Even if watches are just pieces of jewelry telling time, they’ve come a long way and modern days watches are a lot more than that.
Toughness, water resistance, ability to read it in the dark-these are all features that outdoor enthusiasts or military professionals are looking in a watch. So it makes sense that watch manufacturers are always stepping out their game creating better and more robust watches as we speak.
How did Luminox stand out on the watch market?
Founded in the late 80s, Luminox Watch Company is a U.S. company that creates watches for military groups with exclusive designs and features. The US Air Force, the US Bobsled Team, the United States Navy Seals and other EMS teams and special forces are some of the names for which Luminox designed watches.
“Always visible technology” is the fundamental principle for Luminox watches. The watch hands and the markers include tritium inserts which ensure long-term (up to 25 years) luminescence and not phosphorescent markers like in other watches — the last ones you need to charge by various light sources.
Anyway, the Luminox watches are easy to read no matter how dim the light is, and you don’t need to worry about changing the tritium inserts for 25 years (give or take).
The robust build with Carbon is also essential, and Luminox watches are known for their impressive ruggedness and ability to handle extreme weather or environmental conditions.
What’s to say about the Luminox Navy Seal series?
Luminox had begun its collaboration with the Navy SEAL teams a couple of decades ago when the Navy Seals came across the impressive self-powered illumination technology in Luminox watches. It only made sense back then for Luminox to develop a collection, especially for the Navy SEALS.
It was only a matter of time until the Luminox Navy Seals Collection hit the market, becoming one of the most popular choices for military professionals and outdoor fans around the world.
Is the new Master Carbon Seal series special in any way?
Carbon has been essential for Luminox series for more than a decade, but it impresses in the new Carbon SEAL 3800 series. The case of all the six watches (3801, 3813, 3803, 3803.c, 3801.c.set, 3802.go.set) within the set is made with a compound which uses 40% Carbon in bar form.
To understand the toughness of carbon within the new Master Carbon SEAL series, we need to do some thorough explanation. During testing, Luminox set the case on fire and the only thing left was the carbon bars. Not only that they survived, but they remained entirely unmarred.
The amount of carbon takes the case to a whole new level, making them lighter (three times lighter than titanium), more scratch resistant than many of the materials out there, and longer lasting. The cases are also chemical and heat resistant to the cause of the amount of carbon. On top of everything else, the fact is also hypoallergenic, which eliminates the worry of the allergy-prone customer.
Another feature that makes the new series surpass its competitors is the water resistance. All the watches within the series are water resistant to 300 meters below sea level (1,000ft). The previous and other Luminox watches are water resistant to 200 meters (which isn’t that bad either).
The watches come with sapphire glass crystal that is almost scratchproof, taking the excessive wear for the right amount of time.
Let’s not forget to mention the most popular feature of Luminox watches, which is the iconic Tritium Illumination. It uses tritium gas lights that are encapsulated in borosilicate glass tubes and encased in aluminum housings. It means that you’re going to be able to read the watch, no matter how dark it is.
The 3803 is a Limited Edition Model and comes with Super-Luminova Paint. You need to pre-order to get it.
Here are the details on the Luminox Master Carbon Seal 3803!
The formal navy blue carbon fiber dial looks nice, and it has a special meaning. It’s a tribute to the longtime use of carbon as the fundamental material in the build of Luminox watches.
The super-luminova was added to the watch for improving its visibility, right on the top of the tritium gas tubes placed on the circumference of the dial. It’s the main reason for which we’re talking about a “Master” timepiece in the Luminox Navy SEAL family.
The Master Carbon SEAL includes only 750 pieces around the world, and the deep blue Zulu webbing strap completes the looks.
The watches from the new series come with a case that is lighter, tougher and more durable. The material looks great with its anthracite color, and it takes both hot and cold temperatures.
The Luminox Master Carbon SEAL 3803 is made with strong elements (the sapphire crystal and the stainless steel screw down case back are just some of them) that recommend it for the tough challenges in and out of the water.
Here are the technical specifications!
Apart from the tritium gas tubes (that ensure a constantly visible glow for up to 25 years), or the water resistance to 30ATM/1000ft/300m (each watch was tested for that), the watch comes with Ronda 515 Swiss Quartz movement which ensures its accuracy and flawless operation.
The stainless steel screw-in case back, the sapphire glass with anti-reflective coat and the 316L stainless steel screw-in of the crown make the watch water resistant and capable to take excess wear.
The strap/bracelet material is rubber/silicone/PU and feels nice onto the skin. The fit is good, and the length is just right.
The colored detail on the dial make the watch even more accessible to read, and everything about it recommends it for the wear in harsh conditions.
Is it a go or not?
Truth be told, it’s not a cheap watch and it all depends on how much you’re willing to pay for a timepiece.
The water resistance, the precision, the rugged build, the lightweight and many more make it worth every single penny, but it’s all about how essential a watch like this is for you.
What’s our final recommendation?
Impressive with its rugged build, water resistance, accuracy, visibility in darkness and overall value, the new Luminox Master Carbon SEAL 3803 is a wise investment to make on the long run any given day. Just as long as you are going to get the best out of its one-of-a-kind features and performance.
RESOURCES
Lumiox Master Carbon Seal Series 3800 Watches, Models 3801, 3803 and 3813 from Gem of the Day
DEEP DIVE AUTOMATIC 1500 SERIES | Luminox
