I'm just curious what others think of the newer superluminova dials and hands. I really like the way the tritium acquires a patina. I’m definitely more of a vintage guy at heart but I’d like to acquire a newer speedy and make it my own vintage. Still, I’m worried that it won’t attain that vintage patina look that I love.

 

My opinion would be to get a 90s speedy. Not too old. But still has amazing patina. When it comes to new watches. There are a lot of models that are super nice. But to get a normal Moonwatch. Like a 3570.50. I would prefer to do the 90s. If your going to do a let’s say an apollo8. Something that’s different. Then do modern to have your own touch. My two cents.

 

Luminova is generally considered to not patina. The last tritium Speedmaster professionals where produced about 1999.

 

Luminova has been used for 30 years now and I have not seen any with nice patina. We just have to realize that modern material is much better. If you want patina you have to look for a tritium watch. And btw, it’s not the tritium that ages, it’s the other stuff in the chemical mix they used.

 

A different perspective. What you call patina is evidence of damage and Omega never intended this effect. Your own new Speedmaster will acquire its own small marks over the course of its life and will be solely yours.

Tom

 

You have a good point. Also, it seems like we don’t yet know exactly how the newer Omegas will age. Who knows what they’ll look like 50 years from now.

 

Fratello tried to address this a while back. Statement near the end indicates will not discolor, but it is not clear if that is based on accelerated aging tests, etc. I would have to believe the SuperLume manufacturers have done such testing.

https://www.fratellowatches.com/will-super-luminova-discolor/

 

Superlume keeps its color longer and is brighter than tritium- so agreed, it’s techincally a superior product. What we call patina is materials failure...it’s just pretty.
Frankly, I don’t think any manufacturer really thinks about how their product will fare 20 years or longer from production- except Zippo maybe.

 

My Colt Model of 1911 is over a hundred years old.

Tom

 

So is mine

 

You could have a custom lume painted on. Whatever shade you desire.

 

Some brands also provide watches with a patina like look on the lume,

kind regards Max

 

That’s cheating

 

Or you can get lucky and your whole dial patinas. Full disclose this is not mine although I wish it was...