Thinking of buying a Lum-Tec watch...

[red1965]

I am thinking about buying a Lum-Tec Combat B-11 watch. Anyone have any feedback about Lum-Tecs good or bad? I have alot of watches now, and not really sure if I want to turn loose the cash if these dont live up to the hype. Any input will be appreciated.

 

[somber]

Customer Service is great (really quite fantastic, you'll get a response to any questions in a day from Chris Wiegand personally, and if you call the office someone will always pick up) and the watches are absolutely solid.

I've got a B2 Combat and love it. I'd be happy to answer any specific questions.

 

[BBQ BOY]

Fantastic watches. Rock solid and they are only getting better. Th company itself is fantastic. They really stand behind their product.
I have the M17 and have been very happy. I hope to get the M26 or 28

 

[somber]

The B11 is similar to my watch with the carbon fiber. The carbon fiber has an interesting effect with the numerals, it makes them appear as though they're floating, it can be dizzying at first. When I first got my B2 I thought that the dial wasn't straight because of the circular effect from the carbon fiber, but all of the dials are CNC'd and completely perfectly straight. The movement in my B2 is different from the new Seiko movement in the current line, but they're very similar. My watch is at +/- 4 s/d.

 

[red1965]

The B11 has the 24 hr dial. Not so sure about that as it just looks weird in my opinion. I dont really want one of the chronograph models, but I may have to go with the B14 or B15 to get a normal looking dial in my price range. Lots of talk on the other forums about LumTec using "cheap" movements. (There words not mine, as I do not know what movements are good and what are not.) I can tell you what watches I own at the moment. I have 3 Luminox, 2 Seiko Monsters (orange and black), Marathon Csar, Maratac Piliot watch,another Marathon that I cant remember what it is called, and other Casio, Timex, etc. So you can see I dont really "need" another one.
Guess my most pending question would be does the face glow all night as claimed? Alot of my watches are tritium. My Monsters only glow for a hour or so, The Martac less than that. I am spoiled by the tritium glow and want a watch that will make it all night.

 

[somber]

I wouldn't say they're cheap movements, they're not ETA or in-house, but the movements are solid. They tune them to their specifications and to make sure the ebauches are mechanically sound. The watch movements also go through a series of tests before they're even sent out, so... it is what it is. The movement in LÜM-TEC watches are the same ones in your Seikos.

I personally don't like the dial of the new line, I prefer the dial on the B2/B3, and really would have prefered to get a B2H with the SOPROD handwound movement, but that's just me. I like the carbon fiber, but if I could change it, I'd honestly get the plain black, probably. I'd also order it without the double AR coating, the purple/blue hue is distracting, they can take it off for free.

The M-Autos are going to come out soon and you can get them on pre-order, they all feature ETA movements, if you're concerned, and it would be cheaper than a B15/14/11.

The Lume is really an all night affair. It'll glow for a long time and be completely visible, but it won't be the same as tritium, it will decrease in brightness.

 

[red1965]

Somber, Thanks for the info. I didnt think the lume would be the same as the tritium, but glad to hear it will be readable all night. I really like the style of your B2. They dont have one like that currently at my price range. Thats why I am leaning toward the B15. I am kind of 50/50 on the carbon fiber. I like that it is different, but just not sure if its for me.

 

[somber]

I know the feeling. I was iffy on the carbon fiber, I didn't want it to appear gimmicky, but it really works and gives the watch an interesting aspect. I go back and forth on it, but it is awesome when you look at it from certain angles.

 

[red1965]

Now I really dont know which one I want! That carbon fiber looks pretty cool. Decisions,decisions.......

 

[red1965]

Somber,
Do you have any other bands for yours? Just wondering about a leather one....

 

[red1965]

Just order a B15....Must hide this from the wife....gonna blame it on the forum members if she finds out!

 

[somber]

Mine came with a shell cordovian leather strap and I purchased an OD Green NATO with PVD rings. Both are displayed in the two pictures. It's a pretty standard lug size at 23mm? Or 22mm, I forget which, but you can find a lot of nice straps that are inexpensive.

This is one I want to get for it in the future.

Congratulations on the purchase, you'll really enjoy your watch! They're really a treat to wear, and once you see it, you'll undoubtedly purchase more. Trust me.