Posted by ahyeung

Ok just tried again, the lume faded 5 minutes later. I think everything is fine, thanks for all the responses appreciated.

That sounds right, and it looks right, too.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by zapokee

That sounds right, and it looks right, too.

Agreed. My ‘66 Sub glows for about that long, as well as my old ‘66 1016.