Luminox Watches

When we want luminescent watches, the first brand that pops into the mind is Luminox. Being the official US Navy Seals’ watch provider and a reputed high-performance sport watch manufacturer, this Swiss watch brand has its popularity in the horological industry. The luminescent property of the watch makes the name fitting for the brand.

A range of materials and chemicals provide watches with their luminescence. The earliest source was radium mixed with zinc sulfide that was followed by luminescent paints, solar powered technology, LEDs, and tritium gas tubes. Most watch manufacturers use luminescent paint on the hands and markings of their watches, that require exposure to external light sources for illumination. However, a Luminox watch contains a self-powered illumination system. Borosilicate glass tubes (micro glass light tubes) containing tritium are added to the bezel, hands, and markers, causing the glow in the watch 24/7. With a longevity of about 25 years, these borosilicate glass tubes lead to a longer lasting luminescence of Luminox watches, when compared to other brands. 

The collection of Luminox watches are primarily in three categories: Land, Air, and Sea. Apart from full night-time visibility, this brand has unique timepieces made for water sports (including diving) and a range of outdoor activities.

Barry Cohen and his friend Richard Timbo joined hands in 1989 to create watches that would have visibility in situations with low or no light intensity. They intended to explore a Swiss self-powered illumination system they had come across. The merging of the Latin words for light (lumi) and dark (nox) leads to this duo’s brand name Luminox, and their patented Luminox Light Technology (LLT).

In 1992, Luminox collaborated with the officer of US Navy Sea, Air, and Land (SEALs), Nick North and created an exclusive watch for the SEALs. This led to a long term collaboration and the creation of the Luminox Navy SEAL watches. With its global recognition in 1994 came the collaboration with other units of armed forces including the US Coast Guards, NYPD, and Singapore Air Force. Their venture created watches for many foreign military and law enforcement agencies. The most notable one was Lockheed Martin watch. It is the collaboration of Luminox with US Air Force Pilots when flying the F-117 Nighthawk Stealth jets.

The most note-worthy watch collections by the brand are:

·        Luminox 3051 Series Navy SEAL Colormark (2007)

·        Deep Dive Automatic Series Watches (2010): The watches of this series had an impressive upto-500-meter water resistant carbon compound case and complied with the ISO 6425 standards. 

·        Luminox Bear Grylls Series (2018): In collaboration with the famous British adventurer and TV personality, Bear Grylls, these watches are designed for survival. 

1. Luminox Air Series

The collaboration of Luminox with Lockheed Martin Corp. led to the Luminox Air collection. Some notable models in this series are: 

F-117 Nighthawk: Crafted specifically for the F-117 Nighthawk fighter jet pilots of the US Air Force, this iconic series of watches began with the 3400 Series. The 43 mm black PVD plated stainless steel case displays a detailed engraving of the F-117 Nighthawk Stealth jet. Its second version - the 6400 Series, came in a similar black, but with a large, bold, more angular design that evoked the flavor of the jet itself. The stainless steel case and the solid link bracelet features gunmetal PVD anti-reflective plating. 

F-22 Raptor: The F-22 Raptor 9240 series was introduced by Luminox as a tribute to Lockheed Martin’s latest Stealth Fighter. These titanium-made watches took cues from the jet for the bezel’s shape, the shape of the case reflecting the jet’s body. The crown mimicked its engines and the dial was made to look similar to the F-22 instrument panel.

Bear Grylls Survival Air Series GMT: Luminox joined hands with the most recognized face of outdoor survival – Bear Grylls. Durable, light, and hypoallergenic, these watches with CARBONOX cases are the perfect companions for outdoor adventures. The dial and the back of the case have Bear Grylls’ logo and motto – Never Give Up.

2. Luminox Sea Series

Highly impressive diving watches were made as part of the Luminox Sea collection. With the countdown diving bezel, and powered by quartz movements, these watches are made of stainless steel, CARBONOX, and ceramic for long-term durability. The most popular models of this series include the Bear Grylls Survival Sea Series, Automatic Sport Timer, Eco-Series, Leatherback Sea Turtle, and the Luminox 3001 Original Navy Seal. These watches offer a water resistance of 100 m, 200 m, 300 m, and 500 m.

3. Luminox Land Series

The models under Land collection were supplied to military and related personnel, made specifically for them, and for sport-needs. Among the most popular models of the Luminox Land series are the Official ICE-SAR ARCTIC and the Atacama Field Automatic watch. The Atacama Field watch derives its name from the Atacama Desert plateau. It comes with a 46 mm case and is powered by the self-winding movement Sellita SW220-1 HH5. The Official ICE-SAR ARCTIC model was a result of collaboration with the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue (ICE-SAR). It features a large 46 mm CARBONOX case housing the Ronda quartz movement.

The widely splendid collection of Luminox watches appeals to watch connoisseurs. These robust, durable, and reliable watches are quite affordable. With the range of watches for different series, they are designed to withstand not only everyday life, but also rigorous activities.