Wearables

MTM's RAD watch packs a built-in Geiger counter

MTM's RAD watch packs a built-in Geiger counter
The MTM Special Ops RAD watch includes an integrated Geiger-Müller tube for measuring harmul ionizing radiation
The MTM Special Ops RAD watch includes an integrated Geiger-Müller tube for measuring harmul ionizing radiation
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The MTM Special Ops RAD watch includes an integrated Geiger-Müller tube for measuring harmul ionizing radiation
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The MTM Special Ops RAD watch includes an integrated Geiger-Müller tube for measuring harmul ionizing radiation
The MTM Special Ops RAD watch is aimed at "radiation related professionals and radiologic technologists"
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The MTM Special Ops RAD watch is aimed at "radiation related professionals and radiologic technologists"

There are few things more embarrassing than being caught in an all-out thermonuclear war and realizing that you've forgotten your Geiger counter. To prevent this social faux pas, MTM has released its Special Ops RAD watch. Available in black or silver (gray has already sold out) titanium cases, the RAD watch includes an integrated Geiger-Müller tube for measuring exposure to harmful ionizing radiation.

We've seen a Geiger counter peripheral for an iPhone before, peripherals that turn an iPhone into a Geiger counter

, but the RAD watch is the first time we've seen such a particle detector integrated into a wristwatch – if you ignore the watch James Bond wore in Thunderball, of course.The watch doesn't just measure single-dose gamma ray levels, but also cumulative exposure from 0.0001 to 9999 millisieverts and dose equivalent rates up to 4,000 microsieverts per hour. Additionally, the wearer can preset a maximum radiation threshold up to 9,999 millisieverts, after which an alarm will sound.

Users can switch the display between dose equivalent rate or accumulated dosage radiation readings, which can both be displayed graphically or as a digital readout. And for those with trouble deciphering analog watch faces, the digital readout also offers a third display option – the time.

The MTM Special Ops RAD watch is aimed at "radiation related professionals and radiologic technologists"
The MTM Special Ops RAD watch is aimed at "radiation related professionals and radiologic technologists"

According to MTM, the RAD watch is not a toy, but is intended for "radiation related professionals and radiologic technologists." As such, the readouts are designed for someone already familiar with such measurements and what they mean. The included manual reflects this, though it does provide basic explanations for the collector or casual user. However, MTM points out that its customer service will not answer more technical questions.

The RAD watch runs off a replaceable lithium battery with a life expectancy of up to three years. Its hands are permanently illuminated by tritium gas tubes and the digital display features an electro-luminous backlight. Water-resistant to 330 ft (100 m), the watch sports a ratcheting bezel, a sapphire crystal and the option of a link or nylon band.

The RAD watch is limited to 1,000 units and is priced at US$1,500.

Source: MTM

9 comments
9 comments
sutski123
Hi David,
"However, MTM points out that its customer service will not answer more technical questions."
That's because the meat of the watch is a Russian Polimaster Geiger-watch and the instructions probably come in Russian! I have had one for about two years now. It is identical to this, so this version is definitely not a first....
I love it and have great fun when flying (3.85mSv/h) at the dentist (1.85mSv/h) and when going through customs x-rays (2.5mS/h:))
Here is mine if gizmag allow links:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BNtYTtNCEAAuihc.jpg:large
Cheers!
(P.S It works by using the Townsend Avalanche Phenomenon, which I have been dying to say/use since I read about it a while ago :)))
BigGoofyGuy
It is cool that something James Bond would use has become a reality.
Slowburn
An acquaintance of mine in the nuclear industry accidentally took his dosimeter on a 4 hour airline flight. He nearly p!ssed himself when he read the result.
Ormond Otvos
Numbers would help. MICRO? That means a millionth part. Fifteen hundred bucks for what a strip of unexposed film will show? What's a dosimeter clothing tag cost?
Slowburn
re; Ormond Otvos
You do not get live readings with unexposed film.
Nairda
Need a similar product that indicates exposure to RF energy at different bands. Both peak and cumulative
Mike W.
To clarify, although the "meat of the watch" is similar to, it is not the same as, any other watch. As for the instructions being in Russian, once again, incorrect. As for the disclaimer regarding our customer service's limitations, it was required by corporate counsel due to potential liability exposure.
Thanks for the review and keep up the good work.
Mike W. MTM
Franc
Can this be used to detect if your neighbours in the apartment next door is assembling a nuclear weapon? Imagine if everybody had geiger counters It would be hard for terrorists to import nuclear material - somebody will catch them out.
Bruce Miller
Save for the Chinese developed Thorium LFTR technology receiving waste from U.S. enriched uranium reactors for fuel, America will soon enough be absolutely and dangerously swamped with radioactive wastes that it cannot survive and watches, instruments, like these will be needed for all whom wish to survive this "Silent Holocaust".