Luminox Atacama Field 1960

Swiss watchmaker Luminox has unveiled its latest collection of timepieces, the Atacama Field 1960 Series. Inspired by the unforgiving Atacama Desert, the collection embodies the spirit of exploration and adventure, offering a modern take on the classic field watch.

Luminox has a long history of creating high-performance timepieces for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals. Founded in 1989, the brand is renowned for its innovative use of self-illuminating technology, ensuring that its watches are always visible in any light condition.



The Atacama Desert, located in northern Chile, is the driest non-polar desert in the world. It is a land of extremes, characterized by vast stretches of barren rock, salt flats, and towering sand dunes. The Atacama Field 1960 Series draws inspiration from this harsh yet awe-inspiring landscape, with its rugged construction and durable materials.

The Atacama Field 1960 Series stays true to the essence of the field watch, featuring a clean and functional design. The watch has a large, easy-to-read dial with bold numerals and markings, along with a red-tipped second hand and a red arrow at the 3 o'clock position that points to the date window. This ensures that the time and date can be easily read at a glance, even in low-light conditions.

The watch is housed in a 43mm CARBONOX™ case, a lightweight and durable material that is well-suited for the rigors of outdoor use. The CARBONOX™ case is complemented by a black rubber strap with a black textile top layer, providing a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist.



One of the defining features of the Atacama Field 1960 Series is its Luminox Light Technology (LLT). This proprietary system uses small tritium gas tubes embedded in the hands, hour markers, and even the date window to create a constant glow for up to 25 years, without the need for external power or battery charging. This self-illuminating technology makes the watch exceptionally readable in low-light or no-light environments, a crucial feature for any serious adventurer.

The Atacama Field 1960 Series is available in three colorways: full black, a dark green dial with sand hour markers, and a black dial with sand hour markers. Each colorway has a distinct look and feel, making it easy to find a watch that suits your individual style.

The Luminox Atacama Field 1960 Series is a worthy addition to the brand's long and distinguished history of creating timepieces for explorers and adventurers. The watch's rugged construction, durable materials, and innovative self-illuminating technology make it a perfect companion for anyone who loves to push their limits and explore the world around them.

Like many field watches, the Atacama Field 1960 Series uses a reliable and robust Swiss quartz movement. Quartz movements are known for their accuracy and low-maintenance operation, making them ideal for watches designed for tough environments. The Ronda 515 movement employed in this series offers a battery life of up to 50 months, ensuring you won't get caught in the middle of an expedition with a dead watch.



The 43mm case of the Atacama Field 1960 Series is crafted from Luminox's signature CARBONOX™ material. This carbon-based composite is exceptionally lightweight, yet incredibly strong and scratch-resistant. It's six times lighter than steel, three times lighter than titanium, and extremely hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for a watch that's meant to be worn all day in harsh conditions.

The watch's crystal is made from hardened sapphire, known for its superior scratch resistance. Protecting a clear view of the dial is essential for a watch designed for legibility in challenging outdoor situations. Furthermore, an anti-reflective coating on the crystal minimizes glare and reflections, enhancing readability in bright sunlight.

The black rubber strap with a textile top layer adds both comfort and durability to the watch. The rubber ensures a firm fit on the wrist and resists moisture from sweat or rain, while the textile covering adds a touch of rugged style. The strap is secured by a CARBONOX™ signature buckle, a nod to the overall carbon fiber composition of the watch's construction.



Luminox generously includes a bonus sand-colored webbing NATO strap along with a strap changing tool. NATO straps, originally developed for military use, are known for their exceptional strength and the extra security of a full pass-through design. Switching between the rubber and NATO strap options lets you customize the look and feel of your Atacama to match your style and adventure.

Of course, the defining characteristic of any Luminox watch is its unparalleled Luminox Light Technology (LLT). This system uses tiny self-powered tritium gas tubes on the hour markers, hands, and date window to create a continuous glow for up to 25 years. Unlike traditional luminescent paints, LLT doesn't require any external light source to charge it, making it exceptionally reliable in any lighting condition. For night explorers or deepwater divers, this unwavering readability makes the Atacama Field 1960 Series a vital tool.

The Atacama Field 1960 Series prioritizes functionality and utility. The watch features a 100-meter water resistance rating, making it suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. The fixed CARBONOX™ bezel provides a sturdy frame for the crystal but also serves as a simple yet effective way to measure elapsed time. And the IP black stainless-steel case back, along with the IP black crown boasting the Luminox emblem, add a touch of refinement to this robust tool watch.



Luminox is known for its commitment to creating high-performance watches, but they also manage to do so at a surprisingly accessible price point. The Atacama Field 1960 Series has an MSRP of $495, placing it squarely in an affordable category for many watch enthusiasts and adventurers. This combination of features, materials, and value makes it a compelling option if your search leans towards purpose-driven timepieces.

While many watches can tell you the time, the Luminox Atacama Field 1960 goes a step further. It's a watch built for those who aren't afraid to get off the beaten path. Whether you're scrambling up rugged peaks, traversing desert sands, or just braving your daily urban jungle, the Atacama Field 1960 Series is a constant reminder of the importance of durability, reliability, and the spirit of exploration.