Luminox

Luminox Men's 8152 EVO Ultimate SEAL Chronograph Watch

• Precise Swiss-quartz movement
• Antireflective-sapphire crystal
• Case diameter: 44.6 mm

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Luminox Men's EVO Steel SEAL watch features a unique illumination system that glows 100 times brighter than other luminous watches, making it the perfect choice for low-light or non-light situations. This versatile timepiece is constructed with a 45-millimeter stainless steel case, a unidirectional, brushed stainless steel bezel etched with 10-minute numerical indexes, and a brushed stainless steel band featuring a fold-over clasp with safety mechanism. Features include an eye-catching white Arabic numerals that adorn the classic black dial face, and a handy date calendar at six o'clock. In addition, Swiss-made timepiece features three subdials for precise timekeeping. Powered by analog-quartz movement and protected by an anti-reflective sapphire dial window, this watch is preferred by US Navy SEALs and US Air Force Pilots, and is water resistant to a depth of 660 feet.

The Luminox Story

AN AMERICAN SUCCESS STORY

Like many other American success stories, LUMI•NOX came from a forward-thinking individual realizing a need in the market and meeting it. Barry Cohen had been in the fashion watch business for quite some time when he came across a Swiss self-powered illumination system and knew that it would make watches more visible and easier to read in low or no light situations. As a result, Cohen and a partner developed watches using this unique illumination system (called Luminox Light Technology) and LUMI•NOX was born back in 1989 (Lumi is Latin for light while Nox is Latin for night), driven by a commitment to offer cutting-edge luminescence and readability in its line of high-performance sports watches.

The Navy SEALs and More
The Luminox Navy SEAL watch is the timepiece that made Luminox famous. The officer in charge of procurement for the Navy SEALs, Nick North, was asked to seek a more dependable watch for night missions and found the solution at a trade show where he discovered Luminox. He worked with Barry Cohen to develop a watch specifically for them and the Navy SEAL watch was born.

"Luminox had exactly the watch we were looking for – we only added a few small things," Nick North, Senior Public Safety Engineer and Operations Specialist, remembered. "We arranged to test some and they worked great. We made a few changes, then the East Coast team started issuing them and the West Coast teams came on board."

After Luminox provided the watches to the SEALs, more elite units contacted them directly, while at the same time Luminox began marketing the watch across the country and the world. Luminox was then approached by US Air Force pilots flying the F-117 Nighthawk Stealth fighter jet. They were wearing the Navy SEAL timepieces, but chafed at the word "Navy" on the dial. Luminox then developed a watch for these pilots and approached Lockheed Martin, the makers of the F-117 Nighthawk for a picture of the plane to use in the catalogs that marketed the watches.

This initial contact turned into an exclusive arrangement to produce Lockheed Martin timepieces, including watches dedicated to the F-117 Nighthawk, F-16 Fighting Falcon, SR-111 Blackbird and the new F-22 Raptor.

The Rest of the Story
Throughout the following 20 years, Luminox has never strayed from its mission which has been confirmed and validated by the many elite military and law enforcement units that have adopted Luminox as standard equipment.

Luminox has expanded its collection to include a variety of styles, created for the active consumer, the sportsman, law enforcement and military groups, divers and more. Currently, Luminox is distributed in 40 countries around the world and supplies elite units all over the world. In addition, the man on the street has shown particular interest in Luminox, anxious to use the watches put to the test every single day – on the world’s most difficult jobs, figuring rightly that if they have been requested by, designed for and used by the Navy SEALs, they have to be able to stand up to every day use.

The Technology
The Luminox Light Technology makes Luminox watches Always Visible – in fact, the technology Luminox uses provides 24/7 luminosity, no matter the conditions, for more than 25 years.

Most other watches use luminescent paint that has to be charged by a light source and fades very quickly, or a "push to light" system, where you push a button for battery-driven illumination.

Luminox, however, uses proprietary technology, in the past reserved for the military, that makes Luminox watches stand out, literally. Each Luminox watch features tiny gas lights (borosilicate glass capsules), which are always lit, on the hands, hour markers and when necessary, bezels. As a result of this unique technology, Luminox watches are always readable at a glance, no matter the conditions.

The U.S. military has long recognized the advantages of micro gas light sources and their use is mandated in procurement specification MIL-W-46374F. Being able to read the watches in any conditions, even in total darkness, is an important requirement of many military and law enforcement agencies.

The U.S. Navy SEALs use the watches, as do U.S. Air Force pilots, FBI and ATF agents, Secret Service officers, Border Patrol units, Coast Guard officers, SWAT teams, as well as general law enforcement officers, helicopter search and rescue pilots, professional divers and other groups.

The Luminox Light Technology system is hand applied in each and every watch. Though more complicated, expensive and time consuming than normal luminescence, it is one of the things that makes Luminox watches special. This unique technology and the additional quality control steps Luminox mandates require extraordinary attention to detail and care in manufacturing.

The Benefits

The ultimate Swiss illumination system glows without the need to push a button or expose to light

Glows continuously for more than 25 years

Swiss Made with jeweled Swiss movements

Water resistant and shock resistant

Production
All Luminox watches are Swiss Made, produced by Luminox’s corporate partner, Mondaine Watch Company, one of the leaders in Swiss manufacturing. Located in Zurich with manufacturing facilities in Biberist, Switzerland, Mondaine recently won a Swiss Logistics Award for its "just in time" production. Mondaine applies its more than 50 years of experience when producing the complicated Luminox watches.

The Future
Luminox will continue to combine cutting edge technology, forward-thinking design and extreme performance. Luminox delivers, when and where it counts.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000WYAYH8
• Item model number: 8152
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #31,273 in Watches (See Top 100 in Watches)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an excellent chronograph with great features from a good company, February 24, 2009

By 

Frederick Weiss "Fred Weiss" (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Luminox Men's 8152 EVO Ultimate SEAL Chronograph Watch (Watch)

This is the 3rd Luminox watch I have owned, and the 2nd chronograph model. The first chronograph i purchased (which has been discontinued by Luminox) had issues with the chrono functions. I returned the watch & stuck with the others I owned. years later, I purchased this watch after reading reviews that the new Chrono models have newer swiss movements, and have been working very well for others. I am happy to say that I am very pleased with my new watch. The watch has a decent mount of "heft" to it, without feeling like a dumbell strapped to my wrist. the face is easy to read, and the tritium illuminators work very well at nigt and in low light situations. The bracelet flexes well, does not pull on hairs or skin, and is adjustable not only with full links, but with 1/4 link adjustments to fine tune the size. the chronograph can record time up to 11 hours and 59 minutes, while still recording accurate to 1/10th of a second. the watch is water resistant to 200 meters and the steel bracelent also has an extension folded away so u can still wear the watch with a wetsuit.

I enjoy this watch a great deal and gave 5 stars, but the 1st time I ordered it, Amazon sent me a used watch, and I had some issues dealing with customer service. after some hassles, the issue was sort of resolved, and i decided to try ordering the watch for a 2nd time - which was new in the box just as advertised. so i would give AMAZON.com cust service a 2 out of 5 stars for the 1st order, but 5 out of 5 for the 2nd order.

**incase anyone is curious, AMAZON.com is an authorized luminox dealer. A call to Luminox Dealer Services confirmed as such.

IMPORTANT NOTE!!! the watch is water tight to 200 meters through the use of a pressurised case, which means if u plan to use it for diving, MAKE SURE you send it to luminox for battery replacement. only Luminox or an authorized repair shop can re-pressurize the seal upon closure & maintain the water tight integrity. if u take it to a regular watch shop to have the battery replaced, not pressurizing the seal will only make it water tight for 10-30 feet or so. it should also be noted that the chrongraph models are VERY complex inside the case, and changing the battery can EASILY damage the components inside. if u need a battery change, dont trust some kid @ the mall to do it - send it to Luminox!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Night time is the right time, May 15, 2008

By 

Atomic (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Luminox Men's 8152 EVO Ultimate SEAL Chronograph Watch (Watch)

If you've ever woken up in the middle of the night and wondered what time it was, this is the watch for you. It has self-contained gas light capsules which are permanently charged and lit. you can read a book by it. Chronograph functions perfectly, bezel ratchets precisely. It even keeps time. Imagine that. Nice watch.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Luminox "Ultimate Seal" sets a new high standard in tritium Professional Diver., August 5, 2009

By 

Mystro (Pa.) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Luminox Men's 8152 EVO Ultimate SEAL Chronograph Watch (Watch)

Review of the LUMINOX EVO "Ultimate Seal" Chronograph 8152 / 8151 Professional Diver


For those who did not read the review I did of my first "Ultimate Seal" model 8251 and 8352, I will recap some of the new features of the Luminox EVO "Ultimate Seal" collection....... (My 8352 was replaced and I liked the "Ultimate Seal" EVO Chronograph so much, I replaced it with the 8152 all bright satin/brushed steel......more blingy and I love it)
The "Evo Ultimate" series has come a long way from the original plastic Luminox I remember years back. I cant believe it is the same company and it isn't (kind of). The "EVO" stands for evolution and marks the new products from Luminox since the merger with the Mondaine Watch Ltd Swiss company. This is a huge step for Luminox taking their watches more upscale. (Pricier $$ but better)
No gratuitous military logos across the face. A honest to goodness professional rugged tritium timepiece. The watch is very solidly built out of stainless steel with excellent machining details over the entire watch.



The case itself is made out of stainless steel that is matt and brushed.
All of the edges are debured for a snag free feel (very nice). The stainless steel bezel has a striking two tone metallic silver finish contrasting in satin and flat matt. The bezel clicks very firmly and solidly in a unidirectional direction. It is machined to have excellent grip for turning underwater or with gloves on. The bezel will not be unintentionally turned. The back of the watch has screw down polished stainless steel lid. It is smooth and very comfortable. The watch face has a anti-reflective scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. This is the best you could ask for at any price point. It is crystal clear. So clear you have to tap on the face of the watch to see if there is anything protecting the display.

The CHRONOGRAPH model...
The Luminox EVO "Ultimate Seal" Chronograph model 8152 and 8151 Professional Diver series.

The 8152 and 8251 are the same watch other than the 8152 comes with a Stainless Steel bracelet with diver extend and safety clasp and the 8151 comes with a rubber strap with double prong buckle.


The bracelet is very solidly built out of solid stainless steel links with a satin stainless steel "dog bone" design. It is very heavy duty weighing in at 100 gr. Just for the bracelet alone. It has a safety clasp with divers extension. The under side is very smooth and does not pull hair on the arm.


The Chronograph uses the excellent RONDA 5050. B. Big Date movement.
The USERS GUIDE and operation instructions and chronograph hand calibration info can be found here....

[...]

The chronograph uses 3 dial set up that counts the 1/10 second, second, minute, and hour (up to 12 hours). The small dial by the 3 o'clock position is the second hand for the general time. The large second hand is for use in chronograph mode.

When starting the chrono, the large second hand and 1/10th hand jumps to life. The 1/10th hand spins one revolution every second. After 30 seconds the 1/10th hand stops moving but is counting internally. When you stop the chronograph, the 1/10th second hand jumps to the correct position. (Very cool). The Chronograph has "Accumulative timing" and "Intermediate or interval timing"
All of the hands and markers in small and large dial, line up perfectly.
Very high quality feature.


The date is displayed at the 6'oclock position using a large split digit window. This is exclusive to only the Chronograph.

The only labeling on the dial is the Luminox crest at the top and "PROFESSIONAL DIVER" between the 3 and 4 o'clock.

The chronographs size makes it easy to read and the crisp dial is first rate.

The entire watch oozes quality and rock solid build construction. 54 month battery life with End Of battery Life feature. It's easy to read the dial In any light condition, it is easy to see the time at any angle of the watch face. Tritium markers glow brilliantly in green with the 12 o'clock in yellow. The bezel 12 o'clock glows in green. The watch is idiot proof to read in low or no light situations.

Accuracy has been stellar so far at 0 + or - seconds!! In my experience, typical of the new EVO series.

The style of the watch is upscale enough to be used for any occasion. It has great wrist presence. It feels like a tank on the wrist and should be a excellent choice for serious diver, hunters, climbers/explorers. The Luminox"professional" series are just that,... "The Ultimate Seal"

I also bought the rubber strap that is found on the 8151. The quality is excellent and will lighten up the watch and will secure the watch for other activities that require the watch to not move on the wrist.


Specs:
LUMINOX: Navy Seals -- Evo Ultimate Diver Chrono
__________________________________________________ __________
Manufature: Mondaine Watch Ltd. LUMINOX Swiss
Ref.-Nr.: A691.48352PL

Details:
o Swiss Quarz movement
o Chronograph with stop function
o Ronda caliber 5050.B BIG DATE
o Thick stainless steel housing (316L) satin/brushed finish
o Saphire glass, single antireflective coating
o Plan scratch glass and shock festival
o Ground (316L) steel
o Massive grip crown screwed (316L) with laser engraving
o Crown and two pushers with double seals
o Unidirectional (316L) steel ratcheting bezel, LLT tritium illumination at 12h
o Hours / minutes / seconds hand
o Two date display
o Water resistant to 20 ATM DIN 8310 (200 m / 20 bar)
o Pointer and indices with tritiumlights
o Digits sheet black
o Watch diameter: 44 mm without crown, housing strength: 12,2 mm
o Volume impetus: 23 mm
o Weight of the watch: 193 gr.

Bracelet:
o Black stainless steel bracelet (316L) belt stop 23 mm, with engraving on the stainless steel close

Specificity:
o Two date display, Chronograph
o orange / above the number 12
o orange / above the number 12
o green / above the the numbers 1-11
o green on the min.- / hourpointer
o green on the bezel


Model 8151 (same as 8152 except rubber diving strap)

Note to owners. The hands can be easily calibrated. It uses a Ronda 5050.B movement. Pull crown to the 3rd spot, then hold both top and lower buttons in for 2 seconds. At this point, the lower button pics the dial to be calibrated and the top button advances the hand 1 click at a time. When you have corrected the positions of the hands, push the crown in and you are ready to go. Most Chronographs need to be corrected because of battery change. Luminox SHOULD have this in their operating instructions but they dont.