Schooled in hard knocks and bumpy conditions, Luminox prides itself on its robust timepieces that thrive in extreme conditions. It has supplied watches to various elite military, special forces and law enforcement units worldwide — such as the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue and the Navy SEALs — as part of their standard equipment.
The storied partnership with the Navy SEALs dates back slightly over 30 years when Barry Cohen, President of Luminox, met Nick North, an officer in charge of procurement for the Navy SEALs teams. North was on the lookout for watches that were suitable for the team, especially for night operations. After a series of tests, Luminox watches were certified for the field, and the Luminox Navy SEAL 3001 was produced in 1994, which marked the blossoming start of the partnership.
Luminox’s latest chapter on the Navy SEALs partnership unfurls with the Luminox Master Carbon SEAL Automatic 3860 Series. The watch brand’s answer to the strict and extensive specifications set by the Navy SEALs was the CARBONOX™+ case, one of Luminox’s crown jewels. CARBONOX™+ is made from a carbon long bar composite prized for desirable properties: lightweight, durable, hypoallergenic, weatherproof, and shock and scratch resistant. A 200m water resistance rating allows the action to be taken underwater if need be. An inherent stylised grey case finish is a welcome bonus; a stealthy guise allows it to go undetected due to reflective surfaces. An IP-plated black stainless steel bezel is a finishing touch for timing critical missions.
As with all Luminox watches, the Luminox Light Technology (LLT) gas tubes line the hour indexes and watch hands and are central to the Luminox Master Carbon SEAL Automatic 3860 Series. These tiny tritium gas tubes provide independent illumination for up to 25 years without depending on external light sources to charge the luminance.
Within the Luminox Master Carbon SEAL Automatic 3860 Series is the automatic Sellita SW-220-1, the first ever CARBONOX™+ case to feature an automatic movement. A great deal of research and development went into conceptualisation to account for the correct calibre thickness and weight. The outcome is an all-rounder watch ready for action.
Once you’re done with this story, click here to catch up with our March 2023 issue.
RELATED ARTICLES
