The Rolex Submariner, a legend in the world of diving watches, boasts a history as rich and deep as the ocean it was designed to conquer. A significant part of this history is intertwined with the evolution of its luminous material, a crucial element contributing to its functionality and iconic aesthetic. While modern Submariners utilize Super-LumiNova, a significant portion of the watch's legacy is inextricably linked to the use of radium and subsequently, tritium. This article delves into the fascinating world of Rolex Submariner tritium lume, exploring its characteristics, history, and the ongoing fascination surrounding it among collectors.
Vintage Rolex Radium Lume: A Glowing Legacy, A Hazardous Past
Before the advent of tritium, Rolex, like many other watchmakers, utilized radium-based luminous paint. This material, although providing a strong and long-lasting glow, presented a significant health hazard. Radium is a highly radioactive element, and its use in watches, particularly during the early to mid-20th century, resulted in numerous cases of radiation sickness among watch dial painters, famously known as "Radium Girls." The dangers associated with radium were slowly recognized, leading to increased scrutiny and eventually, a ban on its widespread use.
The luminous paint used on vintage Rolex watches, from the early Submariners to models produced until approximately 1963, was primarily radium-based. These watches, now highly coveted by collectors, represent a significant piece of horological history. However, handling them requires caution. While the radiation emitted by vintage radium lume is generally considered low-level, prolonged exposure can still pose a health risk. Therefore, collectors should handle these watches with appropriate care and avoid prolonged skin contact. The intensity of the glow from radium lume also tends to diminish over time, due to the radioactive decay of the radium itself.
The Transition to Tritium: A Safer, Yet Still Radioactive Alternative
The growing awareness of the dangers of radium forced watch manufacturers to seek safer alternatives. Tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, emerged as a viable replacement. Tritium emits beta particles, a type of ionizing radiation, but these particles are less penetrating than the alpha particles emitted by radium. This made tritium a relatively safer option, although still radioactive.
Rolex adopted tritium as its luminous material around 1963, marking a significant turning point in the history of its luminous dials. The transition to tritium resulted in a slightly different glow compared to radium. While both materials produced a luminous effect, tritium generally offered a slightly softer, less intense glow, and a different colour hue. The colour of the tritium lume varied depending on the specific phosphorescent material used to mix with the tritium gas within the luminous paint. Common colors included creamy beige, yellow-green, and pale green.
Rolex Tritium Luminous: The Characteristics of the Glow
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