Lume questions: why does my lume fade so quickly, and how should I compare it? · RWI-21394

C

CaseFile 00203

Member

Thread starter

23/12/23

#1

My watch's lume is bright for a few minutes and then barely visible. Is that normal? People post lume shots of different watches, but they all seem to use different charging and exposure, so I can't tell what's actually better.

Question record — RWI-21394
Field	Scope
Subject	Lume questions: why does my lume fade so quickly, and how should I compare it?
Exercise	Discuss the stated question; distinguish sources, interpretations and unresolved points.

D

DialCheck 00204

Member

23/12/23

#2

A bright initial glow followed by a steep drop is normal for photoluminescent pigments. Afterglow fades fastest in the first minutes and then settles to a dim, long-lasting level that dark-adapted eyes can still read. The real question is whether it's readable after an hour in darkness, not how it looks right after charging.

M

MovementIndex 00205

Member

23/12/23

#3

Clarifying question: how are you charging it? A few seconds under a warm indoor bulb gives a much weaker charge than daylight or a UV source. Many 'weak lume' reports turn out to be undercharging. Try a consistent charge, such as 30 seconds under a phone flashlight at a fixed distance, before judging.