TEST DRIVE
a bit of back-play . The chronograph pushers are tactile and make this watch a fidgeter ’ s dream come true .
am happy to report that the Pacific Diver Chrono does not wear like a “ wristburger ”!
QUALITY PRODUCT This Luminox feels like a quality product on the wrist and all of the features are a pleasure to use .
What could Luminox have done better ? The markings on the bezel are a real point of contention for me . When you set the bezel anywhere on the lower half of the watch , the “ 05 ” reads like a “ 50 ”. I also feel like the pip should have more contrast with the rest of the bezel as it takes me a second longer to find it . Perhaps adding a dash of red or white would have solved the problem . And unfortunately , the bezel on my example does not line up well with the dial .
Typically , this is no big deal if you are paying less than $ 400 , but when you ’ re forking out $ 795-plus I would hope for better .
How does it wear ? Awesome , actually ! I have small wrists and this watch sits flat and comfortably all day . A lot of that is due to the well-designed lugs that are compact and hug the case .
Due to the fact that this watch wears a lot smaller than it is , wearing it in public doesn ’ t make me feel like I ’ m compensating for my little man syndrome . Although the specs might suggest otherwise , I
LIGHT SHOW We have ignored the star of the show . The real magic happens when the lights go out and the tritium ampules fluoresce . I love setting this watch on my night stand and being able to see what time it is when I get up for the fifth time at night . It ’ s a game changer .
So what ’ s the verdict ? The Luminox Pacific Diver Chronograph is perfect for you if you are someone who likes the functional look of a big watch , a busy dial , and tactile feature interfaces .
If you can forgive the minor issues with the bezel , this watch will reward you with a taste of that sweet Luminox ‘ secret sauce ’. If you are the kind of person who wouldn ’ t touch a 44mm watch with a tenfoot pole , try one on before you make any assumptions . As for me , I found myself slapping this watch on the wrist and showing it off a lot more than I expected to . I really like it for what it is .
On the rubber strap , the Luminox Pacific Diver Chronograph is priced at $ 795 and is $ 895 on a steel bracelet .
Isaac Despain is a watch designer and Head of Design at Fine Timepiece Solutions USA .
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