Radium + Children = Tropical Abercrombie Shipmate

I’m expecting my first child in the late summer. Exciting stuff.... and being a true (perhaps sick) enthusiast, I’ve already got what I initially thought to be the two perfect watches for a child in my arsenal... the first is my own childhood Mickey Mouse watch, which I believe to be an unassailable choice.

The second is one I bought at auction a few years ago and have had tucked away - I’d been there to try and buy a UG Tri-Compax, but having struck out on that, I came home with this:


It’s a circa-1930’s/40’s boy’s size (30 mm) Abercrombie & Fitch Shipmate that’s gone fantastically tropical and has what I think is it’s original leather band. These are the original auction photos - we’ve just moved house and I’ve not dug out the watch, but just remembered I had it.

That said, I’m suddenly hesitant to expose my child to it as it’s got a radium dial. Am I being overly cautious? Should I let sjg22 Jr. rock some vintage tropical chocolate goodness or keep it far far away....

Interesting question..... Why not get him a nice non radium watch instead.
Something like this perhaps?



Just with incabloc offcourse 😀

Says someone with “radium” in his name 😝!

(And great watch!!)

Congrats on the soon-to-be expanded family! I’d go non-radium too

As a nuclear engineer, I can only say AVOID exposing kids to Radium. This watch is a clear no go for me.

Regards.

Dr. R.

Thanks Doc! I think that’s the right call.

That said, the watch enthusiast in me is slightly bummed about not being able to establish an early respect and admiration for vintage tropicals....

Congrats! I gave my 7 year old a swatch, a few months ago, has only worn it twice! Hope you could do better than I did.