Background
Luminox watches is a Californian watchmaker, founded in 1989, however, their watches are technically Swiss-made.
There are certainly many military watch brands out there made exclusively for military use. However, they come with stock numbers and you’ll only get your hands on one if you’ve been issued it. There are a few unofficial military-grade brands, however. Special forces favour them just as much as military personnel. The main reason is the level of visibility they offer the wearer at a quick glance. These watches are Luminox watches.
Let’s take a look at some of their most iconic watches
Recon-Nav-8831KM
$499.99
Firstly, this timepiece belongs to the ‘Land’ collection of the Luminox range. It’s been specially developed for the military. It offers more than the former Recon Point Man. That being a very accurate tachymeter.
What’s that, you ask? This measures your walking speed whilst undergoing any outdoor activity like hiking. Consequently, it can work out your distance travelled. This is perfect for working out how long it will take to reach a specific point.
The case is 46mm by 14mm and is made of resin. It has a black dial with luminous hands. It offers Arabic hour markings and the time is 24 hour format. This is protected by sapphire crystal, subsequently anti-reflective. Inside is Japanese quartz movement and it’s also water-resistant to 100m.
Recon-NAV-SPC
$599.99
This Recon version is also 46mm and comes in a poly-carbonate case reinforced with carbon. It also offers an anti-reflective sapphire dome. It has a uni-directional diving bezel and the face offers you 24 hour format time-telling as well as a date window at the 3 position. Inside you’ll find quartz movement.
There’s a 24mm interchangeable strap. The coolest part is the removable compass. It has a map scale as well as a chart that can convert cm and inches.
It has a 200m water-resistance and, of course, the luminosity you’d expect and need.
Luminox Navy Seal Colormark 3051
$289.99
Now we reach the ‘Sea’ collection. This is certainly a popular choice for master divers, special forces and the elite military.
There’s an abundance of style here in the matte black case. The strap is rubber.
The 3051 has a 44mm case which comes in carbon-reinforced polycarbonate. It’s light but durable. It’s also water-resistant to 200m.
The case back is super-secure, being screwed on. It has a unidirectional bezel, too.
There is quartz movement inside and the face offers the date at the 3 position. On top is a hardened mineral crystal, offering some anti-reflection as well as scratch-resistance.
Furthermore, it offers a bright luminosity and can be easily read underwater. This comes as bright green 12 hour markings and a white minute hand. The second hand is a bold blue.
You’ll notice ‘T25’ on the bottom of the face and it stands for Tritium, which is a small series of gas tubes that glow.
If you want a starter tactical watch, or you’ve only just discovered Luminox and want to start off with a safe option.
Colormark Men’s 3051 EVO Navy Seal
$218.90
Similarly, within the Colormark range you’ll notice a lot of the same specifications and features. They all have hardened mineral crystal protecting the face. Arabic numerals for hour markings. A uni-directional bezel. Night vision tubes in ice blue marking a 12 hour format and white hour, minute and second hands.
The case on the men’s version is 44mm and made of polyurethane. Inside is quartz movement with an analogue display. It’s water-resistant to 200m.
This range is considered to be unisex so if you and your significant other like to rock a matching watch, a Colourmark will suit you.
Men’s ANU – 4221.CW
In addition, this watch has been authorised for actual Navy use. This isn’t some gimmick to sell more watches, it’s a genuine claim. It’s been developed for Luminox by US Navy Seal officers. It’s certainly one of the toughest Luminox watches you can get. It naturally falls under the ‘Sea’ collection. There are two versions, one with a nylon and one with a rubber strap.
The stainless steel case is 45mm by 13mm and the dial is protected by scratch-proof sapphire crystal.
Moreover, It’s powered by the signature light technology developed by Luminox. It has Swiss-made quartz inside and is water-resistant to 200m.
Deep-Diver 1500
$1,050.00
The Deep Diver series is an outstanding ISO-certified diving watch. You get a sensational 500m water-resistance.
There are a few colour options which are brushed black with either blue, orange, white or yellow accents on the dial.
It contains a unique bezel locking technology that stops the bezel from moving for reliable time-keeping on a dive. This is done by locking the crown protector in place.
The case is stainless steel with a PVD coating and sapphire crystal. It’s 44mm by 17mm. The locking system does add a little thickness and weight to the whole thing.
Inside you’ll find Swiss-made automatic movement. It has an hour, minute, second and date function. As you’d expect, you’ll also find the night vision tubes for visibility, which you’ll need at those depths!
Summary
Luminox watches can certainly be relied upon. Regardless of location or situation, they are a reliable and sturdy piece of kit to have with you. They’re tough enough to be reliable companions for those in the most extreme jobs ever known. If a special forces operative wears one, you know it’ll serve you well. They’re certainly worth the investment.
Similarly, if you’re now curious about what type of watches outside of Luminox are worthy of a Navy Seal’s wrist, head over to our review of other brands they wear, here.
Furthermore, if you’re more interested in learning more about dive watches, check out this article that reviews a fantastic dive watch.
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