When people are asked about outdoor or military watches, Luminox is probably one of the firstbrands that would come to mind. Most, if not all, of the timepieces they offer are built to withstand harsh circumstances, whether it is on land, air, or sea. The Swiss company even has an ongoing collaboration with renowned adventurer Bear Grylls, which really says a lot about their philosophy and principles as a brand. One of their most widely known collections is the LuminoxNavy SEAL, which is actually considered by many to be their main claim to fame. Read on to find out more about the brand and this iconic maritime-inspired line.
All About the Luminox Navy SEAL
The LuminoxNavy SEAL is known to be the first collection released by the Swiss brand. Its origin dates back to the early 1990s, when Luminox supplied well-crafted watches to the US Navy SEALs, hence the name of the model. A great thing about the original timepiece is that it was created in close collaboration with the aforementioned naval operationsgroup. Nick North, who was a research officer for the Navy SEALs back then, worked together with the people at Luminox to create a watch that exhibited great reliability and legibility, regardless of any environmental changes.
Since then, the Swiss brand has been tirelessly developing and improving upon this range for both professionals and normal folks alike.
Anatomy of a Luminox Navy SEAL watch
Now, let’s look at a general overview of the elements and components that make a Luminox Navy SEAL watch.
CARBONOX Material
Most of the Luminox Navy SEAL watches come in cases made out of a carbon compound material called CARBONOX. This allows the Swiss brand to create very rugged and robust timepieces that still retain relatively lightweight profiles. Luminox purposefully chose this material because it can withstand very harsh circumstances, which is what many professionals are looking for in a watch. More advantages of CARBONOX include shock and scratch resistance, ergonomic properties, and its immunity to temperature changes.
Self-Powered Illumination
This is the very foundation of Luminox and the Navy SEAL collection, so it is really no surprise that it is a crucial component in these watches. All of the models from this collection are equipped with Luminox Light Technology, which is an illumination system that does not need energy from an outside source. This allows for unparalleled visibility and a 24/7 glow that can last up to over two decades.
Rubber Straps
While the Navy SEAL collection consists of watches with different bracelet materials, a majority of the pieces actually come with rubber straps. This, again, is a conscious choice because rubber is a lot more durable and ergonomic compared to leather or steel.
200-metre Water Resistance
This is a feature shared by most, if not all, of the LuminoxNavy SEAL watches. Going back to their origins, these timepieces were specifically created for a naval unit that goes through multiple operations and training both on land and underwater. This means that designing watches with excellent water resistance capacities was of the utmost importance to the Navy SEAL collection.
Price Range
The price for the Luminox Navy SEAL watches ranges from approximately $400 USD to $800 USD. The most affordable model available is the Original Navy SEAL – 3001, at around $395 USD, while the most expensive one is the Limited Edition Navy SEAL Foundation Watch Set which retails at $795 USD. Generally, Luminox Navy SEAL watches come at very reasonable prices, especially considering the quality and durability of each piece.
Introducing: Luminox Navy SEAL Watches
If you are thinking of biting the bullet and getting a Luminox Navy SEAL watch for yourself, here is a closer look at some of the best models on the market right now.
Luminox Navy SEAL Original 3001
Let us start this off with the original Luminox Navy SEAL 3001, which, right from the outset, has a very robust and powerful look. I mean, just with one glance, you can already tell that this model is a reliable one. Aside from its rugged exterior, one of the many reasons why people like this piece is its excellent legibility. This Navy SEAL Original 3001, in all its straightforward glory, is perfect for those who want a dependable watch that’ll get the job done.
Specifications
The Luminox Navy SEAL Original 3001 boasts a polycarbonate case and bezel paired with the signature PU strap in black. Furthermore, its black dial, which is protected by a mineral crystal, features luminescent hands, bold Arabic numerals, and a date window at 3 o’clock. This model also has a water resistance capacity of up to 200 metres and is equipped with the brand’s self-powered illumination technology.
Luminox Navy SEAL Magnifying Glass 3603
The Luminox Navy SEAL Magnifying Glass 3603 is a model made for those who enjoy splashes of colour in their outdoor watches. While this timepiece does come in a rather striking shade of orange, its toughness and durability remain quite obvious. For patrons of the Navy SEAL collection, this vibrant orange-and-black watch can even be perceived as a breath of fresh air in a sea of monochromatic pieces.
Specifications
The Luminox Navy SEAL 3603 comes in a special 45mm CARBONOX case paired with an orange genuine rubber strap. The dark blue dial, which is further enhanced by a unidirectional bezel, features a horizontal teak pattern, luminescent hands and hour markers, Arabic numerals, and a magnified date display at 3 o’clock. Moreover, it follows a Swiss quartz movement and boasts 200-metre water resistance.
Luminox Navy SEAL Chronograph 3581.BO
Next up we have the Luminox Navy SEAL Chronograph 3581.BO giving us bold and sturdy vibes. One of the great things about this piece is that it has quite a subdued overall exterior despite its innate ruggedness and busy chronograph layout. This watch is an excellent option for those who prefer a slightly subtle yet dauntless accessory. It is no wonder that this watch is a fan favourite among many professionals, especially military personnel.
Specifications
The Luminox Navy SEAL Chronograph features a CARBONOX case and bezel with a 316L stainless steel case back. Moreover, it is paired with a signature rubber strap in black and protected by a scratch-resistant mineral crystal. Featuring a textured pattern, its black dial includes self-powered luminescent hands and hour markers, a date window at 6 o’clock, and a chronograph display with 3 counters. Lastly, it is powered by ahigh-performing RONDA 5030.D HH1 movement and has an individually tested water-resistance of up to 200 metres.
Luminox Navy SEAL 3508 Gold
If the Navy SEAL 3603 came off as a bit too vibrant for you while the Navy SEAL Chronograph was a little too plain, this Luminox Navy SEAL3508 Gold might just be what you are looking for. Offering a perfect balance between two extremes, it has a rugged yet unassuming exterior, with a robust case and bezel and hints of subtle gold accents in the dial area. This model actually draws inspiration from objects and symbols that represent accomplishments, such as medals and awards. Overall, it is a very stylish yet relatively low-key companion.
Specifications
The Luminox Navy SEAL Gold is presented in a CARBONOX case with a stainless steel case back and a unidirectional bezel. It also comes with a textured black rubber strap and hardened mineral crystal to protect its face. Furthermore, the dial includes luminescent hands, Arabic numerals in gold, and a date window at 3 o’clock. Just like most of the previously mentioned pieces, the Navy SEAL Gold is also driven by a Swiss quartz movement and has 200-metre water resistance.
Luminox Navy SEAL 3507.WO
This Luminox Navy SEAL 3507.WO is quite an eccentric piece, to say the least. Its monochromatic exterior is both unostentatious and distinct, giving it a beguilingly attractive look. However, the brand’s use of white for this model can be a double-edged sword that can either catches people’s attention or turns them off. Regardless, it remains a very well-crafted piece, ideal for those who like unique-looking watches.
Specifications
The Luminox Navy SEAL 3507.WO comes in a fibreglass case, with a hardy stainless steel caseback and a rubber strap, both in white. Complemented by its unidirectional bezel, the matching white dial features luminescent hands, Arabic numerals in white, and a date aperture at 3 o’clock. Lastly, the watch also boasts a water resistance of up to 200 metres.
Luminox Navy SEAL 3501 Watch Set SPECIAL EDITION FREEDOM
The Luminox Navy SEAL 3501 is a limited edition set that is exclusively available in the United States. It includes a Navy SEAL 3501 watch along with 3 additional rubber straps that come in the American colours red, white, and blue. This timepiece set is perfect for all supporters of the collection and the country, who are adventurous and patriotic at heart.
Specifications
The Luminox Navy SEAL 3501 comes in a CARBONOX case with a 316L stainless steel case back and a unidirectional bezel. Following a straightforward layout, its black dial features luminescent hands, bold Arabic numerals, and a date display at 3 o’clock. There is not much difference when it comes to this model’s technical details as it is also powered by a Swiss quartz movement and has a water resistance of up to 200 metres.
Luminox Navy SEAL Milestones
With almost three decades of history in the watchmaking world, it is only expected for this model to have garnered its fair share of accomplishments. Here are some of the milestones achieved by the Luminox Navy SEAL throughout the years.
During the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, the Team USA athletes from the bobsleigh and skeleton events, who won a total of 6 gold medals, were all equipped withLuminox Navy SEAL watches. This was a big deal for the Swiss brand because it further cemented their reputation as a manufacturer of dependable sports/professional timepieces.
Around the mid-2000s, Luminox released the Navy SEAL Colormark 3051 series, which would eventually become one of their most-loved models. The support and appreciation for this collection also allowed the brand to further expand to the rest of the world.
Lastly, in 2015, the Swiss brand arranged a special event in which civilians were given the opportunity to experience being a Navy SEAL for a day. This was done in collaboration with retired Navy SEAL officers as a tribute to the enduring relationship between Luminox and the aforementioned military unit.
Luminox x Navy SEAL Foundation
The Navy SEAL Foundation was created back in 2000 as a way to support the officers in the US Navy SEALs, their close affiliates, and their respective families. The Foundation basically offers health, education, and welfare programs to the aforementioned people, especially amidst challenging times.
Now, you might be asking, where does Luminox fit into all of this? As was previously mentioned in this article,the Swiss brand has a longstanding partnership with the Navy SEALs, and this non-profit organisation is actually a beneficiary of Luminox. This means that with each timepiece sold from the Luminox Navy SEAL collection, a percentage of the profit earned goes directly to the Navy SEAL Foundation.
Honestly, when it comes to well-crafted watches made for a good cause, it can’t get any better than this.
Who should buy the Luminox Navy SEAL?
- Professionals. This one should be pretty self-explanatory, given the heritage of the Luminox Navy SEAL collection. The fact that each and every element in this watch is purposefully chosen to cater to the needs of professionals, especially those in the armed forces, goes to show how ideal it is for these individuals.
- Outdoor/Military Watch Enthusiasts. Fans of survival or military timepieces are likely to really enjoy the selection of Navy SEAL watches offered by Luminox. Everything about its exterior and aesthetics screams robust and sturdy, which is exactly what most people look for in outdoor and military pieces. The best part is that the functions and features offered are just as impressive.
- Civilians. The Luminox Navy SEAL is honestly a great choice for anyone who is just looking for a rugged and durable watch. If the aesthetics of this collection fit your taste, then go ahead and grab one because the specifications surely will not disappoint.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Luminox Navy SEAL is more than just a collection of well-crafted military watches. It is also an integral part of the Swiss brand’s heritage and advocacy. Each and every piece is bound to impress with its excellent reliability, bold aesthetics, and cutting-edge technology.
If you’re interested in finding more about professional diving watches, make sure to check out this article on the Seiko 6105.
Photo credits: Luminox Website
FAQs
Do Navy SEALs actually wear Luminox watches? ›
Luminox Navy Seal Watches are the most dependable watches for night missions because of their self-powered illumination capabilities. Each watch has been individually tested and proven to be water-resistant for 200 meters.
Is Luminox a high end watch? ›All Luminox watches are Swiss made, meaning they're held to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. Swiss made watches are some of the most sought-after in the world, and for good reason.
What is so special about Luminox? ›Due to its perfect combination of strength and durability, CARBONOX gives Luminox watches the perfect stiffness and lightweight durability that customers look for in a reliable sports watch. Carbon is used in high tech industries such as construction, racing, and aerospace.
What is the famous Navy SEAL watch? ›The Luminox Navy SEAL watch is the timepiece that made Luminox famous. In 1992, the Assistant RDT&E Officer for the Navy SEALs, Nick North, was asked to seek a more dependable watch for night missions and found the solution when he discovered Luminox.
What watch did Chris Kyle wear? ›During his life and notoriety, Chris Kyle was known to wear two watch models, a Casio G-Shock and a Resco Patriot. He also mentioned having received a Rolex Submariner from his father-in-law as a gift that his wife wore in tribute to him after his death.
Is Luminox owned by TAG Heuer? ›Luminox is a Swiss made watch brand owned by Mondaine and based in San Rafael, California.
What watch does Brad Pitt wear? ›Brad Pitt Watch - Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711
The Oscar winner also has the classic stainless steel Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711. The 40mm watch with a graduated blue dial really looks great on his wrist. The current market price (March 2023) is around $150,000.
Casio G-Shock
We have the DW-6600, the 5600, the 6900, and the 9052. These are rugged digital watches designed specifically to take a beating. Several have NSN numbers, and they have been issued in small numbers via unit purchases. However, for the modern military, the G-Shock is the watch of choice.
Bradley Cooper is wearing the IWC Big Pilot , a sporty watch that looks great with a leather watch strap . This is the watch that Cooper has been most photographed wearing, both on-screen and off, over the years, so it's safe to say that he is legitimately a fan of the IWC brand.
What watch do most soldiers wear? ›It's well-known that many soldiers (as well as police and personnel in other such professions) choose the eminently durable, reliable and affordable G-Shock watches, particularly the 6900 series.
How long do Luminox watches last? ›
Luminox watches offer a constant glow for up to 25 years, even in total darkness.
Can you replace tritium in Luminox? ›Replacing tritium tubes with different colors. Restoring your tritium watches to its original lume color is only part of the tritium restoration services we offer if you want to change the lume color, you can replace the tritium tubes with ones of different colors.
Who is the most respected Navy SEAL? ›Who is the most decorated Navy SEAL of all time? Michael E. Thornton, who earned the Medal of Honor, Silver Star, 3 Bronze Stars, and 2 Purple Hearts, is widely regarded as being the most decorated SEAL of all time.
What is the most elite seal? ›SEAL Team 6, officially known as United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU), and Delta Force, officially known as 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D), are the most highly trained elite forces in the US military.
Do Navy SEALs get a Rolex? ›Rolex and Navy SEALs:
Many SEALs commemorated their graduation from BUD/S or other operational accomplishments with a Rolex Sub.
2499. Jay Z wearing a 1980 Patek Philippe ref. 2499 at his post-Oscar Gold Party.
What watch does the FBI wear? ›Missy Peregrym wears a black Casio MW600F-1AV wristwatch in the first season of the CBS tv show FBI.
What watch did Saddam Hussein wear? ›Saddam Hussein Iraqi Eagle 3601 Patek Philippe Calatrava.
What is the meaning of Luminox? ›1989 Luminox (Lumi is latin for light while Nox is Latin for night) was born in 1989, driven by a commitment to offer cutting-edge luminescence and readability in its line of high-performance sports watches.
Who is the CEO of Luminox? ›Barry Cohen - President - Luminox Watch Co.
Who is the CEO of Luminox watch? ›
How Barry Cohen, founder of Luminox, is building some of the toughest modern watches on the market. Barry Cohen didn't start out his journey looking to build some of the toughest watches in the world, but that's exactly what happened.
What watch does Trump wear? ›Donald Trump's Patek Philippe Ellipse
The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse. The small yellow gold watch almost wears more like jewelry in its 32mm case with beaded bracelet. Trump's model in particular has a nice blue dial. It's a classy watch designed around dressing up.
he is sporting a Rolex sea-dweller Deepsea.
What watch does Johnny Depp wear? ›Johnny Depp's Rolex Submariner Watch.
What is the most badass Marine group? ›2/5 is the most highly decorated battalion in the Marine Corps, and their motto, "Retreat, Hell!", comes from the French trenches of World War I, when a Marine officer named Lloyd W.
What watch do Delta Force wear? ›Marathon GPM
They come with tritium tubes for night-time legibility (hence the radioactive sign), in both mechanical and quartz. GPM stands for “General-Purpose Mechanical” watch. They're built to the specifications of many of the world's militaries, and are popular among Special Forces operators and child soldiers.
This is The NEPTUNE; A Marine Raider's take on a gentlemen's combat diver's watch.
What watch does Elton John wear? ›He is known for owning a Chopard Imperiale, a Platinum Rolex Day-Date, and a Franck Muller Cintrée Curvex, among other timepieces.
What watch does William Shatner wear? ›Of course, if you play the iconic and enduring Captain Kirk in real life, you wear a stainless steel Rolex Submariner, as we see in the photo below of William Shatner, and Chris Pine!
What watch did Marilyn Monroe wear? ›One of her prized possessions was her Blancpain Art Deco-inspired 1930s cocktail watch, believed to have been gifted to her by her husband, famed American playwright Arthur Miller.
What are the dirty dozen military watches? ›
Twelve maison were chosen as qualified to produce the military watches of the British army: Buren , Cyma , Eterna , Grain , Jaeger – LeCoultre , Lemania , Longines , IWC , Omega , Record , Timor and Vertex ; hence the name “ Dirty Dozen Watches ”.
What watch did soldiers wear in Vietnam? ›The MIL-W-46374 and the GG-W-113 are two watches developed for use by (mostly) American military personnel beginning in the 1960s and have become well-known as the timepieces often issued to G.I.s during the Vietnam War.
What arm do most men wear their watch? ›You're probably familiar to the fact that the left wrist is the called and considered the ”officially correct” wrist to wear a watch on for men.
What movement does Luminox use? ›Luminox uses the Swiss Made Sellita SW220 automatic movement (operates at 4Hz with about two days of power reserve) in the Sport Timer. Functions include the time along with a day-date calendar system.
Do you have to wind Luminox watches? ›Luminox automatic watches are also known as self-winding watches. An automatic watch is a mechanical timepiece in which the natural motion of the wearer provides energy to run the watch, making manual winding unnecessary.
Why is tritium illegal to sell? ›Because tritium is used in boosted fission weapons and thermonuclear weapons (though in quantities several thousand times larger than that in a keychain), consumer and safety devices containing tritium for use in the United States are subject to certain possession, resale, disposal, and use restrictions.
Can you legally buy tritium? ›IT IS ILLEGAL TO SELL TRITIUM IN THE UNITED STATES WITHOUT A SPECIAL LICENSE.
Why was tritium banned? ›An isotope of hydrogen that is used to make watch hands and indices glow in the dark. Until a few years ago, hands and indices were often painted with tritium paint. But because tritium is mildly radioactive, and feared by some to be a health hazard, tritium paint is no longer used on dials.
Who is tougher than Navy SEALs? ›Army Green Berets — "Special Forces"
They have about as much street-cred as numbered SEALs and Force Recon, depending on who's doing the talking. Notably, Green Berets have some of the toughest initial training in the entire military (at the risk of drawing the ire of SEALs and Marine Recon).
The majority of Navy SEALs (about 2,000) are Navy Enlisted personnel (E-4 to E-9). They are led by roughly 500 SEAL Officers (O-1 to O-10). There is also a small number of SEAL Warrant Officers (circa 30) who rank as officers above the senior-most Enlisted but lower than an Officer (O-1).
What is the lowest ranking Navy SEAL? ›
Seaman (E-3)
What is this? Rank overview: Seaman is considered the entry level of the U.S. Navy SEALs and the third lowest ranking among enlisted in the USN.
Salary Ranges for Navy Seals
The salaries of Navy Seals in the US range from $15,929 to $424,998 , with a median salary of $76,394 . The middle 57% of Navy Seals makes between $76,394 and $192,310, with the top 86% making $424,998.
Generally speaking, both units are equally capable of executing all specialized missions that JSOC is tasked with. Again, because of DEVGRU's extensive training for specialized maritime operations, they are more likely to receive missions like the rescue of Captain Phillips at sea.
Do Navy SEALs really wear luminox? ›Today US Navy Seals are equipped with Luminox Navy Seal watches in some of the toughest environments in the world; they continue to perform day after day in these harsh conditions.
Can Navy SEALs wear jewelry? ›JEWELRY. Conservative jewelry is authorized for all personnel while in uniform. Jewelry that distracts from the professional military appearance while in uniform is not authorized. Jewelry shall not present a safety or FOD (foreign object damage) hazard.
Do Navy SEALs get special pay? ›Base pay, housing and food allowences are based on rank and time in the Navy. Every Sailor earns off the same scale. SEALs qualify for a number of special pays, including jump, dive, demo, etc. Some SEALs get special pays for being SDV trained, knowing a foriegn language, etc.
Are Navy SEALs issued Rolex watches? ›In the photo above, on the right side, you can see and early version of the NAVY SEAL SDV. The U.S. NAVY SEALs no longer issue Rolex Submariner or SEA-DWELERS as standard issue, but there are still many active duty SEALs that still wear and depend upon them, as seen in the photo of the SEAL in the photo below.
What watch does Marcus Luttrell wear? ›traser swiss H3 watches and myself, we have many common values and that's why it is no coincidence that two parties found each other. Values like: Perseverance, precision, reliability, fighting spirit & the aim to give always the very best.
Do Navy SEALs get Rolex watches? ›The Submariner, in both its Rolex and Tudor forms, was so ingrained in Navy SEAL culture and essential to their specialized missions, that it became standard issue.
Why do special forces wear Rolex? ›In the early 1960's a trend started to reveal itself amongst discerning Special Forces soldiers. On trips to Southeast Asia, SF guys began to acquire Rolex watches at the PX's and at jewelers across the Pacific Rim. At the time, there was simply no better way to quickly spend your hard-earned combat pay.
Will Rolex know if I sell my Rolex? ›
With the serial number, Rolex can identify which AD sold that watch and can in turn contact them, informing them that one of their customers is selling their watch. When the retailer finds out about this, they will likely blacklist you.
What are Navy SEALs classified as? ›United States Navy SEALs | |
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Country | United States |
Branch | United States Navy |
Type | Special operations force |
Role | Special operations Direct action Counter-terrorism Special reconnaissance Amphibious reconnaissance Unconventional warfare Hostage rescue Foreign internal defense Counter-proliferation Counter narcotic operations |
Military service
Luttrell served as a United States Navy SEAL. In 2007, he was commissioned as a special warfare officer. He served as a SEAL for 14 years until being medically retired in 2014 for a severe traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury he sustained in a helicopter crash in 2009.
G-Shock GA 100
It's a tactical watch heavily recommended by Navy Seals for rescue missions. It comes in a sleek, matte-black finish that doesn't stand out too much. Like all made-for-Seal watches, it's waterproof, shock-resistant, and has a 24-hour digital display. What is this?
Luttrell, who was the only one to survive the attack, was armed with the Mk 12 Mod 1 Special Purpose Rifle, mounted with a Leupold Mark 4 MR/T scope. He was thankfully able to provide a first-hand account in his 2007 book Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10.
What watch does Oprah wear? ›Case Dimensions | Diameter: 1.46 in (37 mm) |
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Date of Manufacture | 2000 |
Condition | Excellent. In original box. Repaired. |
Seller Location | Chicago, IL |
Reference Number | 1stDibs: LU941123662 |
The MIL-W-46374 and the GG-W-113 are two watches developed for use by (mostly) American military personnel beginning in the 1960s and have become well-known as the timepieces often issued to G.I.s during the Vietnam War.
What tattoo do Navy SEALs get? ›A time-honored tradition for Navy SEALs is to get a bone frog tattoo on return from a combat deployment to honor a fallen SEAL. It's a constant reminder of the ultimate sacrifices made to uphold our nation's liberty and freedom.
Do Navy SEALs drink coffee? ›Scientists assessed the impact of caffeine on NAVY SEAL trainees and their ability to deal with continuous exposure to stress after 72-hours of sleeplessness. Turns-out, even a moderate amount of caffeine helped exhausted SEALs keep their heads during extreme circumstances.
Why do Navy SEALs wear sunglasses? ›Having a good pair of sunglasses will reduce eye strain from ultraviolet rays and provide superior visibility. Navy SEALs and other military members rely on sunglasses to provide them with better vision while in the field or the range.