Luminox is an American-founded brand, started in California in 1989, whose watches are Swiss made: the movements are Swiss quartz from Ronda and ETA, and the watches are assembled in Switzerland to the Swiss Made standard. The tritium illumination that defines the brand comes from mb-microtec, the Swiss company that makes the tritium tubes. This guide covers who owns Luminox, where the watches are made, and what Swiss Made means on the dial.
The company
Luminox was founded in 1989 by Barry Cohen and Richard Timbo in California, built its reputation on the Navy SEAL watch in 1994, and is today owned by the Swiss group that also controls mb-microtec, the maker of its tritium tubes. It is run as a Swiss watch brand with an American history.
Swiss Made
To carry Swiss Made, a watch must have a Swiss movement, be cased in Switzerland, and be inspected there, with a majority of value Swiss. Luminox watches meet it. The movements are Ronda (the 515 in the Atacama, the 715 in the Navy SEAL Foundation, the Z60 chrono in the Pacific Diver) and ETA (the F06.412 in the Mil-Spec).
The tritium
Luminox Light Technology is mb-microtec's trigalight tubes, made in Switzerland, sealed into the hands and markers. This is the part no other mainstream watch brand has at this price.
The cases
Luminox's CARBONOX is a carbon-reinforced polymer, light and corrosion-proof; the Mil-Spec uses CARBONOX+ with a titanium bezel; some models use stainless steel or ALUMI-NOX aluminum. Cases are made to Luminox's specifications and assembled in Switzerland.
What it means
A Luminox is a Swiss quartz tool watch with Swiss tritium, from a brand that started in California. The value is in the movement and the tubes, not in a manufacture caliber.
Frequently asked questions
Who makes Luminox?
Luminox is a Swiss-made brand founded in California in 1989, now under Swiss ownership alongside its tritium supplier mb-microtec.
Is Luminox Swiss made?
Yes, with Ronda and ETA movements, cased and inspected in Switzerland.
Who makes the tritium?
mb-microtec, in Switzerland.
Is Luminox a luxury brand?
A tool-watch brand at $450 to $800, not a luxury brand.
Where was Luminox founded?
California, in 1989.
The bottom line
Swiss made, Swiss tritium, American origin. The Navy SEAL 3500 is where to start.
Related reading
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Best Luminox watches, ranked
Luminox Mil-Spec dive watches explained
