Zodiac Talk => General Zodiac Discussion => Topic started by: rd270 on August 03, 2020, 09:01:13 AM

Title: How can you tell if your Zodiac has a radium lume?
Post by: rd270 on August 03, 2020, 09:01:13 AM
Hello, I've recently acquired a 60s/70s Zodiac Sea Wolf in a non-datographic model with a black dial and light blue bakelite bezel. At the 6 o'clock position, it reads "Swiss". As the title states, how can I tell if this is radium or a tritium lumed watch?

Title: Re: How can you tell if your Zodiac has a radium lume?
Post by: rd270 on August 03, 2020, 09:03:57 AM
This is the watch in question.
Title: Re: How can you tell if your Zodiac has a radium lume?
Post by: Butch on August 03, 2020, 09:14:17 AM
Unknown to me. Later models had a T next to the SWISS though t designate it used Tritium. It is nothing to worry about though as the crystal and case protects the wearer. Even a piece of paper could block the radiation of the luminescencent paint that was used. Radium paint was totally phased out by the Swiss watch industry in 1968.
Title: Re: How can you tell if your Zodiac has a radium lume?
Post by: rd270 on August 03, 2020, 09:24:43 AM
Quote from: Butch on August 03, 2020, 09:14:17 AM
Unknown to me. Later models had a T next to the SWISS though t designate it used Tritium. It is nothing to worry about though as the crystal and case protects the wearer. Even a piece of paper could block the radiation of the luminescencent paint that was used. Radium paint was totally phased out by the Swiss watch industry in 1968.

Thanks for the quick response! I am also unsure, since I have seen a similar one being sold by Hodinkee, but they claimed tritium was being used. I couldn't verify, since their pictures did not show what was below the 6.