aBlogtoRead.com » LUM-TEC

LUM-TEC V Series V3 Phantom Watch Review

admin — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 07:02:25 +0000

A legible phantom-style watch?! Oh yes - but it is from LUM-TEC so function is expected. The V Series collection from the American brand is an interesting range of watches that have Swiss mechanical movements. I see the angular style case as being inspired by classic Gerald Genta designs such as the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Only here it has been stretched lengthwise a bit.

On the wrist, the V Series watches come to life a lot more than they do alone on a desk. While the steel case is 44mm wide it doesn't wear too large. For those wanting a substantially-sized timepiece that never feels massive, this just might be the right watch. One reason for this is LUM-TEC's use of a relatively narrow strap. The strap even tapers. It goes from 22mm wide at the lugs down to 18mm wide. These thin proportions work well to visually reduce the mass.

This version of the V Series watch is the V3, also called the V3 Phantom. Watches like this have black cases, black dials, black indicators, and black straps. Pretty much everything in some shade of black. What LUM-TEC did was use a tinted sapphire crystal over the dial to create the black-on-black look. A nice touch is how the sapphire crystal over the movement on the caseback has the same tinted effect. As I mentioned above, while the dial is all dark tones, it is still very legible. A high point is the lume. LUM-TEC produces their own lume called "MDV" (Maximum Darkness Visibility), which glows brightly after being charged by light. You can see how all the indexes and hands are lume coated - even the thin seconds hand.

A great detail on the case is the mixture of brushed and polishes surfaces - that manages to still come across well after the PVD black coating application. The crown screws down and the case is water resistant to 100 meters. While the case does have a futuristic look, it is still rather conservative and won't have the wearer coming across as a Star Trek nerd. While it is totally OK if you are a Star Trek nerd... you probably don't want your watch saying that you are.

The dial of the V3 is set deep into the case. Around the periphery of the dial is a steeply sloped flange ring that has five minute indicators on it. The dial is a bit shiny, as are the indicators. As angular as they are, they still look bubbly. The dial design is love it or leave it, but it is very much LUM-TEC in design and you can't at all say it isn't legible. The decision to offer just hour indicators and not all the minute indicators is likely inspired by Panerai-style minimalism.

Inside the watch is a Swiss ETA 2824-2 automatic movement. LUM-TEC has used a whole range of watch movements over the years. Swiss movements are not necessarily common for their watches, but more and more LUM-TEC is using them. What I like is that the price of a watch like this V3 is still pretty comparable and not much higher than what they charge for pieces with Japanese automatic movements. The movement isn't fancy or decorated, but that is totally fine with the sub $1,000 price.

Little touches make the V3 watch what it is. Whether it is the great lume or neat sapphire glass tinting, it is the sense of effort that helps LUM-TEC watches remain popular. A good example is the strap. LUM-TEC could have just gone with a simple leather strap. Instead they created a unique quasi pilot watch strap with a rivet and interesting look to compliment the case (the watch also comes with a rubber strap). By all means, check out other V Series watches via LUM-TEC's website to see what else they have done with the design. Price for this non-limited edition piece is $895 and you can get it via LUM-TEC's website here.

LUM-TEC M26 Tungsten Watch Review

admin — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 07:03:48 +0000

Some people call it "LUM-TEC's best watch yet." This is the LUM-TEC M26 limited edition watch. Out of the M collection it sports an automatic movement with a power reserve indicator and a solid tungsten carbide case. With a mirror finish and heavy weight - this is one hell of a watch.

This is also likely one of the most high-end LUM-TEC watches to date. With a retail price of almost $2,000, this watch represents something that is an evolution on the original LUM-TEC watches that were priced in the $300 range. The original M series case is more or less unchanged. It is a sort of modern interpretation of the Panerai-esque cushion case with round dial. A design that has proved extremely popular over the last 110-15 years. The secret is in the large stature of the cushion case that maintains the legibility of a round dial. Rarely does a cushion shaped dial actually look good for a men's watch.

The case is 44mm wide with wide set lugs so that the strap/bracelet is 24mm wide. Set for larger wrists, the watch is still comfortable and offers a very bold look. This watch is noticeably heavier than a standard steel watch. This is especially the case with the tungsten bracelet in place. LUM-TEC offers the M26 also with two straps in addition to the tungsten bracelet. These are a black shell cordovan leather strap and a custom black rubber strap. While it looks pretty killer on the bracelet, you might opt for one of the straps given the weight of the watch. I don't actually mind the weight, but it makes a different if the bracelet isn't sized tightly enough.

Tungsten is an interesting material. I am not an expert on it, but what I can say is that it has a few good properties. Tungsten has a darker finish than steel. Think mirror-polished gun metal (maybe a bit lighter). The mirror finish of tungsten is one of its more interesting qualities. Because of its dark color, it is often used for men's as opposed to women's jewelry a lot of the time. More importantly, Tungsten is very hard and scratch-resistant. Perhaps not quite as scratch-resistant as ceramic, but up there.

LUM-TEC designed the M26 with a rather legible dial. The sunray polished metallic blue dial is interesting and seems to change colors in the light. I am quite fond of the modern, legible style of the dial. I like the numerals and LUM-TEC's MDV in-house lume is always a high point. It is applied to the hands and all the Arabic numerals. My only issue with the dial is that the hands are begging (begging) to be longer. The dial feels very technical and modern - something that LUM-TEC is rather adept at achieving.

For the movement LUM-TEC chose to use an interesting caliber. It is the Soprod 9040 automatic. The movement has the time and a power reserve indicator. I love power reserve indicators and feel that LUM-TEC integrated it rather nicely. The preservation of dial symmetry is important to me. I think the date would have been nice, but not a large issue. The movement is nicely decorate with perlage and can be seen though the crystal display back.

The watch uses an AR coated sapphire crystal and I like the nice clarity when reading the dial. The case is water resistant to 100 meters and feels solid. You'll get a kick out of the really large crown with the LUM-TEC logo done in relief. LUM-TEC makes a healthy assortment of watches and each is part of a limited edition. For me this is one nice collectible (and wearable) American brand. The M26 was made as a limited edition of just 50 pieces and retails for $1,895. You can get one on LUM-TEC's website here.

Thanks to LUM-TEC for the review unit. Opinions are 100% independent.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

LUM-TEC 500M Dive Watch Review

admin — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 07:04:50 +0000

US-based LUM-TEC's first dive watch is the 500M. I've written about it before but now have the chance to offer a full hands-on review. When LUM-TEC wanted to make a dive watch - they knew the expectations would be high. Going along with the futuristic and modern theme of the brand, the goal was likely to come up with something visually fascinating, highly legible, durable, and of course affordable. Fans of the brand were very excited when it was released, and now a bit later, the design still looks good.

In order to present the watch as nicely as possible, I had professional photographer and friend-of-aBlogtoRead.com Beau Hudspeth take some pictures of the model I had, the 500M-3. He previously shot another LUM-TEC watch (the B15 here). I like how he can take images of a real watch and make it look like a fancy 3D computerÂ graphic - that is the same watch that is on my wrist. The 500M-3 is a real looker. LUM-TEC gave the watch a sharp, sculpted look that feels modern and functional. The case is high and 44mm wide in steel. This version is PVD black titanium carbide coated with all orange indicators and hands.

At 18.5mm thick with this design, saying the 500M is a bold watch is a bit of an understatement. It actually wears snugly, and is legible, but this is a "look at me watch" all the way. I envision some very loud celeb chef on the Food Network wearing one of these. There are two elements about the watch that I think will change with future versions if LUM-TEC extends this line as I think they will. First is the crystal. The watch has a very dramatically curved AR coated sapphire crystal. The extreme curve makes the dial look like a bubble, and there is a lot of purple (from the AR coating) reflections on it at all times. While the hour indicators and hands are large enough to see with much easy, there is a lack of "clarity" that I think LUM-TEC can improve on later. Still a good look however. This model has a Seiko Instruments caliber NH15 automatic movement with hand-winding. By all accounts decent movement, but I think that future models will have demand for Swiss movements - just call it a guess.

Some people complain that the custom rubber strap included with the 500M is a bit thin. It helps the watch be comfortable as the strap wraps easily. Some people however prefer a thicker strap - for those people there are plenty of straps to get. These are 24mm wide. Aside from these minor complains there is a lot to like about the watch. The design is cool, with exaggerated features and an impossible to miss dial. For this version LUM-TEC makes use of their excellent in-house MDV lume in orange. The lume is very richly applied in the dial and hands (and bezel). The thick bezel and crown complete that "over-the-top" look the design is going for.

Water resistant to 500 meters, the case is all matte finished in PVD, but polished for the non PVD coated versions. Currently there are three version of the 500M (500M-1, 500M-2, and the 500M-3. This model is the priciest thus far, but is the only PVD coated model. I really love this timepiece and think that if you like the aesthetic of it, it can make a good addition to a lonely under or above-water wrist. Price is $825 and can be purchased online direct from LUM-TEC.

Thanks to LUM-TEC for the review unit. Opinions are 100% independent.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

LUM-TEC Combat B7 Watch Review

admin — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 18:50:56 +0000

LUM-TEC recently sponsored a Combat B series watch giveaway on aBlogtoRead.com and I was impressed with results. It was a record month for giveaway entrants, and tons of people seemed to swoon over what LUM-TEC has to offer. There is something about LUM-TEC watches that drives passion in watch lovers and novices alike. Almost since the brand's inception, the Combat B series has been part of their collection. A more modern interpretation of the classic coined-edge bezel fleiger - this watch has been offered in a ton of limited edition versions. This is the Combat B7 model.

Each LUM-TEC watch is a limited edition. I've reviewed their watches before, and most of you know and like them. LUM-TEC is a homegrown US brand hailing out of Ohio. In my opinion, the key to their success has been to closely listen to what the American watch buyer wants. The last 20 years have seen an overall drop in American's consumption of timepieces. There are a great many reasons for that, so please don't just blame mobile phones. Part of that has to do with Swiss brands losing touch with what Americans want, and Japanese brands being able to come in and win over value-conscious Americans with good, cheap watches. 20 years of Casio G-Shock makes a lot of people more than hesitant to buy a $5,000 Swiss timepiece.

But I digress. LUM-TEC came on the scene with timepieces in the $300 - $400 range and proved that Americans are quite interested in professional looking analog watches that has a "functional promise" personality. Not most LUM-TEC watches are bit more (but so are the quality), but continue the same tradition of activity and professional style watches for everyday use. The design is modern and straight forward. There is an edginess to them, but there is also a handsome utilitarian quality to these timepieces. You know what? LUM-TEC watches are the American pickup trucks of the watch industry. I just realized that - I feel like I had an epiphany.... and Europeans do not make good pickup trucks.

The Combat B7Â is a lot like today's Jeep Wrangler. It certainly has a military vibe to it, but is refined looking, and focuses subliminally suggesting to you activities you should perform while wearing it. Put one on and look at the high-tech looking carbon fiber dialÂ in the dark matte gray case and tell me you don't just want to go straight in to a group of trees and get lost? The steel case is 43mm wide and PVD coated to a dark gray, but not quite black. It has a satin finish to it. The crown is large, and voila... I finally have in my possession a LUM-TEC watch with a signed logo on the crown. What prevented this before was LUM-TEC not yet deciding on a good logo in this size.

With highly curved lugs the watch is comfy. This is especially true with the 22mm wide NATO style nylon strap that gives it a snug fit. LUM-TEC throws in two straps. One in black, and one in this olive green. I opted for the green pretty quickly because I love the military feel of it. Of course, you can use your own strap is the bulky style of a NATO strap doesn't suit you for all occasions. What about a rubber strap? or perhaps a distressed black leather (even pigskin) strap with white contrast stitching. That might be interesting. NATO straps get some getting used to, but offer two major advantages. First is that if one pin between lugs breaks you won't lose the watch. Second, is that the style of the buckle places it to the side. Thus all you have is a smooth and flat piece of strap on the bottom of your wrist. This is good for when your wrist hits things underneath it - and would be uncomfortable or damage other watches.

LUM-TEC rates the watch as 100 meters of water resistance. The watch has a sapphire crystal with double AR coating, and nice looking real carbon fiber dial. I don't much like most carbon fiber dials, but this is one of the exceptions. Basically, the problem with most carbon fiber dials is that its almost 3D look hides elements on the face like hands and markers. When you can preserve high contrast, then a carbon fiber dial can look great. In this instance the hour markers and hands contrast quite well - for high performance legibility and look. LUM-TEC uses a no nonsense set of hour markers, minute markers and a full set of Arabic numerals. This makes the watch dead easy to read, and thankfully straight forward. It might have the pretty minimalism of a Panerai, but will beat it in terms of reading accuracy any day. One issue I have with the dial is the size of the hands. They just aren't quite large enough for my taste, and strict rules of watch dial proportions. Further compounding the issues it the style of hands LUM-TEC uses are outlined in black, which makes the hands look even shorter due to the fact that much of the time what you see if the white, not the black part of the hands. This doesn't effect legibility too much, but strictly speaking, the hands should be longer. I do like the splash of color on the dial with the red title of the watch.

One other small complaint about the dial is the date window. I like that LUM-TEC experimented with making it a round hole, versus a square one, but it is literally a little hole drilled into the dial. In fact, I would venture to say that it is round because drilling a hole in carbon fiber was easier than cutting one. The issue is that the border of the window might have been a tad bit more elegant, and opening up the whole a bit might have helpedÂ with seeing the date at angles. Though that would have made it possible to see too much of other date numbers in the window. It is possible that LUM-TEC made the best out of a complex situation with the date window.

LUM-TEC is of the few watch brands out there that make their own lume. It is a special formula they call "MDV" (maximum darkness visibility), and is quite good. They uses many layers of it, and the lume not only works well, but is attractively applied in a thick fashion. In the dark, the luminant performs well, without looking grainy - which can happen a lot with cheap lume. MDV lume is good enough that others even buy it from LUM-TEC as an alternative to the more expensive SuperLumiNova.

This watch is an automatic. LUM-TEC uses a workhorse SII (Seiko) NH15J automatic movement, that also has hand-winding (not all Japanese automatics do). The movement works just fine without complaint. Don't forget that the Combat B series of watches comes in many case finishes, movements, and dials. I quite like this version, but you can get ones with out PVD coating, with simple matte black dials, with quartz chronograph movements, while being able to mix each of those.

As a limited edition of just 100 pieces, this is a hot watch that certainly won't last forever. But if LUM-TEC is out of this B7 model, its "cousins" are great timepieces as well. LUM-TEC continues to pursue today's American dream of watch making, and helps watch lovers stay excited, while enticing non-watch wearing people to join our club. Price for the LUM-TEC Combat B7 is $865 and available on their website here for purchase.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

LUM-TEC B15 Watch Winner Photos

admin — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 19:11:44 +0000

Please see the reader review of the LUM-TEC B15 watch that Beau was fortunate enough to win last month. Being a talented photographer, Beau provided each of these beautiful images of the actual watch:

"What can one say about the Lum-Tec Combat B15 that is not being said by those that are fortunate enough to own one? Possibly, that there are a couple unexpected perks that are not apparent from just the pictures seen on the web.

The first thing that is very obvious, is the visual depth of carbon fiber that comprises the face. As someone who has a great love for carbon fiber, and who has items comprised wholly from it, I can say it is the absolute best that I have seen on a watch and 'moves' with the light, as good carbon fiber should. Secondly, the pushers of the chronograph feel different than your average pushers. When first depressed, it gives the characteristic 'click' that you expect when starting the function, however, each additional push of the same pusher does not. The motion is smooth and silent until the chronograph is stopped and reset, then it clicks again.

Another highlight comes to the forefront after you put the watch on. The B15 is fantastically comfortable on the wrist, as is the norm with a NATO strap but the Lum-Tec is much lighter than you might expect from it's 43mm case. In a world where big and heavy are the trend, at a mere 84 grams, it is actually very light. I have a 50mm watch that weighs 3.25 times that amount, so it is a great change. Especially when you are going to be out, about, active and 0.6lb watch is just too much.

In short, the watch looks great, feels great, has a solid movement and in made in the good old USA. How can you go wrong?"

See more of Beau's watch photography here.

Beau Hudspeth | Photographer | Watch Collector (in training)

Last Chance: LUM-TEC Combat B15 Watch Giveaway

admin — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 17:51:31 +0000

The aBlogtoRead.com LUM-TEC B15 free watch giveaway is almost over. You have until midnight of September 30th to enter for a chance to win this cool (American) watch. Click here to visit the page where you can enter.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Giveaway: LUM-TEC B15 Chronograph Watch

admin — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 07:01:57 +0000

LUM-TEC lovers rejoice, this month you have a chance to win one of LUM-TEC's very popular Combat B series watches. This is the limited edition B15 Chronograph, with a 43mm wide bead-blasted steel case and a real carbon fiber dial. A pilot watch at heart, it comes with a sturdy NATO style strap, and a very easy to read dial. LUM-TEC of course gives the watch their famous MDV luminant that works very well I must say. Visibility is further enhanced by anti-reflective (AR) coating on both sides of the sapphire crystal.

Inside the watch is a Miyota OS20 quartz chronograph movement. It has a 60 minute counter, synchronized 24 hour hand, subsidiary seconds dial, and the date. The B 15 is part of a very limited production of just 100 pieces, and has a retail price of $565. But you can get a free B15 by entering for a chance to win below.

To Enter You Must:

1. Comment on this post below with your valid e-mail address where required. In the body of your comment mention a favorite pilot watch, or any other reason why you are the best candidate to win.

2. Be a pal. If you are feeling up to it, Facebook friend/fan all or any of the following:

3. Wait until the giveaway is over on October 1st, 2010 for the winner to be chosen at random.

A couple of basic rules. You can only enter once. You must comment with a valid e-mail address where you can be reached. Your comment must be confirmed and approved. You must complete the objectives to be considered. You are responsible for providing your contact shipping information if you are chosen. Shipping restrictions to non US entrants may apply based on sponsor's policies. Giveaway watch selection based on sponsor's inventory and watch availability. All comments made after the end of the giveaway period will not be considered. For the full terms and conditions, please click here.

Good luck, and thanks to LUM-TEC, the sponsor of the LUM-TEC B15 watch giveaway here at aBlogtoRead.com!

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

LUM-TEC Combat F1 Concept Watch

admin — Sun, 30 May 2010 07:02:01 +0000

The upmarket-ification of "America's son" watchmaker LUM-TEC may continue in full force. Some of you have expressed sadness that the brand is producing many timepieces outside of their original pricing a few years ago. It is true that the mean price for LUM-TEC watches is going up. It also true that LUM-TEC quality and watch features are also increasing. Most any "young" watch maker can't really do everything they want the first time around. Through subsequent successes LUM-TEC has been able to afford more quality components and fancy movements and materials for their watches. The result are timepieces that are closer to the dreams of the owners. In time I believe that LUM-TEC will offer a full range of watches from very reasonably priced entry level models to high-end durable watches that are "up to any task" and still look great in the process.

One example of a potential future watch for LUM-TEC is this pictured Combat F1 concept watch. It reminds me of an updated Marathon GSAR watch - if there would be such an update. The technical looking case looks like a pilot watch on steroids with a stylized, but easy to read no-nonsense dial. The case would be 44mm wide in steel with a sandblasted finish. The thick bezel would turn, and according to LUM-TEC would also turn an inner bezel, though I am not totally sure what that means at this point. The tough looking bezel matches the style of the crown. Technical looking chronograph pushers emphasize the functional character of the watch. This is continued in the many sharp angles in the design.

The dial will have mostly full Roman numeral dials with larger chronograph subdials, and a smaller subsidiary seconds subdial. You'll notice that needed hint of red on the dial as well! LUM-TEC does a great job of making functional dials that also feel really fun (but won't ever accused of being a mere whimsical watch). They are kinda of like how you feel about the design of a Jeep Wrangler. I like the contrast between the serious looking lugs and the NATO strap that the watch has.

Movement would be none other than a Swiss Valjoux 7750 automatic powering the Combat F1 one. The dial doesn't have room for the day of the week indicator, but does include the date nicely integrated within the 3 o'clock hour marker. LUM-TEC being proud of all this would have a sapphire caseback window with a personalized LUM-TEC automatic rotor - hey, maybe even some movement decoration as well. Dial of course would also be enhanced with LUM-TEC's own MDV luminant for a clear and easy to read dial in low-light conditions. Once again, LUM-TEC asserts that a good deal of US watch lovers are interested in the "tool watch" above all else. If this watch becomes a reality, I suspect the price would be in the $1,500 range at least.

See LUM-TEC watches on eBay here.

Lum Tec M39 Automatic Wristwatch
$595.00
Time Remaining: 1h 47m

Bid now

LUM TEC LTA17 MENS BLACK CHRONOGRAPH WATCH
$495.00
Time Remaining: 1d 14h 44m
Buy It Now for only: $495.00
Buy It Now

LUM TEC LTB6 MENS BLACK ANALOG WATCH
$845.00
Time Remaining: 1d 14h 54m
Buy It Now for only: $845.00
Buy It Now

LUM TEC LTB7 MENS BLACK ANALOG WATCH
$865.00
Time Remaining: 1d 15h 3m
Buy It Now for only: $865.00
Buy It Now

LUM TEC LTA11 MENS SILVER CHRONOGRAPH WATCH
$435.00
Time Remaining: 1d 15h 7m
Buy It Now for only: $435.00
Buy It Now

LUM TEC LTLZ8 MENS SILVER CHRONOGRAPH WATCH
$485.00
Time Remaining: 1d 15h 12m
Buy It Now for only: $485.00
Buy It Now

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

LUM-TEC 500M Watch Coming In 2010

admin — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:14:11 +0000

It was only a matter of time until LUM-TEC created a diver watch, and I couldn't be happier about the result (that will be released late next year). While LUM-TEC still refers to the watch as the 500M concept sometimes, it is going into production as a limited edition of 500 pieces. The watch includes all of that LUM-TEC DNA we love in a package that we can't resist. Personally, I am a sucker for nice diving watches and this items knows precisely how to get my attention (and desire).

The design is a mix between modern looks, classic diving watches, and some other LUM-TEC pieces. The case is in steel and 44mm wide with a massive rotating divers bezel (with an equally large lume dot). The case is made with a series of aggressive looking sharp angles. Notice the thick lugs which add to the visual strength of the watch and also look like the tips of Japanese katana swords. LUM-TEC looked at other aggressively styled diver watches for inspiration when designing the face of the watch. You can see the large orange bordered minute hand and very easy to read face. Of course LUM-TEC places their special MDV (maximum darkness visibility) lume on the dial for easy darkness viewing (even underwater). There is also the extra large crown - makes the watch visually more impressive, and also make it easy to operate with gloves. Crystal should be sapphire.

As the name of the watch goes, the timepiece will be water resistant to 500 meters. This is a step up from the original 300 meters LUM-TEC was aiming for. Inside the watch is a new movement for LUM-TEC. This time they will use a high quality Seiko Sii NH15J automatic mechanical movement. This is a similar movement to the one used in their LumZilla watch, but it offers automatic as well as handwinding. The Seiko people will of course be proud to have one of their movement in these exclusive American watches. Attached to the watches will be high quality rubber straps as well as likely metal bracelet options. Like I said, when the watches are due for released in late 2010, the price will be around $895. A step up for the brand, but for a stepped up watch. Once again LUM-TEC has successfully been able to achieve a gleeful "wow" from me. More on the LUM-TEC 500M watch as it comes closer to release next year.

See LUM-TEC watches on eBay here.

Lum Tec M39 Automatic Wristwatch
$595.00
Time Remaining: 1h 47m

Bid now

LUM TEC LTA17 MENS BLACK CHRONOGRAPH WATCH
$495.00
Time Remaining: 1d 14h 44m
Buy It Now for only: $495.00
Buy It Now

LUM TEC LTB6 MENS BLACK ANALOG WATCH
$845.00
Time Remaining: 1d 14h 54m
Buy It Now for only: $845.00
Buy It Now

LUM TEC LTB7 MENS BLACK ANALOG WATCH
$865.00
Time Remaining: 1d 15h 3m
Buy It Now for only: $865.00
Buy It Now

LUM TEC LTA11 MENS SILVER CHRONOGRAPH WATCH
$435.00
Time Remaining: 1d 15h 7m
Buy It Now for only: $435.00
Buy It Now

LUM TEC LTLZ8 MENS SILVER CHRONOGRAPH WATCH
$485.00
Time Remaining: 1d 15h 12m
Buy It Now for only: $485.00
Buy It Now

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

LUM-TEC LUMzilla Watch Review

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 07:18:48 +0000

I am the first to admit that I am a fan of LUM-TEC - it is no secret. The newer American based watch company that just seems to hit the spot each time, with a satisfying watch offering each time. All LUM-TEC watches are limited editions and made in relatively in small quantities. If you follow the company's new developments you can most always get what you want, but by the time your friends see the watch, they might very well be out of luck trying to get one. For example, these new LUMzilla (which I will write out as "Lumzilla" because I feel like being lazy with the Shift key) watches come in just a handful of varieties, with just 100 models of each. In the scheme of watches at this price level, that is HIGHLY limited.

The collection is currently divided up into the LZ1, LZ2, and LZ3 watches. My first LUM-TEC watch was the M3 (which I reviewed here). The timepiece struck me as amazingly wearable, readable, and satisfying to look at (as well as affordable). It has such a comfortable mix of features and a look that was always welcome on my wrist. Now, just a couple of generations of watches later, LUM-TEC proves it is improving things with each new timepiece. Basically that means higher quality everything across the board, plus a mechanical instead of quartz movement. The price is up a bit of course, but the real deal is in pre-ordering the timepieces before they are released.

When I first learned about the LUM-TEC Lumzilla watches I didn't know what to make of them. They are 50mm wide after all, and with a design I've never seen before. Then I saw some sneak preview shots that I discussed here, and finally I have the watch to share with you. Let me first say that the Lumzilla is the most wearable 50mm watch I've ever had. I love the size, and it doesn't look silly on my wrist. Sure the watch case is tall, but it all looks proportioned on my relatively small wrists. You can see how complex the look of the case it. Shaped like a twine spool, you have a substantial looking (and feeling) case, but one that feels more svelte than it is. I also appreciate the large crown and the good use of polishing on the case. For example, you have mirror polished surfaces as well as brushed surfaces. This is something that previous LUM-TEC watches did not have (as far as I know), and represents a moving up the watch world ladder for the company. You'll also notice the highly curved lugs that are perfect for having the watch wrap around your wrist. An excellent touch. The crown could have used a engraving on it. I realize that the LUM-TEC logo would not fit, but instead, the surface is so polished and large that you can easily see your reflection. So maybe it is good that it is bare, cause you can check your make up in the reflection (yes, ha ha).

The quality of the case is very good for this price level. Solidly made, good surfacing, and a finish that you'll be proud of (sorry about any finger prints on it in the pics). You also have the black PVD version as well that gives you the all dark look and a different styled. If you are concerned about size, the PVD version appears smaller due to it all being black. The dial of the watch is the Lumzilla's best asset. You get the upgraded LUM-TEC GX MDV lume, as well as large numerals and hour markers and easy to read hands. I needed to live with the dial for a bit to really measure it up. At first I though the hands were too small, but they really aren't. The watch is bold looking but easy to read - a tough combination of traits. Many people ask me about lume quality. I can say that it is very good. With some charging, the lume stays bright and the application of the lume over the dial makes the entire face easy to read. The seconds hand is perhaps too small. It easily gets lost in the face. Black on black with just a red tip. If you like having a seconds hand, you might find yourself searching for it. However, I think that LUM-TEC did this on purpose. It was trying to give the face a more simple look, but still give you the benefit of having a seconds hand. Which means that it is sort of like a phantom seconds hand. Not too visible unless you are purposefully looking for it.

It is important that LUM-TEC watches be hardy - as that is part of the brand character in my opinion. The Lumzilla is water resistant to 100 meters and the movement is a Japanese Seiko automatic movement that I know to be pretty hardy. You can see the movement through a caseback window on the rear of the watch. LUM-TEC got itself a nice signed rotor, and you can check out the movement in action. I would have liked LUM-TEC to use a movement that offers hand-winding (not just automatic winding), but that would have upped the cost, plus those are hard to get in Japanese movements that are sold to third party companies. Going back to the dial, I like the sloped chapter ring with the minute markers on it a lot - really helps overall legibility. Then you have the framed date window where you can see the date disc that is thankfully black to match the color of the dial. The Lumzilla has a large sapphire crystal that has a lot of anti-reflective coating on it. This makes the dial "pop" really nicely. Like all AR coatings, they can attract smudges easily, but that can be wiped away. Looking at the dial closely with a loupe (magnifier), you can tell just how precise the text and lume application are. No bleeding and an overall excellent level of quality.

LUM-TEC chose a high quality rubber strap to match with the watch. It sits up right next to the case and there is no gap at all. The rubber is a high quality with a satin texture a finish. Very smooth feeling. There is also contrast stitching in the strap. It doesn't serve a functional purpose really, but is rather cosmetic. You could easily mistake the strap as being smooth leather or something other than rubber. The strap is also "anti static." The strap buckle is nice to operate actually, and again you see the LUM-TEC signature engraving. The wide flat pin fits easily into the holes on the strap for a secure feeling. In addition to upgraded watches, LUM-TEC's packaging is getting better. They now include a "certificate of authenticity." Not that there is a big "fake LUM-TEC market," but it is a nice move in showing you their dedication (and it only costs a piece of paper). Of course you get the individualized warranty card as well. The three versions of the Lumzilla again are the LZ1 (steel with black dial), LZ2 (steel with all lume dial, "reverse dial"), and LZ3 (PVD with black dial). The LZ1 and LZ3 are available now, while LZ2 can be pre-orderd (coming in 9/2009)Â Pre-order prices are in the $450 range, while prices for the available timepieces are in the $650 range.

After a while you'll start to appreciate just how much character the Lumzilla watch has while still being a functional watch. Get ready for something large and in charge, with a good polish, and a fair price for what will prove to be a hard to get item.

Here to learn more about or buy LUM-TEC LUMzilla watches.

Lum Tec M39 Automatic Wristwatch
$595.00
Time Remaining: 1h 47m

Bid now

LUM TEC LTA17 MENS BLACK CHRONOGRAPH WATCH
$495.00
Time Remaining: 1d 14h 44m
Buy It Now for only: $495.00
Buy It Now

LUM TEC LTB6 MENS BLACK ANALOG WATCH
$845.00
Time Remaining: 1d 14h 53m
Buy It Now for only: $845.00
Buy It Now

LUM TEC LTB7 MENS BLACK ANALOG WATCH
$865.00
Time Remaining: 1d 15h 3m
Buy It Now for only: $865.00
Buy It Now

LUM TEC LTA11 MENS SILVER CHRONOGRAPH WATCH
$435.00
Time Remaining: 1d 15h 7m
Buy It Now for only: $435.00
Buy It Now

LUM TEC LTLZ8 MENS SILVER CHRONOGRAPH WATCH
$485.00
Time Remaining: 1d 15h 12m
Buy It Now for only: $485.00
Buy It Now

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.