Tritium Watches?

C

Crash

Joined
Apr 3, 2003
Messages
40
Hi all,

Lately I've been thinking about purchasing a Luminox watch, but I'm having some trouble deciding which model to get. I'm looking at:

Model #3602 - Titanium Navy SEAL Dive Watch - Black Face
Model #3202 - Stainless Steel Navy SEAL Dive Watch - Black Face
Model #1590 - Marine series - Black Face

I like the 3602, but it's most likely out of my price range. The 3202 has the same look but is stainless steel. However, with both these watches, the crystal and overall display area seem rather small in comparison to the overall size of the face of the watch.

The 1590 seems to have a larger crystal, at least in comparison to the whole watch face. However, the face on this model is a little more "cluttered" than I prefer.

Has anybody out there seen any of these 3 models side by side? I'd love to be able to compare them and see what their relative proportions are.

Another watch I've run into on my search is the "Israeli Military Watch," as seen here: LA Police Gear

Anybody familiar with this watch? I haven't heard anything about it... how reliable, durable, well made it is, or how accurate the motion is. It doesn't even say who the manufacturer is, only that a warranty on the movement is offered by Meprolight. If anyone can offer any insight on this watch, or if anyone knows where to get it with a black face, I'd appreciate it.

- Jon -
 
I'll make it easy for you. :D get yourself a Bill Yao Custom Luminox 3101. Cost is around $250. Considering that the original 3101 goes for $299 it's a great deal. Add a Rhino dive strap and you're ready to go. I get mine in a bout 2 weeks. :D
 
Originally posted by Crash

Another watch I've run into on my search is the "Israeli Military Watch," as seen here: LA Police Gear

Anybody familiar with this watch? I haven't heard anything about it... how reliable, durable, well made it is, or how accurate the motion is. It doesn't even say who the manufacturer is, only that a warranty on the movement is offered by Meprolight. If anyone can offer any insight on this watch, or if anyone knows where to get it with a black face, I'd appreciate it.

- Jon -
Click to expand...

This is the first that I've seen of these watches, but I'm a bit put off by the information that is on the site. Judging by the lack of details on the movement, the "ISRAEL MILITARY WATCH" and "SWISS MOVEMENT" on the face, and the inclusion of what appears to be a sheet metal bracelet I would predict that it is not exactly a paragon of quality.

I'd second the suggestion of the Yao Luminox.

There are also several other manufacturers who use tritium vials.
 
Regarding the "Israeli Watch,"

further research this afternoon has led me to believe that the case and bezel are either Seiko parts, sourced from the same supplier, or knocked off. The case and bezel bear a striking resemblance to some of Seiko's dive watches -- none however, in titanium. I saw a brief mention of this watch in a forum yesterday, but I don't remember if it was here, CPF, or that forum i USUALly go to.

The hands and face are similar to several Luminoxes.

I was aware of Bill Yao before posting, and I agree that his creations are fantastic. I am probably going to contact him and see if he could do anything to the face of a 1590 -- right now I *think* I like it's proportions the best. However, I do like to looks of the 3202/3602 overall out of all the luminoxes -- arrgh!

The 3101 isn't really my flavor. One of the guys at the watch repair place in the mall had the 3104 (blue face) and showed it off to me, and I wasn't wowed by the look. They carry Luminoxes, but didn't have any of the models I'm interested in.

- Jon -
 
Originally posted by K.V. Collucci
I'll make it easy for you. :D get yourself a Bill Yao Custom Luminox 3101. Cost is around $250. Considering that the original 3101 goes for $299 it's a great deal. Add a Rhino dive strap and you're ready to go. I get mine in a bout 2 weeks. :D
Click to expand...

You read my mind - that's where I was going to send him. me? I'll stick with my stock S&Y 490 (The Mechanical movement). The only thing I miss is the date function
 
More re: the "Israeli Army Watch."

I've now found the watch on www.meprolight.com (with different markings and color) and by searching for "ADI watches"...

So apparently it is made in Israel and does have tritium vials. I can't confirm that this particular watch is made of titanium, nor can I find any information re: accuracy or reliability.

What's killing me is that this watch has the looks and the proprtions I want, the features (rotating bezel, tritium vials, water resistance), and as a bonus it's titanium. All that at a great price -- but I am loath to trust an item over the internet that I've heard nothing about. I'd just drop it, but it's too close to what I want.

Other than that, I'm still hoping to get a side-by-side of the Luminoxes.

- Jon -
 
I had an Israeli Military watch and sold it. The quality wasn't as good as a Luminox. I wasn't impressed. Last I heard Kimber was the importer in the USA.

As mentioned above I would get a Luminox and have Bill Yao work his magic.

Bill's site is www.mkiiwatches.com
 
Wanted to add that the Israeli Military watch I had was not titanium. It looked like it, but was in actuality bead blasted steel.
 
Between info here and CPF, i'm passing on the Israeli watch. So back to the Luminoxes...

Has anyone seen one of the Marine Stainless models (1500s) next to a Navy SEALs dive model(3200s, 3600s)? I'm trying to get a perspective on the proportions of each watch. The one 3100 series I saw seemed to have a very large bezel as compared to the crystal/face of the watch.

- Jon -
 
Originally posted by shootist16
Wanted to add that the Israeli Military watch I had was not titanium. It looked like it, but was in actuality bead blasted steel.
Click to expand...

Thanks for clearing that up.

I've been wondering how they woud up with a Ti sheet metal bracelet.

Turns out that they didn't.
 
Am I the only one who's been laughing ever since this thread started at the very idea of a watch that says on the dial: ISRAELI MILITARY WATCH??? :eek:

I think I'll set up a website to sell watches that say FORMER SOVIET MILITARY WATCH on the dial ... and if that sells I'll add one that says ROMAN LEGIONS OFFICIAL ISSUE WATCH and see if people will buy that ... and maybe I'll add a civilian model that just says WATCH on the dial ... so everyone who buys it will know what that thing on their wrist is.... :rolleyes:
 
I've got a steel cased SEAL watch that I've had for a couple years. No complaints so far. The watch seems a lot better proportioned once you put it on. If you decide against a Luminox, you might look into a CWC watch. They're the British military issue contractor. They don't have the tritium vials, but use tritium paint on the face. Some models are a little pricey, depending on the exchange rate at the time you order. I'm waiting on delivery of a Royal Marines SBS watch at the moment, i'll let everyone know what i think when it gets here. The only drawback to CWC is that there is only one (!) authorized retailer. That is Silverman's in London. You can reach them at www.military.co.uk. As a side note, the customer service on this site is typically British- prompt, efficient, and world class. I recommend this site to one and all.
 
Check out www.watchuseek.com

go to the bottom left and click on Watchuseek Shop. Look at the H3 watches. Similar to Luminox but without the "Navy Seals' stuff and some models with ETA mechanical movements.

I purchased a Traser 3401 from Watchuseek.

Cheers
Al P
 
What exactly does Bill Yao do to a luminox? (besides change the "face" where their logo is to his?)

Also, does anyone know of a site that has a really wide selection of Luminox watches and good hi-res pics of them?
 
Bill changes the dial and the hands (depending on the brand)and tests the watch to 6 ATMs. He has quite a few different dials to choose from. The dials don't have his mark on them as of yet. My Luminox 3101 will have a new Type II dial with date window. I ordered a Rhino divers band from Westcoastime to complete the watch.
 
Originally posted by KSmedic
That is Silverman's in London. You can reach them at www.military.co.uk. As a side note, the customer service on this site is typically British- prompt, efficient, and world class.
Click to expand...

Never traded with them, but as a Brit, let me assure you that if it is as stated
"prompt, efficient, and world class"customer service...

That is not typically British. Why do so many of us buy from the States? I'd found, discussed,paid for and received a Streamlight Stylus from an American dealer before the British supplier responded with a price.

Slivermans *do* have loads of nice gear though.
 
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