Rugged watch for outdoors
Pros:
Durable, excellent illumination, keeps accurate time, good water resistance
Cons:
Plastic case feels cheap, dial is a little small
The Bottom Line:
Durable/well made, lightweight and keeps accurate time. Great luminous dial. Its not the most fashionable timepiece I have seen, but I recommend this for a durable outdoors watch.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
This watch is marketed as a "navy seals" watch, but this is not really what the navy seals are wearing. The luminox technology is used but this is not a watch right out of government surplus.
That aside, here is my review of what is good and what is not so good about this watch:
THE GOOD
Nylon band closes with velcro and is very adjustable and comfortable. It is also very durable. Hardware on the band is stainless steel for no-rust durability.
The black plastic case of the watch is very tough and lightweight.
The dial is very easy to read, and the luminous dots on the dial glow very brightly. They are filled with a gas that is guaranteed to last for 10 years; the gas eliminates the need for you to "charge" the luminous dots with light, they glow all the time, day or night.
There is an orange marker at the top of the watch that glows, so you can easily orient the 12:00 position on the watch. The second hand also has an extra luminous marker so that you can use it in the dark as well. A nice feature.
The watch is indicated as waterproof up to 200 meters. That is way deeper than I will ever go!
Rotating outer ring also has a luminous marker, and it "clicks" as you rotate it, it has a very good feel. Only rotates one way.
THE NOT-SO-GOOD
In my opinion, the plastic case of this watch feels cheap. I know that it being lightweight is actually a feature; but still my reaction is that it makes the watch feel cheap.
The dial could be a bit bigger; its on the small side.
The nylon band absorbs some water; so when you get out of the water you will have a damp wristband on your arm for a while. Also, the giant plastic LUMINOX logo on the band is a bit tacky. I would prefer a plain black band.
The rotating outer timer ring is also plastic. I worry that the clicking teeth inside it will wear out.
BOTTOM LINE
I bought this watch because I wanted a very rugged, outdoor watch for hiking, swimming, whatever. I have had it over a year, and it has taken a beating and still looks good, everything on it still functions well with no sign of wear. It keeps very accurate time, and is super luminous on the dark. I am happy with my purchase
