Steinhart Luminous Bezels

So I have a Steinhart 904L Premium. Great watch, but I do have a small issue regarding it. Specifically, I noticed that the luminous markers on the bezel (most evident with the large triangle) are not a pure white, but slightly off-white, almost very light beige. I also found a review on YouTube from a user reviewing a different Steinhart diver model and he complained of the same thing. I then decided to email Steinhart, and they said the following: 

Now I have compared several watches and models equipped with the top triangle and found that the color is the same everywhere. The color is not pure white but a very very light beige.

Thus, I assume that the watch you received is also not different from the regular model.

So now I’m curious if this is a batch issue or simply indicative of luminous ceramic paint at this price point?

I was hoping to see if any of you have noticed anything similar with your Luminous ceramic Steinhart bezels. 

I will say, it’s definitely lighting specific. In some lighting, it’s imperceptible, and in other conditions it’s obvious. 

I am debating possibly going through warranty, but as a watch lover, I might just be overly nitpicking as is our way. 

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My steinhart has a lumed triangle on the bezel that's also off colored. 

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Fiatjeepdriver

My steinhart has a lumed triangle on the bezel that's also off colored. 

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I appreciate the reply. Is that the only portion of your bezel that is lumed?

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Donster_125

I appreciate the reply. Is that the only portion of your bezel that is lumed?

It is the only part that's lumed (and only part that's discolored)

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Because the lume glows when charged by light, it appears discolored when you see it...because it's glowing.

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JBird7986

Because the lume glows when charged by light, it appears discolored when you see it...because it's glowing.

Doesn’t explain then why the indices don’t look off white too. 

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Fiatjeepdriver

It is the only part that's lumed (and only part that's discolored)

Thanks! I’ll wait and see what others say as well, but my gut says our experience is the standard, not the outlier. Especially given the YouTube video review and what Steinhart said. 

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Fiatjeepdriver

It is the only part that's lumed (and only part that's discolored)

I forgot to ask you. How do you feel about the discoloration? I’m at the point where I love the watch, but it does bother me a bit. Even looking at other photos of the watch on Reddit, all steinharts do seem to have the discoloration.  On paper, this watch, for me, is otherwise flawless.  

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Hi i bought the exact same model from February 2022 and have the same issue. Entire bezel is discolored. Got mine from gnomon, checking with them if it is a defect.

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Oaksks

Hi i bought the exact same model from February 2022 and have the same issue. Entire bezel is discolored. Got mine from gnomon, checking with them if it is a defect.

Not a defect. I confirmed with Steinhart that it’s production. Maybe they can fix it in the future but I suspect it’s just a simple matter of this price point. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great watch. The discoloration just bothers me. I ordered the new aluminum bezel and am waiting on the jeweler to install it. I’ll post new photos when I receive it back. Don’t let this discourage you from Steinhart. They really do make fantastic, good quality watches. 

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  • I have the same yellowing issue as well with my Ocean 39mm Red - Black ceramic. Really dislike the yellowing.. not aesthetic for me.. rarely wear due to this issue

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Rcwinter1
  • I have the same yellowing issue as well with my Ocean 39mm Red - Black ceramic. Really dislike the yellowing.. not aesthetic for me.. rarely wear due to this issue

I ended up selling mine for that reason. Nice watch otherwise.