90's Luminox

I got this watch a couple months ago when bought my Seiko SKX 013. The seller also had this watch for sale. I made an offer for both (which I would have paid for the SKX alone). The watch wasn't working when I bought it, but since it's a quartz, I figured it was just a battery. However, after replacing the battery, it still didn't work.... Off to the repair shop I went. He told me the watch needed a new movement, and it would run me about $100 (CAD). A bit more than I wanted to spend on a relatively inexpensive watch, however, since I didn't have much $ into it, and the watch was otherwise in near perfect condition, I went for it. I got the call today that it was ready. The total came in at $90, which was a pleasant surprise.

I have never really considered buying a Luminox. Tritium is cool, but apart from that, I find them a bit expensive and not really my style. However, I am really liking this watch. It's got that 90s look to it, it's super light and comfortable, and the tritium still works a little bit.... It's also my first swiss movement, even if it is an inexpensive Swiss quartz.

The watch came on an aftermarket black rubber dive strap. It was ok, and I might try it again at some point, but I'm really liking how this orange strap compliments the blue dial. It might not suit the "tactical" style that Luminox pushes, but that's not really my style anyway. I was a bit worried that I would have a hard time with straps since it's a 21mm case, but 22mm fits no problem.

All in all, I think it's a quirky, fun watch, and with a brand new movement, it should be good to go for years to come.

Reply
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IDK who you bought that from but that's the navy seals logo

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_Warfare_insignia

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Sheesh, thing looks like it was never worn. I’d say worth the repair cost 💪🏻

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relyt29

IDK who you bought that from but that's the navy seals logo

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_Warfare_insignia

According to Luminox, these were (one of several) watches issued to the Navy Seals. Luminox has used this in their marketing for years, and the Navy Seals logo appears on several of their models. I believe this is one of the earlier models from the mid 90's.

https://ca.luminox.com/pages/navy-seal-series-the-evolution-of-an-icon#:~:text=Luminox%20is%20honored%20to%20have,as%20their%20watch%20of%20choice.

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Rich_P

Sheesh, thing looks like it was never worn. I’d say worth the repair cost 💪🏻

Hardly a scratch on it. Surprising since it's a plastic (sorry, carbon) case and is likely 25-30 years old.

The tritium actually works better than I thought. I don't have anything to compare to, but it is definitely legible in the dark.

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Vanoost

According to Luminox, these were (one of several) watches issued to the Navy Seals. Luminox has used this in their marketing for years, and the Navy Seals logo appears on several of their models. I believe this is one of the earlier models from the mid 90's.

https://ca.luminox.com/pages/navy-seal-series-the-evolution-of-an-icon#:~:text=Luminox%20is%20honored%20to%20have,as%20their%20watch%20of%20choice.

Yup.

Full disclosure, I have only worked with my Navy EOD counterparts, and just been in the vicinity of some team guys.

Doon't know how much luminox asked the USN for permission (read paid a lot of money) or actually issued them. A lot of the old school guys seemed to actually prefer the Timex Ironman series funnily enough. Or unit issued Rolex/Tudor.

Panerai is the "official" watch nowadays, but again that's who paid for it. Have seen a few in the real world.

Unofficially seen Tudors, G Shocks, Resco's, and Sangins more than anything amongst some of the more high speed dudes.

Back in the day rules were not rigid. But Marathon and a few others have been some the only purveyors of NSN stuff for all DOD AFAIK.

Doesn't stop specialty units from buying COTS (commercial off the shelf), and no one tells the SEALs no.

Always seemed a little market-y to me. But I am by no means an expert on that. I just like to read and listen to the Shawn Ryan Podcast 😂.

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Such a classic piece. I love the history behind this watch. Truly a tool inspired watch with a respect to the customers they aim to support.