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 naturally in 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 Tritium
Watches by Luminox,Smith & Wesson and Uzi
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