New 2020 colours for the Luminox 3500 and 3600 Navy SEAL Series...
Last year Luminox unveiled their new 3600 Series. It could be considered an evolution of the 3500, packed with pure Luminox DNA, but there are a number of major changes in the new range which make it an exciting watch to own in its own right. The 3600 Series is a large 45mm platform which moves away from, and modernises, the standard Luminox design giving the 3600 a more contemporary look. The wider dial appears less cluttered than the previous COLORMARK series yet it retains the trademark CARBONOX case.
The Luminox 3600 Series in Red - Image Credit: Luminox
For ease of legibility in all conditions the 3600 has a minute hand, bezel markers and a 24 hour sub-dial in a primary colour, a magnified date bubble and completely new design of “vertical” tritium vials giving the dial a wider more open look. The bi-colour model was first launched with yellow as the secondary tone in parallel with a full military green version and striking blue/orange Rescue model.
The new 2020 platform uses a deep red which is much subdued but works well giving the platform a distinctly military look. It plays effectively on red-light torches which are used extensively by the military to maintain naturally acclimatised night vision. The CARBONOX on the 3600 series has a textured look which adds interests and the dials are all hydraulically stamped which show a wonderful attention to detail when analysed closely.
The Luminox 3600 Series in Red - Image Credit: Luminox
3600 Red Series Technical Specifications:
• Origin: Swiss Made
• Always Visible: Constant glow for up to 25 years
• Case diameter: 45 mm
• Water-resistance (meters, feet, ATM): 200 / 660 / 20
• Movement: Swiss Quartz Ronda 515
• Case material: CARBONOX™
• Bezel: Uni-directional rotating
• Case back: 316L Stainless steel screw in
• Crystal glass material: Sapphire crystal, anti-reflective coating
• Crown: Screw in, double security gasket, crown protected
• Strap / bracelet: Genuine rubber
• Lug width: 24 mm
• Case height: 14 mm
• Weight: 78 g
• Price: £469
The Luminox 3508 Gold Series
The Luminox 3508 Gold Series - Image Credit: Luminox
Gold is used in almost all dress uniforms and medals with military regiments and the US NAVY SEALs are no exception. Their famous Trident symbol is gold as are embellishments on their white dress Naval uniforms. To pay homage to this link, Luminox have released a gold enhanced edition of the very popular 3500 military watch where the hands and indices are finished off in a soft satin gold colour. The new model designated 3508 is, in part, based on the success of their recent NAVY SEAL Gold Limited Edition 3501 which was restricted to 1681 units in number. (A few models of this are still available in the UK.)
The Luminox 3508 Gold Series - Image Credit: Luminox
Despite dress watch overtones, the new edition is still a thoroughbred Special Operations watch with an ultra-light CARBONOX case and water resistance to 200m. As with all Luminox watches it is equipped with propriety Light Technology tritium gas vials at the hour markers, bezel and hands, which will glow with a brilliant intensity for 25 years in various colours.
The Luminox 3600 Series in Red - Image Credit: Luminox
The case back further pays homage to the “dress” element of Naval life with the SEALs Trident engraved in gold. This famous insignia is actually four images in one; the Golden Eagle symbolises airborne capability, the pistol reflects skills on land and in combat, the Trident shows dominance of the sea and finally the anchor represents the US NAVY.
The new watch is in every technical way identical to other models in the 3500 series, but the cosmetic accents lift it beyond a simple operational watch and make it a fitting tribute to this most elite of US Special Forces Units.
The new model is £359 from Luminox UK.
A personal perspective:
The Luminox 3600 Series in Red - Image Credit: Luminox
Luminox watches are not an acquired taste. You will either be a fan, or they just will not be your weapon of choice. I find them well priced, functional and they look good. They are outstanding EDC (Everyday Carry) products. When special editions come out that successfully to pay homage to a fine detail of military life, be that gold for recognition or red for a sombre night-operation look the models become that little bit more special. Especially when the critical DNA of the base unit is very visible, and the watch is still 100% recognisable as the famous NAVY SEAL watch.
