The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi, wondering if anyone knows whether B uses tritium for the glowing parts on the face of the watch. As I understand tritium is used on the top dot of the bezel, but not sure about the watch dial and hands. Specifically on the Chronomat 44 GMT.

Thank you!

No, Breitling don't use Tritium at all these days. All luminous parts are Superluminova these days, and have been for a number of years now.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I guess it's only on the bezel then. On the Breitling's site they call the top dot as "Sapphire-protected tritium dot".

If that's what Breitling says then it's wrong. Breitling does not use tritium period. They were phasing it out anyway, but stopped when the US government threatened to take them to court for trafficking in a restricted material without a license - you can't import tritium to the US without being licensed to do so. Breitling has no such license and chose to stop using tritium instead of trying to get one.

Can you point specifically to where you saw that? I didn't see any mention of tritium on Breitling.com or Breitling.ch.

Love your new avatar, JS.

Thanks. It fits my mood of late.

Sure. Just go to Service, manuals, and do an overview for any of the Chronomats. Or download a PDF manual.

Thanks. As you said, that's what they say. Strange, because my understanding is as Roff said - tritium isn't used by Breitling anymore. Not many watchmakers do, because generally Super Luminova is seen as preferable.

Well, I will be picking up my new Chronomat 44 GMT next Friday, I will test it out then.

Cool - and congrats.

Seems like there are gazillion watches currently using tritium gas tubes. Some are very cheap. Health hazard is nil.

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Chrono Avenger M1, Ti- yellow dial, on Pro II Ti bracelet.
Avenger Code Yellow LE, on Diver Pro II strap, w/arabic dial.

Provided you don't break the tubes and then either inhale or ingest what's inside.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Breitling didn't stop using tritium for health reasons, they stopped using it because the US requires an import license because they class it as a restricted substance. More practically tritium also ages so the lume gradually deteriorates to the point where it is virtually non existent afte about 20 years.

If you cracked and snorted every tube in a Ball watch, what would happen? Your chance of getting a cancer would increase by what percent? Probably less than getting a chest Xray.

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Chrono Avenger M1, Ti- yellow dial, on Pro II Ti bracelet.
Avenger Code Yellow LE, on Diver Pro II strap, w/arabic dial.