Causes of patchy lume and whether the dial is deteriorating or just dirty / undercharged.
If lume looks patchy after weak indoor light only, recharge fully and clean the crystal first. Dark spots that remain after an even full charge, or plots that also look cracked or thin, point more toward lume deterioration than simple dirt.
1. Clean the outside of the crystal.
2. Charge the watch under a consistent bright source.
3. Compare plots immediately in the dark.
4. Note fixed dark spots versus overall weak glow.
5. Recheck after another even charge before judging the dial.
Phone photos of lume are often misleading. Judge with your eyes after a controlled charge.
Why is my watch lume uneven?Charge quality, dirty crystal, aging, or real plot deterioration can all cause it.
Do dark spots on lume mean the dial is ruined?Not always. Test with a full even charge first.
How should I test uneven lume properly?Clean, charge evenly, then compare in the dark.
When does patchy lume need restoration?When dead spots remain after proper charging or the plots are physically failing.