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Tritium Watches
by Neil Rosenfeld
Tritium ( atomic symbol H3), an isotope of hydrogen (symbol H)
is both naturally occuring and man-made. It is very useful for watch dials
that can be read at night.
Tritium is a radioactive isotope of the element
hydrogen. The chemical symbol is H. Tritium occurs naturallyin the atmosphere
from the reaction of cosmic rays and air molecules. It is also produced in
nuclear reactors during production of electricity. Tritium is an atom of
hydrogen with one proton and 2 neutrons giving it an atomic weight of 3.
Tritium has a half-life of about 12-1/2 years. This means that 1/2 of the
original amount will decay in 12-1/2 years. While this half life is relatively
brief in the world of radioactive materials, this gives tritium some useful
properties.
Tritium when encapsulated in watches, exit signs,
aircraft gauges and other applications, will glow for up to 25 years. The
radioactive decay of tritium is not dangerous to man in these applications
because it emits a very weak beta particle that can be stopped by even a piece
of paper. Since the tritium is encapsulated in small packets made of glass or
plastic, radiation doesn't reach the skin. The benefits of this decay is a
bright display that can easily be read at night. The light emitted is not
visible during the day, but at night, the glow is very visible. The beta
particles cause the phosphor that coats the capsule to glow.
This makes tritium very popular for night
visibility applications. Pilots, the military, police and others like the
visibility without having to press any buttons to read the display. Several
watchmakers are now using tritium displays for their displays. They have
displays that far exceed the brightness of standard luminescent watch dials
that require "charging" by exposure to light. These have become very popular
watch styles with the general public as well as military, pilots and law
enforcement.
Tritium watches come in many styles and prices.
There is a style for just about anyone. Now you can tell the time in the dark
and look in style at the same time.
The author maintains a website that carries CTI
Watches and chronographs
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