Rolex

chippytime
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Radiation in time pieces

Dear Bill

I understand your point of view, which I agree to a limited extent, provided one knows and understands the risks (like smoking) and does not wear an overly radiant watch at night and only during the day occasionally if necessary. One needs to identify the type of lumen on a pre-1960's watch, which was when radium based lumen was made illegal.  Most of my watches with lumen are not radium based and give absolutely no concern.

Here is a quote from a 2015 article by a guy who had carried out some serious research on radium based lumen in time pieces:

"If a watch is identified with Gamma radiation, evaluate at what point you feel comfortable with the risks. Clearly, a watch that emits over 10 uSv per hour is one that I would simply not want to wear. It would be the equivalent of having 1-2 chest X-rays every single day. One that emitted at 1 uSv per hour might be something I would wear intermittently. Everyone will have their respective tolerance levels. uSv 100/hour? I actually wouldn't want to be next to someone with such a watch."

I have a Movado from 1943 that emits gamma at 1.10 uSv per hour above my local background radiation (of 0.14 uSv per hour), so I am happy to wear it for short periods.   I have a recently acquired Ulysse Nardin from 1958 that emits gamma at 0.12 above background, which I have been wearing for a while now and I am happy with that.

At an unknown gamma in excess of 10.0 uSv per hour, my other recent vintage acquisition is of concern and needs to be attended to if I wish to wear it as I want, because it is a fine, definitive watch to own and wear.   Also it needs to be stored in a way not to harm others at home.

Enjoy your lovely Rolex.

Best

Clive