The Luminox Navy SEAL 3500 series is the current version of the watch Luminox built for the SEALs in the 1990s: a 45 mm case, a unidirectional dive bezel, Swiss quartz, and tritium tubes on the hands and markers that glow for up to 25 years. The version we stock is the Arctic Edition, a white fiberglass case with a black dial for readability in snow. This review covers the case material, the dial, the bezel and the glow.
Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Series | Navy SEAL 3500 |
| Edition | Arctic: white fiberglass case and bezel, black dial with white numerals |
| Size | 45 mm |
| Bezel | Unidirectional rotating |
| Illumination | Luminox Light Technology, constant glow up to 25 years |
| Movement | Swiss quartz |
| Strap | White rubber |
| Price | $595.99 |
The case
Luminox's fiberglass-reinforced polymer is light, does not corrode, and does not get cold against the wrist, which is why the 3500 is a 45 mm watch that wears lighter than it looks. In white, it is the Arctic version and it is the most visible Luminox in the line.
The dial
Black with large white numerals, the opposite of most Navy SEALs, for contrast against snow and low light. The tritium tubes sit on the hands and at every hour; the 12 o'clock tube is a different color so you orient in the dark.
The bezel
Unidirectional, for elapsed time, and it clicks. It is a dive bezel and it works as one.
The glow
This is the reason for the watch. No button, no charging, no fading over the night. It is dimmer than a freshly charged Super-LumiNova and still there at 4 a.m. and in ten years.
Compared
The Navy SEAL Foundation 3250 is the steel-cased version with a blue bezel and 16 tubes. The Pacific Diver Chronograph is the steel diver with a chrono. The 3500 Arctic is the lightest and the most legible.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Luminox Navy SEAL 3500?
The current generation of the Navy SEAL dive watch, 45 mm, Swiss quartz, tritium.
What is the Arctic Edition?
A white fiberglass case and bezel with a black dial, for snow and low-contrast environments.
How long does the glow last?
Up to 25 years, constantly, without charging.
Is it a real dive watch?
It has a unidirectional bezel and a dive-grade water rating; check the listing for the depth.
Is it Swiss made?
Swiss quartz movement.
The bottom line
The Navy SEAL 3500 Arctic is the Navy SEAL watch you can read in the dark and in the snow.
Related reading
What watch do Navy SEALs actually wear?
Luminox Navy SEAL watches: which model
Are Luminox watches worth it?
