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Post by foghorn on Jul 20, 2007 16:26:28 GMT -5
One of my favorite characteristics of Ball watches are the tritium tubes. Others also use them- but not like Ball watch Co.  |
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Post by rickatkins on Jul 31, 2007 7:35:04 GMT -5
Hi Foghorn,
I also love the look of those Ball tubes when they are diminished light.
Do you know if they have a certain lifetime expectancy, like Radiomir or SuperLuminova?
Also, do they emit light constantly or do they need to be "charged" by UV light?
Cheers,
Rick.
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Post by timefinder on Jul 31, 2007 8:48:38 GMT -5
Mr. Rick Atkins: See my post in the general forum about tritium vs super luminova, as it has a chart comparing the two. By my understanding, tritium lasts for a few decades and does not need to be recharged by light as it is a constant glow. It does not matter if the watch was outside for a week, or in a cave for a week, the result is the same. SuperLuminova is nearly dissipated after 8 hours before another recharge is required.
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Post by foghorn on Jul 31, 2007 16:54:32 GMT -5
timefinder is spot on.
The tubes last approx 25 years.
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Post by boscoe on Aug 1, 2007 16:19:06 GMT -5
Foggy, any idea how expensive it is to replace the tubes?
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Post by foghorn on Aug 1, 2007 16:36:31 GMT -5
Foggy, any idea how expensive it is to replace the tubes? Good question that I have no answer to!! I never really gave it much though due to the fact that in 25 years I'll probably be sound asleep before it gets dark and won't even notice that the tubes have died!! |
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Post by timefinder on Aug 1, 2007 20:50:28 GMT -5
Wow! That is a good question. I think b/c of the timeframe, it does not come up that often. Best bet would be to post it in the General Forum as there are more people in there who may know. Fergie's response was great. In 25 years, I will either be pushing daisies or thinking the only tube in me is giving me O2.  |
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Post by bullosa on Aug 2, 2007 22:00:45 GMT -5
I spoke with a Ball tech and he told me that Ball recommends an inspection of the 3H tubes after 12 years and if neccessary replacing them to maintain the night lume intensity. However they would last for 25 years although they may be dimmer after 12 years. Most SL and Tritium painted lumes would last about 10 years and will need re-luming as well.
I am not sure about the cost of replacing the 3H tubes on the dial and hands but I suspect they are changed completely.
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Post by Jeremy from Ball on Aug 15, 2007 10:51:04 GMT -5
We've not yet established pricing for the tube replacement because there has been no need to this point. Any watches that came in with tube problems are still covered by the original warranty.
It would theoretically be possible to maintain the original dial and hands when changing the tubes. That would of course depend on the overall condition of the watch.
The tritium decays at a rate of 1/2 every 12.3 years. Thus at 25 years, the watch should be at 1/4 of its original luminosity. The tube replacement service will be offered as an option during the recommended regular maintenance.
Regards,
Jeremy
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Post by foghorn on Aug 20, 2007 16:39:26 GMT -5
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Post by nardinista on Aug 28, 2007 3:27:28 GMT -5
;D
that is why we all love to look at our balls in the dark!!!LOL
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Post by timefinder on Aug 28, 2007 8:44:15 GMT -5
Oh man!!!! It doesn't take long for the jokes to fly. Sure was 'punny' ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Post by MikeS on Aug 29, 2007 21:53:18 GMT -5
Great picture! i had a ball once and it glowed the same just was not the look for me! Great picture
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