Panerai Tritium Dial

[nick168fng]

Hi folks,

PAM T-dial has been an object of affection for Paneristis all over the World. The allure of patina is beautiful and highly desirable.

IMHO, the various new PAMs that use faux patina lume is nice but it can't really hold a candle to the Tritium dials.

However, I have read somewhere that once Tritium breaksdown overtime, it cannot be relumed and would likely be substituted with Super Luminova instead. If that's the case it would have a huge impact on the value of the watch.

Can someone please shed some light into the topic?

Thanks.

[hanz079]

No problem when there's no lume.
Seasoned watch technicians would not dare to mess with a tritium markers or hands when servicing unless being specifically asked for.
To be on the safe side... Tell the dude not to replace any lume.

[zameenzahari]

Hi folks,

PAM T-dial has been an object of affection for Paneristis all over the World. The allure of patina is beautiful and highly desirable.

IMHO, the various new PAMs that use faux patina lume is nice but it can't really hold a candle to the Tritium dials.

However, I have read somewhere that once Tritium breaksdown overtime, it cannot be relumed and would likely be substituted with Super Luminova instead. If that's the case it would have a huge impact on the value of the watch.

Can someone please shed some light into the topic?

Thanks.

Yes, Tritium is a radioactive isotope that will go through radioactive decay over time and will lose its luminosity. As for PAMs, whenever you send your piece to the Richemont service centre, make sure you be as clear as possible that the dials and the hands are not to replaced/touched even though if its flaking and cracking- else you might end up with a SuperLuminova substitute (however I understand that if you are a super VIP or Angelo Bonati's yatching buddy or something, they still have a limited number of OEM (even pre-V) T-dials and hands...)

[nick168fng]

Actually, I don't really mind if it doesn't illuminate anymore as long as it remains intact.

At that point in time, I bet the patina would have been yummy enough to overcome the lack of luminescence 

My greatest fear is mold or cracks in the T-lume.

Question is, is there anyway it can be serviced or even replacing the original dial?     

[hanz079]

Yes, Tritium is a radioactive isotope that will go through radioactive decay over time and will lose its luminosity. As for PAMs, whenever you send your piece to the Richemont service centre, make sure you be as clear as possible that the dials and the hands are not to replaced/touched even though if its flaking and cracking- else you might end up with a SuperLuminova substitute (however I understand that if you are a super VIP or Angelo Bonati's yatching buddy or something, they still have a limited number of OEM (even pre-V) T-dials and hands...)

Really? And mere mortals have no chance getting any?
That sucks big time man...

[zameenzahari]

Actually, I don't really mind if it doesn't illuminate anymore as long as it remains intact.

At that point in time, I bet the patina would have been yummy enough to overcome the lack of luminescence 

My greatest fear is mold or cracks in the T-lume.

Question is, is there anyway it can be serviced or even replacing the original dial? 

Cracking hands etc cannot be serviced.....of course you can replace the original dial/hands provided that you can source for a NOS OEM T-dial/hands...

[nick168fng]

Hi folks,

PAM T-dial has been an object of affection for Paneristis all over the World. The allure of patina is beautiful and highly desirable.

IMHO, the various new PAMs that use faux patina lume is nice but it can't really hold a candle to the Tritium dials.

However, I have read somewhere that once Tritium breaksdown overtime, it cannot be relumed and would likely be substituted with Super Luminova instead. If that's the case it would have a huge impact on the value of the watch.

Can someone please shed some light into the topic?

Thanks.

Yes, Tritium is a radioactive isotope that will go through radioactive decay over time and will lose its luminosity. As for PAMs, whenever you send your piece to the Richemont service centre, make sure you be as clear as possible that the dials and the hands are not to replaced/touched even though if its flaking and cracking- else you might end up with a SuperLuminova substitute (however I understand that if you are a super VIP or Angelo Bonati's yatching buddy or something, they still have a limited number of OEM (even pre-V) T-dials and hands...)

Z, spot on. Hence, are these watches intended to be safe queens? Man, I was hoping to make a daily beater out of it 

[zameenzahari]

Yes, Tritium is a radioactive isotope that will go through radioactive decay over time and will lose its luminosity. As for PAMs, whenever you send your piece to the Richemont service centre, make sure you be as clear as possible that the dials and the hands are not to replaced/touched even though if its flaking and cracking- else you might end up with a SuperLuminova substitute (however I understand that if you are a super VIP or Angelo Bonati's yatching buddy or something, they still have a limited number of OEM (even pre-V) T-dials and hands...)

Really? And mere mortals have no chance getting any?
That sucks big time man...

Not from Richemont through the normal channels....there are of course people out there who can source a NOS T-dial /hands for you...but that could take up a lot of investment in time and without saying...$$$$$$$

[zameenzahari]

Hi folks,

PAM T-dial has been an object of affection for Paneristis all over the World. The allure of patina is beautiful and highly desirable.

IMHO, the various new PAMs that use faux patina lume is nice but it can't really hold a candle to the Tritium dials.

However, I have read somewhere that once Tritium breaksdown overtime, it cannot be relumed and would likely be substituted with Super Luminova instead. If that's the case it would have a huge impact on the value of the watch.

Can someone please shed some light into the topic?

Thanks.

Yes, Tritium is a radioactive isotope that will go through radioactive decay over time and will lose its luminosity. As for PAMs, whenever you send your piece to the Richemont service centre, make sure you be as clear as possible that the dials and the hands are not to replaced/touched even though if its flaking and cracking- else you might end up with a SuperLuminova substitute (however I understand that if you are a super VIP or Angelo Bonati's yatching buddy or something, they still have a limited number of OEM (even pre-V) T-dials and hands...)

Z, spot on. Hence, are these watches intended to be safe queens? Man, I was hoping to make a daily beater out of it 

Well....if you paid premium for it then you might want to be quite careful with it. Anyway, T-dials were meant to be replaceable (Panerai is a tool watch after all...at least before the prices went super north)...however, nobody then anticipated that it'll be phased out by safety regulations and hence became "irreplacable"

[terrenceterrence]

Read that u can have the hands lacquered but the challenge is finding someone competent and experienced that is up to the task.

That would solve he flaking problem but not sure if that would also stop the patina too

[TheHobbit]

The tritium hands can be lacquered. The watch guy usually lacquered the back of the hands and that helps the flaking problem. Don't know if it stops the patina but I don't think so as it is only lacquered on one side. The other major problem is that the Tritium tends to 'attack' the hands.

[nick168fng]

Great discussion, folks  Let's keep the ball rolling......

In terms of resale value, how well does the T-Dial hold up against the L Dial in the market?

Let's not venture into the Pre-V models at this point. Value is typically based on uniqueness and rarity.

For instance, the PAM199 SE (only 500 pieces) is a rare bird that comes with a CF dial and Tritium markers. What do you guys think about its resale value?   

[zameenzahari]

Great discussion, folks  Let's keep the ball rolling......

In terms of resale value, how well does the T-Dial hold up against the L Dial in the market?

Let's not venture into the Pre-V models at this point. Value is typically based on uniqueness and rarity.

For instance, the PAM199 SE (only 500 pieces) is a rare bird that comes with a CF dial and Tritium markers. What do you guys think about its resale value?

a 44mm sub with t-dial usually dont command much premium (if any). while they are SEs, historically, Regatta pieces hardly increase in price..just look at the SIHH 2011 371, you can get it below the RRP. While generally (I said generally coz it is very dependent on the model), T-dials are more desired (e.g. a 9A vs 9BL), they key still lies with the model....just look at at the 127, 195, 360 to name a few highly desirable (read: selling way beyond the RRP) L dials....a rare model doesnt necessarily mean it'll be much more valuable- case in point the 1950 pieces Fiddy vs the 500 pieces 199...

 

[nick168fng]

Interesting comments, Z.

Compared to the PAM371, I would rather go for the PAM305 instead.

Let's see how the PAM382 would hold up in the long run.

[nick168fng]

The tritium hands can be lacquered. The watch guy usually lacquered the back of the hands and that helps the flaking problem. Don't know if it stops the patina but I don't think so as it is only lacquered on one side. The other major problem is that the Tritium tends to 'attack' the hands.

Yeah, I have seen mold/flakes on the hands. I think it is much easier to replace the hands, even if it has to be Superluminova.

As long as the T markers remain intact, it is all good 

[zameenzahari]

Interesting comments, Z.

Compared to the PAM371, I would rather go for the PAM305 instead.

Let's see how the PAM382 would hold up in the long run.

Ah, the Bronzo is different. It's destined for greatness in the halls of collectibility IMHO...of all the pieces in 2011, that is a very special one.Why? Simple...
1) the first production bronze watch from Panerai
2) the first green dial Pam
3) every single piece will be different as the case will patina will depend on the environment it's been exposed to and even the chemistry of the owner's skin.
4) even the box is amazing ...a first for Any Pam ...
5) 1000 pieces with crazy waiting list at the boutiques and the ADs is proof of how desirable this piece is now...

Nothing compares to the Bronzo..it's a special one

[terrenceterrence]

T dial + L hands looks mighty odd. Kinda looks like women wiu mismatched bra and panties IMHO.

Leave everything as it is. There's no such thing as perfection in life unless u are the great man Himself. So a lil' blemish on the face does not really hurt. That is unless u are extremely anal about it. Sell the watch and get the modern incarnate.

Corrosion of hands does not happen to those models with gold plated and painted hands. This was an afterthought like misprinting on stamps. So just leave it as it is.

Incidentally I have seen Omega Broadarrow reissues with L hands having corrosion problems too. Don't know why. But this doesnot seem to happen to Seiko with their own SuperLume

[nick168fng]

Interesting comments, Z.

Compared to the PAM371, I would rather go for the PAM305 instead.

Let's see how the PAM382 would hold up in the long run.

Ah, the Bronzo is different. It's destined for greatness in the halls of collectibility IMHO...of all the pieces in 2011, that is a very special one.Why? Simple...
1) the first production bronze watch from Panerai
2) the first green dial Pam
3) every single piece will be different as the case will patina will depend on the environment it's been exposed to and even the chemistry of the owner's skin.
4) even the box is amazing ...a first for Any Pam ...
5) 1000 pieces with crazy waiting list at the boutiques and the ADs is proof of how desirable this piece is now...

Nothing compares to the Bronzo..it's a special one

Indeed it is a unique piece. No question about it. Neertheless, it is still part of the Sub range.

I've always been a Luminor guy but let's hope that the Bronzo will take the Subs to a whole new level.

[nick168fng]

T dial + L hands looks mighty odd. Kinda looks like women wiu mismatched bra and panties IMHO.

Leave everything as it is. There's no such thing as perfection in life unless u are the great man Himself. So a lil' blemish on the face does not really hurt. That is unless u are extremely anal about it. Sell the watch and get the modern incarnate.

Corrosion of hands does not happen to those models with gold plated and painted hands. This was an afterthought like misprinting on stamps. So just leave it as it is.

Incidentally I have seen Omega Broadarrow reissues with L hands having corrosion problems too. Don't know why. But this doesnot seem to happen to Seiko with their own SuperLume

Interesting analogy, Terence 

[zameenzahari]

Indeed it is a unique piece. No question about it. Neertheless, it is still part of the Sub range.

I've always been a Luminor guy but let's hope that the Bronzo will take the Subs to a whole new level.
[/quote]

Subs are luminors bro. The Panerai case types are: Luminor, Radiomir & Mare (and of course the Ferrari if it's worth mentioning). I mentioned 44mm subs as being not so "hot" but some of the 47mm subs are quite sought after like the LaBomba (64C), 194, 285 and one of my all time favorite , the Kraken (358)...the way I see it, the Bronzo slots in nicely into the list....

[nick168fng]

Precisely. Just wasn't sure how to clearly explain the difference between the regular Luminor and Luminor Sub. You get my drift? 

I heard of LaBomba but it's the first time I've heard of the name 'Kraken' for PAM358. Cool~

[TheHobbit]

Indeed it is a unique piece. No question about it. Neertheless, it is still part of the Sub range.

I've always been a Luminor guy but let's hope that the Bronzo will take the Subs to a whole new level.

Subs are luminors bro. The Panerai case types are: Luminor, Radiomir & Mare (and of course the Ferrari if it's worth mentioning). I mentioned 44mm subs as being not so "hot" but some of the 47mm subs are quite sought after like the LaBomba (64C), 194, 285 and one of my all time favorite , the Kraken (358)...the way I see it, the Bronzo slots in nicely into the list....
[/quote]

So where does the PAM00243 fits in the picture?

[TheHobbit]

Great discussion, folks  Let's keep the ball rolling......

In terms of resale value, how well does the T-Dial hold up against the L Dial in the market?

Let's not venture into the Pre-V models at this point. Value is typically based on uniqueness and rarity.

For instance, the PAM199 SE (only 500 pieces) is a rare bird that comes with a CF dial and Tritium markers. What do you guys think about its resale value?

The PAM00199 is going for about RM22K here locally in Taiwan. Seeing that it was USD 7,000, retail back in 2004 (I stand corrected on this), it is not doing to well (for an SE).

[zameenzahari]

The 243 is a nice piece but if you look around, the "value" from a pure market premium perspective is not that much. For subs with market premium are the few SEs that I listed just now..But by all means that's not exhaustive as there are subs like the slytech etc..

[nick168fng]

I guess the majority of SEs won't command a premium albeit a few that really stands out.

Bronzo is definitely one of those SE in high demand. Somehow I just have a feeling that Panerai would introduce other variants to cope with the demand. Bronze case Rad, anybody? 

Only time would tell