Geiger Reading of a 2998

Radium emits alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. Alpha and beta can't pass through metal and most of it won't pass through the hesalite. Gamma can pass through both.

The real danger with radium is ingesting it as the alpha and beta radiation will directly impact internal soft tissue (alpha for example is stopped by your skin).

4.48 micro sieverts per hour is equivalent to 0.448 mrem/hr. For context, a commercial airplane flight can easily expose passengers to ~1mrem/hr but that's to the whole body. Wearing a watch would only expose your wrist to the radiation... which is much less sensitive to stochastic effects.

As ibis888 says, the real danger is ingestion. This includes inhaling particles or transferring tiny particles from your fingers to any orifice (nose, eyes, mouth etc). Wash your hands after handling the dial or hands with the crystal off. The risk is very small, but better safe than sorry.

That’s an amazing looking 2998.

Amazng looking CK2998 and may I add three Mercury 7 astronauts had a personal Speedmaster CK998 (not lollipop versions).

As others have stated that the danger of Radium {if it is Radium as other radioactive material and varying rations have also been used in the watch industry} is ingesting micro dust either through the mouth or nose!!! Be aware that if it is Radium 226, the watch case would also have Radon gas build up in it when opened as Radium also breaks down to Radon gas. Your body also will confuse radium for calcium which is another issue. Both Radon and Radium are aggressively carcinogenic.

Most Geiger counters cannot confirm Radium, as Radium emits alpha particles (which are Helium Nuclei that are heavy and can easily be stopped by your crystal or a piece of paper). In general Geiger counters will not detect Radium as it is not in their job description. You would need an alpha particle sensitive Geiger counter known as the Geiger Muller which will detect not just Beta particles ( like electrons and positrons) but also alpha particles,

When working with these items that contain Radium especially where carpets & young children are within proximity, I would go into a well ventilated back shed and use gloves. Upon completion, wash all equipment properly and your hands with soapy water rinsing very thoroughly.. Throw away anything that you have exposed the radium parts to that cannot be washed in a tight sealed bag for disposal.