TESTCENTRE
For the military look ...
As someone old enough to remember the pre-computer days when every diver sported a chunky watch and used tables to work out their decompression , I still have a soft spot for a classic-looking diving watch .
The Swiss-made Luminox brand ( Lumi : Latin for light , Nox : for night ) was established , coincidentally in the same year ( 1989 ) as I first qualified as a diver . Over the ensuing decades the company has provided timepieces to the US Navy SEALs , US Coastguard and the New York City Police Department .
In 2009 , Lumnox linked up with counterterrorism expert , undersea explorer and filmmaker Scott Cassell , a partnership that continues to this day with the Luminox Scott Cassell Deep Dive Automatic Special Edition .
Cassell – perhaps best known for his experiences diving with Humboldt squid – is founder of two not-for-profit organisations ; Sea Wolves Unlimited , created to protect endangered undersea species and the Undersea Voyagers Project , dedicated to maintaining the overall health of the seas . Both non-profit organisations receive a percentage from sales of the Deep Dive .
This very handsome-looking watch with its eye catching blue-on-blue colour scheme oozes class from every pore . Featuring a chunky ( but not too-chunky ) 44mm diameter by 17mm thick 316L stainless steel case , it feels substantial in the hand , but on the wrist actually feels like it ’ s found its natural home .
The rubberised strap , in matching blue complete with an extension , complements the watch nicely and helps make wearing it a thoroughly enjoyable experience . A 3mmthick sapphire crystal offers a clear view of the watch face itself , where the company ’ s
Luminox ’ s patented bezel lock also encloses the crown The case back features an engraved submersible . patented LLT ( Luminox Light Technology ) coats the hands and hour markers .
While most other manufacturers use luminescent paint , which has to be ‘ charged ’ by a light source and fades relatively quickly thereafter , Luminox deploys borosilicate glass capsules for the purpose . This self-powered technology is always ‘ on ’, ensuring their watches are always readable at a glance , regardless of external conditions .
I compared the Luminox ’ s luminosity side-by-side with my own watch during a night dive . Unless topped up with a burst of torchlight , the latter was soon on the wane . The Deep Dive however , continued to provide steady illumination throughout .
There ’ s a cleverly-designed , patented bezel lock situated on the right side of the case . This also encloses the screwdown crown , used for time and day / date adjustment . To operate I simply lifted the lock , rotated the bezel then closed it again .
A further failsafe advantage of this system is that unless the crown is fully screwed down , the lock is unable to close . Another nice touch is the solid stainless steel case-back , which has a detailed engraving of Cassell ’ s Sea Wolves / Undersea Voyager mini submersible craft .
Complete with a Helium release valve and water resistant to 500 metres , this is a true diving watch . As the name implies it features an automatic winding mechanism , so it really does need to be worn on a regular basis , rather than tucked away between dives , to keep it ticking away . Neil Hope
Luminox Scott Cassell Deep Dive Automatic Special Edition
COMPANY : JURA WATCHES PRICE : £ 1,830
TEL : 01335 453453 WEB : JURAWATCHES . CO . UK
SCUBA SAYS
When the whole world has gone smart-watch crazy , Luminox ’ s Scott Cassell Deep Dive Automatic Special Edition offers a modern classic analogue alternative .
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