It’s not every day we feature American watchmakers on ClickTempus. However, one company that is currently making a big impression on the watch loving public across the pond is Lum-Tec. Based in Ohio, the company, which was founded by Chris Weigand, president of the Wiegand Custom Watch LLC, has built up quite a following since it first came to prominence back in 2008.
MDV Technology
What makes Lum-Tec stand out from other similar level watch brands is that they have developed an in-house luminescent proprietary compound called Maximum Darkness Visibility (MDV). The compound uses 6 separate layers of Super Luminova which is then added on top of a white chemical base. This results in the MDV compound, which is said to be more than 3 times brighter than the regular Super Luminova that is applied to most Swiss made watches that feature illuminated hands and indexes.
In addition to its MDV technology, Lum-Tec uses extremely high quality sapphire crystal and surgical grade stainless steel in all of its watches, most of which are limited to around 150 pieces for each model.
I know what you’re thinking – limited edition timepieces, crafted from high quality materials and featuring the best luminescent coating currently available in watch making are sure to cost a small fortune. Ordinarily, these factors would surely tick all the boxes for a seriously pricey timepiece. However, there is certainly nothing ordinary about Lum-Tec. What’s remarkable is that the majority of its watches, especially the earlier models (if you can get your hands on one, that is) are priced at less than $500. Some of Lum-Tec’s most recent timepieces have been a little pricier, but for the most part they are still in the sub $1000 price range.
As well as creating innovative and reasonably priced watches, another thing that Lum-Tec seems to be doing well is connecting with its customer base. Building up a mass online following via its Facebook and Twitter pages has been a key part of this. You’ll even find Chief Exec, Chris Weigand, regularly chatting away with customers on the Lum-Tec forum.
The company’s following online is impressive considering the company is just over five years old, which in watch making terms, isn’t old at all.
Oh, and if you weren’t already impressed enough, the company offers free lifetime battery replacements to all of its customers, which is a nice touch.
Lum-Tec M 48 Chronograph
The Lum-Tec M48 Chronograph is proof that a quality chronograph shouldn’t have to cost you the earth. Priced at around £315, not only does the watch offer excellent value, its undeniably handsome and follows on perfectly from the Lum-Tec M36 and M46.
Limited to just 100 pieces, the Lum-Tec 48M Chronograph comes with a 316L stainless steel case with titanium carbide that has a width of 44mm excluding the crown and is 12mm thick. The case houses a Swiss Ronda 5040B quartz movement that includes a big date and 1/10th second chronograph.
The watch features the Lum-Tec MDV technology offering a super luminova coating like no other. The sapphire crystal has a double sided anti reflective coating. The M48 is water resistant to 100m.
The good news is that the Lum-Tec M 48 Chronograph is still available to buy, according to the Lumtec website.
Lum-Tec M22 Tungsten
The Lum Tec M22 Tungsten is limited to 150 pieces and features a Swiss ETA 6498-1 hand wound movement, which features 17 jewels, Geneva stripes and polished gears. The extremely accurate movement is housed in a heat and scratch resistant case that is made from Tungsten carbide with a micro polished finish. The case is 44mm and includes a screw lock crown that features a double diamond sealing system.
The sunray grey dial displays hours and minutes and also has a small sub seconds display at 6 o’clock. The dial has been treated with Lum-Tec MDV which means it’s going to glow beautifully at night.
The Lum-Tec M22 Tungsten comes with a 1 year warranty and certificate of authenticity and can be purchased direct from Lum-Tec.
Lum-Tec Combat B17
If you’re a lover of military style watches then the Lum-Tec Combat B17 could be right up your street. The Combat B collection has pretty much been a permanent fixture since the brand’s inception and is another example of an excellent watch that goes that little bit further than just simply being suitable for everyday use.
The Combat B17 features a Miyota 9015 movement that operates at 28,000 beats per hour. Miyota are the movements that power most Citizen watches, know for their reliability. The movement is visible via its sapphire case back. The case itself is crafted from 316L stainless steel and has been bead blasted. It also has a black titanium carbide PVD coating and is water resistant to 200m.
The Combat B17 also comes with two NATO style military straps, as well as a moulded rubber strap. The watch is limited to 888 pieces and is available to buy on their website.
Lum-Tec Abyss 600M
As many of Lum-Tec’s timepieces are normally limited to seriously low numbers we thought we’d give you a bit of a heads up on what you can expect from the brand later in 2013. Lum-Tec’s first dive watch was the 500M, which was released in 2011, with the Abyss 600M this years follow up.
The Abyss series features 7 new models, with the 600M-2 the version that is pictured above. The watch includes a 48mm 316L stainless steel case that has been treated with a PVD Titanium Carbide coating and bead blasted.
The case includes a double sided sapphire crystal coating and screw lock crown and offers water resistance to 600 metres.
The Abyss watches are powered by the Japanese Miyota 9015 automatic movement.
The Lum-Tec Abyss 600M is limited to 150 pieces and should be available at the end of 2013, although you can pre-order one here.
Lum-Tec watches are available to buy in the UK from the brands official UK stockist.
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