Understanding Tritium : Everything You Need to Know, And a Few You Don't (Science Time)

[@IKATEN501]

"The power of the sun in the palm of my hands." -Some guy who has 4 mechanical arms who wants a lot of tritium for his machine

[@waynegillespie4213]

Not boring at all. Very interesting info. Keep up the good work.

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks! If people would enjoy a bit more science, or be bored by it. Cheers!

[@calel5196]

I was about to say, sorry to burst your bubble but this was in no way boring.

[@Gumby56]

As a deputy sheriff, I used night sights on my guns so, with that experience,I bought a Ball Trainmaster Roman as my duty watch.

[@FearlesSLaughteR1]

Pffft, nerrrrrrrrd… (I looked this up to be here.)

[@kittenlang8641]

Yeah like you can judge whom to trust, regular peasant.

[@gregalonzo747]

Well done. You clarified some points that I didn't understand. Kudos to you!

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks! Glad to be of help!👍

[@Chronoflexion]

Great great explanation. Even 3-4 years after you posted it, I am very happy I found your video. Thanks much :)

[@TheMartialist]

This is a much needed video! The production value is great, as usual. Keep it up!

[@RelativeTime]

Thank You. Was a little concerned people would be too bored with it. Hows the orient solar chrono treating you?

[@develentsai3215]

You're a very good teacher, put it simple and easy to understand

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks!

[@pnojazz]

I truly appreciate you taking the time to explain this to us non scientists! Much obliged!

[@mariog7213]

I’m glad I found your video on this. I’ve been watching your channel for years but for some reason didn’t watch this one before and I appreciate your scientific background and explanation.

[@TheMagnusChandDK]

I was recently introduced to radioactive materials in science class, thank you for explaining a lot about the energy and how to work with them! Keep it up man!

[@RelativeTime]

Thank you. Glad to help. I've been planing on doing a little more science themed videos, but havent got around to it. Someday...

[@MrOstefar]

Learning about the technologies our beloved timepieces are built upon is never boring. Very good presentation and editing too. Maybe this could be the beginning of a series? How about telling us about what jewels in watches do, and their history. Or one about what controls the accuracy in mechanical and quartz watches, and why one is more accurate than the other. Maybe one about the forgotten predecessors of quartz: tuning fork (eg. the Bulova Accutron, which I personally find very interesting. The Omega is not the only moon watch) and electromechanical (eg. the Citizen Cosmotron)? Anyway, your work is appreciated :)

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks, and thanks for the suggestions. You have some good ones. I have a few other ideas as well, so I'll make it a semi-regular thing. I wasn't aware of the Citizen Cosmotorn, I'll have to look more into that one. Cheers!

[@letlogiclead1187]

Your video is now 2 years old but still teaching us newbies everything we need to know about tritium Shane. I bought an obscure watch from Times International at the start of my obsession called "CPLA General Watch"! It has tritium tubes on the hands and indices (T25 I suspect). There is no "half life" with your perfect explanation to us laymen. So glad this video of yours is still available. Incidentally, I've just turned 65 so a half life of twelve and a half years should do me nicely😄

[@theemichael1]

Fantastic video. You really went into great depth without becoming overwhelmed or boring.

[@olivierbooth4260]

You explained pretty much every tritium related question I had, thank you very much:)

[@rubeclayton8233]

I Agree... Excellent Video.. He Answered All My Questions On This Subject...

[@euqat]

I love knowing what's the science behind something before making any choice/purchase. Your video was very clear and relevant to me. Thanks a lot!

[@RL-ui8zr]

Excellent presentation! Thorough and very well structured informative video!

[@surfitli]

Very interesting. I have a number of tritium watches. I really like them. However, I don’t think they are for everybody. T-100 tubes are never as bright as good lume is, and it needs to be very dark to notice them. The advantage is that they glow continuously without a charge for years.

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks! I agree that they aren't for everyone. One of the reasons I wanted to make this is to caution the more casual collector. As some might be surprised in a few years when they are dimmer, even if you haven't worn them.

[@jeremiah1178]

Surfitli I disagree about it needing to be very dark to see trits. I can see the trits in my armourlite just fine at sunset, or in a living room with my tv on. I guess it mostly depends on a individuals eyes and their ability to gather light.

[@surfitli]

Jeremiah 1 Maybe difficult to see is the wrong term. Tritium tubes are never as bright as Superluminova or similar grade lume when charged. If you put them together the tritium will be much dimmer. The benefits of tritium are it doesn’t require a charge and glows consistently, as opposed to fading.

[@surfitli]

@Roberto Vidal Garcia Yes, tritium doesn’t fade like lume

[@TealJosh]

Exactly. This is why I bought my watch with tritium tubes for military use. I know I'll be using it under light control conditions and the backlight of a casio from pressing the button, or fitbit with it's heart rate sensing led, show up like a flash light on a light enhancing night vision sensors. My watch, under a cuff of my uniform jacket, is more or less unnoticeable to those devices.

[@volcanicash4893]

Excellent video. Very informative, clear and to the point. Without the straight to DVD theatrics nor BS of other channels.

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks! I usually try to write out what I'm going to say beforehand. Or at least outline it. That way their won't be too many distractions or tangents.

[@jamesshuker3300]

Happy to pay the bills Otto

[@P_Ezi]

Shane, This video had the perfect amount of info for a non-chemist to follow. It was interesting and informative. I think there was one small mistake, though. Around the 6:46 mark, I believe you meant to say "which is less dramatic than it sounds", or "which sounds more dramatic than it actually is". Still a great video. Thank you.

[@RelativeTime]

I believe your correct. I'm still not 100% comfortable on camera, trying to remember what I wan't to say. But I'm glad you enjoyed it! Cheers!

[@jamesstrang2037]

Thankyou that was really interesting . You really spelt it all out and answered everything I was wondering about.

[@jakeshamrock8978]

Wow. Amongst so many useless "reviews" and product demos did I find this very informative, concise and just put video. Well done, thanks. No I know what's up with this whole shebang around tritium tubes.

[@alexsoul247]

Great explanation. Nothing new for me personally here, but - title says it all - it is indeed everything you need to know. Took me a while to dig it all out elsewhere, from multiple sources. I would be much better off just by watching this one first. Thank you also for the impartial advice and for allowing us to make our own decisions. Really appreciate it.

[@gonshocks]

Very good explanation of tritium. I have a t100 quartz watch and use it often, especially when I go to bed. If I wake anytime during the night it's still glowing nice and bright. I know they have a 25 year lifespan but then again at my age so do I.

[@RelativeTime]

😀 HA! That's an excellent point. Thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@kevinwaller657]

I'm all over the place with youtube videos. really I watch a bit of everything and I just wanted to say. your description and way of education for some reason, is among the best I've ever seen in my 10 years on this platform.

[@pederlindstrom3132]

Hello Shane, Sweden here again. This was not at all a boring video, I found it rather interesting. It so happen to be that I am a bit of a science freak, physichs, chemistry, astronomy and you name it. When I am scrapping in the garage I usually have the pad going with a lecture on something, Laurence Crauss, Brian Green or Neil Degrass Tyson, Ed Copeland.

[@RelativeTime]

Thank you! I'm just humbled that this video seems to be at the top if you search for tritium.

[@AKAngelKingAK]

Used them on AK sights Yugoslavia. Other countries used clip on sights like Russia Egypt Poland and East Germany. Polish had holes drilled in rear sight leaf inorder to hold 2 and 1 was used in front clip on sight. They worked real well esp when you used a different color in the rear which doesn't wash out the front one. Sometimes the rear bringing closer to eye it's brighter. Therefore it sometimes washes out the front sight making it more difficult to put on target and see your target. Ones I used was told to replace jic around 7 years because of going dim. I preferred them a little dim because of washing out target. Blue in rear 🔵🟡🔵 each person. May prefer other combinations.

[@m.9243]

Excellent narration of a subject little known. Thanks for taking the time to explain it to the watch collector's community.

[@mog882]

Boring but not boring. Informative. Exactly what I was looking for.

[@TheWtfnonamez]

Given all the scare mongering and drama in the news and the internet..... its always satisfying to see an expert, calmly sit down and deliver FACTS. Well played sir.

[@RelativeTime]

Thank you. Unfortunately, that's the world we live in. What you know doesn't seem to be as important as how loud you yell it.

[@stuartbrown25]

great video, thank you for explaining tritium tubes. i agree with others that lume is so much brighter than tritium tubes..

[@samuelbreton9061]

So a T25 can last a whole military carreer. By the time it go dim you will be sitting into an office. Really informative video, thank you. I'm reassured that my Marathon watch will be fit for duty!

[@SingleTrackMined]

Excellent video. Thanks! Your soothing voice, stunning photography and gentle manner are all exceptionally easy to watch/listen to. I have a Carnival tritium watch and even though it's 'only' 25 it is plenty bright when my eyes are adjusted to the dark. Moar tritium!

[@MrSwosh89]

Wonderfully interesting and well spoken video, a pleasure to listen to. Explained all I needed to know and then some even though I am looking at tritium for a keychain and not a watch. Also awesome voice, you should consider doing ebooks or readings.

[@iamgroot4080]

I love the way how You explain things... So calming, and straight to the point. Good work Sir

[@markedmiston8985]

Informative and very well done. Everything you need, nothing that you don't. I like your style.

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks!

[@extremejoy]

Thank you for the insight; I have a 1968 Tudor Submariner with tritium dial & I had to shine a flashlight for a long time to get it to lume. Now that I know most likely it’s somewhere close to 1/16 life at this point then that makes sense. I will just enjoy it for what it is & not try to ruin it by refreshing the lume. 😊

[@GrandSyzygy]

Thank you so much for taking the time to create this educational content; quite fascinating and informative! Keep up the great work 🙌🏼

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks, will do!

[@duanebuckley1769]

Thank you for explaining something no one else ever has,,iv used Tritium most of my life in various applications and never could explain it to anyone before other than to say its radio active.

[@let_freedom_ping]

I just purchased my first tritium powered rifle optic and was curious to the science behind it. Very informative video.

[@RelativeTime]

Glad to help. What optic did you get? Meprolight?

[@let_freedom_ping]

Actually yes, I did. The M21 with the triangle retical. I also added an illuminator. Thinking about getting a polerizar as well. I'm loving it on my G3 clone so far. @@RelativeTime

[@BJM-Florida]

Shane, I give thumbs up for all of your videos.

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks!

[@roddenby]

Thank you. I’ve been worried about the safety of the tritium tubes in my watch. Knowing they are safe and coming from a chemist means a lot.

[@RelativeTime]

Glad to help. As long as you don’t swallow them, or do something silly with it they should be perfectly safe.

[@garymajoros9813]

Great video but you left off some important points: Some colors appear brighter to the human eye so you have to factor in the color of the tubes. For the same amount of tritium in a tube green will appear to be the brightest. Another factor you didnt mention is what T25 or T100 means. T25 means the total output can be up to 25 millicuries in all the tubes combined. T100 is anywhere from 26 to up to 100. So a watch by one company designated as T100 could have 30 while another company could have a true100. The manufacturers never state how much is in any given model which is why you need to be careful with some of the watches coming out of China. I have never found a brand that gives you a certificate with the watch verifying how much total tritium is used. Does mb microtec even certify the brightness of each tube sold? And lastly most companies put alot of emphasis on the hour markers but it is the hands that really allow you to see the time in the dark. And the newer flat tubes appear to be brighter than the round tubes because they have more surface area which glows..

[@Kmicic023]

Wooow!! Good topic! I didn't know there is a quality of tritium like different between: 25, 100 :) that was new for me :) Radium is oldschool... I remember some books about WW2 and authors wrote about own watches :) This video is very helpful :)

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks! It's not a quality difference as much as a quantity. It should just be more gas pumped into the tube before it's sealed off. I was looking at Phoibos site, and saw a new watch coming out. I think it's called the Sentinel, but on one version they list it as having "Version C Super-LumiNova old radium on indexes and hour marks " I have no idea where they got old radium, or how well that can clear customs.

[@ryantoberman934]

Clear, concise and to the point. Excellent video.

[@TheHexCube]

Superbly explained. Thank you.

[@JohnnyGonzalez007]

Very informative video, I can see it's incredibly useful for those less scientifically adept given the layman's terms description of the processes going on. I am an element collector but I have two tritium tubes sent as a gift! Now I see them in a different light! (pun intended!)

[@gunnerman1880]

I was thinking of buying a tritium watch t100 that's around 12yrs old and wondered if it is worth it, this tells me for the right price it should be fine, so thanks for educating me with your dulcit tones ☺️👍

[@Sanguen666]

Thank you! this is the BEST video I watched about tritium! So good, that no other video about tritium is needed, thank you for your work!

[@ZCherish]

Super informative, thanks for making this.

[@mc909a]

This is a really well done video. Thank you

[@captnwally]

enjoyed the video and learned a few things - thank you! I first used tritium watches for night time maritime work on pilot boats.

[@SamMito28]

The power of the sun in the palm of my hand

[@RelativeTime]

Do you mean metal claw?

[@SamMito28]

@@RelativeTime yes😎

[@omax1023]

Great informative video! Thanks, I have an vintage Tag heuer with tritium that no longer works under normal lighting conditions....

[@gunnerman1880]

Extremely informative thanks learnt something today😉👍

[@jrhamilton4448]

My Luminox utilizes tritium gas tubes. I like it specifically because I don't have to hit an indiglo button to illuminate the time in dark settings, I simply look down and see what time it is.

[@yetisuncle666]

thank you so very much. this was invaluable info. im currently looking for some "nite sites" and just needed some tritium education, and this was very very informative. thank you.

[@nrs6956]

Fascinating and excuse me, illuminating! Thank you.

[@RelativeTime]

ha! Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.

[@eduardosimeon1319]

Nice job! Learned a lot from your video. Nice to know not all tritium are created equally.

[@citronlemon2933]

Very informative video. Thank you for making it!

[@RelativeTime]

Glad it was helpful!

[@philputnam5586]

THANKS. EVERYTHING I WANTED TO KNOW

[@twistedsaints]

That was a great video. Thank you for this! I only found out about these watches an hour ago so the information was really needed. Thank you again!

[@RelativeTime]

No problem, glad you found it useful.

[@mirekkudzia7052]

Many thanks for this interesting video. Could you make another one about Super Luminova 3, please? Many thanks

[@Br0ns0n]

Great knowledge. A must watch for even the casual collector. Thanks for posting.

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks! I'm glad to see people enjoyed it, and just didn't fall asleep.

[@redbishop71]

This is one of most informative video I watched in you tube. Thanks. I enjoyed it.

[@davidguajardo71]

I wish I had you back in high school as my chemistry teacher. Mine was a jerk

[@nrs6956]

Fascinating. Have heard of watches with Tritium dials and this somewhat clarifies the the technology of "decay."

[@RelativeTime]

Hope it was useful.😎

[@Snakebloke]

Incredible information, thank you!

[@RelativeTime]

Glad it was helpful!

[@richardli3421]

Very useful understanding the whole tritium water Japan is dumping even happening rn

[@ssways]

Very informative thank you

[@WhatAreYouBuyen]

Very useful information man. Gun knowledge, science, and watches, a true man of culture.

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks!

[@grogsmash9956]

Excellent video. Even as someone already with tritium, (a byproduct of my chosen profession) I found it very interesting, especially when you got into how tritium works together with a phosphor to generate light. The thumb rule I remember is that after five half lives, a radioisotope is considered pretty much decayed off. BTW, somehow I am not surprised that you have a science related background. (yes, that's a compliment ) Oh yes, More "How it works" segments would be good.

[@RelativeTime]

Thank you. It's really a very simple system, but there is a lot people don't know about it. Cheers!

[@harrylal7319]

Bro you should start a science channel too.great video btw.

[@RelativeTime]

Maybe someday, but right now don't have the time to do 2 channels. But I have a few science / watch related videos in mind. So I'll do another one every once in a while here.

[@BryanO92]

Gives me a lot to think about when buying one of these things. What are the odds this watch will still be in use in 25 years? Not great, but it's good to know and I'll be sure the dial is nice and legible without the benefit of tritium before buying. Fantastic video!

[@fanggao897]

Great video! I opened a 1970s Tissot seastar ten days ago and lubricated the movement. Then I noticed the T on the dial, which means that its luminous contains tritium.I'm a little anxious right now as to whether I've inhaled some tritiated dust.

[@RelativeTime]

I wouldn't worry about it. The majority of tritium has probably decayed to helium and the radiation has already been given off.

[@fanggao897]

@@RelativeTime Thank you, its make me feel better now.😃

[@BarnOwl61]

Thanks a lot for this explanation. I had my eyes on a Carnival tritium T25 from Alieexpress. It really is appealing to me. After your video, i have to reconsider. I stil like the concept of tritium luminous hands on a watch. Let me compliment you on your high quality videos. The are always very useful, no bs here.

[@RelativeTime]

Thank you. I've been tempted by those Carnivals as well. But the couple reviews I've watched mention they aren't as bright as other tritium watches. I think there is only a handful of companies in the world that make the tubes, so I'm guessing carnival might get a deal on some older tubes. Which would explain why they are a little more dim. Which is one of the reasons I wanted to mention that, just to caution others. Thanks again!👍

[@g2.integra108]

I've seen the Carnival watches also, but all of them say shipping from China. Spend the extra coin on a Traser, you won't be disappointed.

[@panosvrionis8548]

Thanks for the details 😉 For example the coating inside the tube. I thought the hydrogen isotopes was glowing 😲😲 And I wonder based on the chemistry that I know how is possible!!🤔🤔 I feel like Homer Simpson with this glowing tube at the intro 😂😂😂😂😂

[@RelativeTime]

😂 Glad you liked it!

[@miketv218]

Just became a subscriber. Excellent presentation. Interested to see your other videos.

[@nastrodomis]

Very informative and useful information sir. Well done and thank you.

[@C509NorthernTerritory]

So well explained, answered every question. Thank you 👍

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks!

[@danielshirey8024]

great over view! Thank you

[@RelativeTime]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@bjornegan6421]

excellent video as always. we used tritium in the scopes on our rifles and in compasses in the Marine Corps. i'm not sure if this is true, but according to classes we get, tritium becomes 10000x more hazardous if exposed to flame and is then considered dangerous.

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks. Well it’s basically Hydrogen gas, so it would be just as combustible. Although not a lot in each of those tiny vials, but probably enough to make a small explosion and through glass everywhere.

[@glenfordburrell1076]

Has anyone heard the old adage of the frog jumping across the stream. Each jump is half the distance of the previous. In other words, the frog will continue to increase it's distance but will never be able to finally cross the stream.

[@raymora7710]

Great, informative video. Thanks!

[@RelativeTime]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@videon28]

Great video.And good explanation.

[@RelativeTime]

Thank you!

[@gunnerman1880]

That's brilliant info sir 👍 thanks I feel very informed now.

[@TheSweede12]

An absolutely fantastic video. Very informative. Thanks for sharing

[@kevincanales6654]

Damn, this was explained so thoroughly. Awesome. Subscribed.

[@JusttheWatch]

Dang that was one epic intro.

[@mannygarcia759]

Thank you for your information! I own 8 Luminox watches. I have been very satisfied with the brand! You have enlightened me to what makes them recognized as a watch company. You make something complex easy to understand!

[@IAmScottD]

Superb! Your content sir is one of the few gold nuggets pyrite mine!

[@RelativeTime]

LOL thanks!

[@almagore1]

Very informative video. Good job.

[@RelativeTime]

Thank you!

[@jh0347]

My homie Octavius really needed that shit

[@RelativeTime]

I think that was the best Spider Man Film.

[@jimmyolber5406]

Very informative, really enjoyed this one!

[@semektet]

excellent video. many thanks

[@domenicfp]

This was a great video. Well explained and presented. Thank you for you time and video.

[@AletaDye]

Questions: I'm writing a novel about a survivalist who wants to live off the grid. There is a room in his dwelling that uses a long-lasting phosphorescent type of light where he stores weapons. 1) Would he be able to use this type of light? If so, how big would it have to be? He has a background in chemistry. 2) Would he be able to create his own light?

[@RelativeTime]

So like a cross between Walter White and Bob Lee Swagger? Interesting. Most of the modern applications are small, and give off just enough light to find them in the dark. Such as a watch or a gun sight. Yet not enough to be used as a light source on its own. The thing with phosphorescent light sources is that they aren't very intense. The key advantage over a florescent source is that they are longer lasting. Say hours not seconds comparatively. Theoretically you could, but it wouldn't be very efficient. In order to really produce enough light to work in it would have to be huge. No idea how big off the top of my head, but big enough to not be practical. Plus I believe Tritium sales are tracked. So hard to be off the grid if you are already on some registry.

[@AletaDye]

@@RelativeTime Thank you for your prompt response (alas, I am not so prompt). It was very helpful. So I'm back to trying to figure out what my character would use that would not be tracked. Maybe he doesn't need to light the whole room, maybe something like a nightlight but a little brighter. If you can think of anything ideas, I would greatly appreciate it. If the book ever gets finished and published, I'd be happy to mention you in acknowledgements. Stay safe during the pandemic.

[@alholsbo5934]

Vary interesting and informative Thank You 👍👍

[@WatcheswithDennis]

Great explanation on tritium thanks for doing this video!

[@ankurprasad201]

Very interesting....thanks really learned something new...

[@rubeclayton8233]

Thanks For The Education... Excellent Video.!!