Luminox, a name that evokes images of resilience and visibility in even the most challenging environments, has been a leader in crafting high-performance outdoor watches since 1989. Their commitment to cutting-edge luminescence and readability is evident in their collaboration with world-renowned survivalist Bear Grylls. The Bear Grylls Survival Master Series is a testament to this dedication, offering a range of timepieces designed to withstand the rigors of adventure.
We are diving deep (pun intended) into the world of the
Luminox Bear Grylls Survival Master 3740 Series with a specific focus on the newest addition to the collection, the striking silver-colored dial variant. This in-depth exploration will be split into two parts. Today, we will delve into the history of Luminox and the Bear Grylls Survival Master Series, along with a first look at the watch’s design and materials. In the second part, we will take a closer look at the technical specifications and functionalities that make this watch a true companion for the adventurer.
Courtesy of Luminox
The history of Luminox can be traced back to its very name, derived from the Latin words Lumi (light) and Nox (night). This perfectly encapsulates the brand's core mission: to provide illumination and readability in low-light conditions. Founded in 1989, Luminox rose to prominence with their introduction of Luminox Light Technology (LLT). This proprietary system utilizes self-illuminating tritium gas tubes embedded into the hands, dials, and bezels of their watches. These tubes offer constant glow for up to 25 years without needing any external power source, making them ideal for nighttime adventures or emergency situations.
Luminox timepieces have found favor with a wide range of professionals who require reliability and functionality in their watches. These include US Navy SEALs, Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue (ICE-SAR), and Lockheed Martin’s F-117 Nighthawk™ stealth jet fighter pilots. The brand's association with exploration and peak performance is further solidified through their partnership with Bear Grylls.
Bear Grylls, a name synonymous with survival and outdoor adventure, needs little introduction. A former British Special Forces soldier, Grylls has become a television personality through shows like Man vs. Wild and Running Wild with Bear Grylls. His reputation as a seasoned outdoorsman and survival expert makes him a perfect partner for Luminox.
Courtesy of Luminox
The Bear Grylls Survival Master Series is a collection of watches designed with Grylls’ input, incorporating features specifically chosen for their utility in challenging environments. Each timepiece in the series is built to withstand the elements and provide essential functionality for survival situations. The new silver-colored dial variant of the Luminox Bear Grylls Survival Master 3740 joins this collection, boasting a combination of rugged construction, innovative materials, and features specifically chosen for the adventurer.
Picking up the Bear Grylls Survival Master 3740, a watch collector would immediately notice its substantial size. The 45mm CARBONOX™+ case gives off a sense of robustness and durability. CARBONOX™+ is a composite material that is claimed to be lighter than standard polycarbonate but offers superior strength and scratch resistance. Visually, from the image, the black, matte finish of the CARBONOX™+ case appears to be well-suited for absorbing light and minimizing glare.
A quick glance at the watch reveals the bold, silver-colored dial with matching hands. The high-contrast color scheme should ensure excellent readability in most lighting conditions, and the generous use of LLT tubes throughout the dial and hands should make it highly visible in low-light situations. The watch hands themselves have a chunky design, which should also contribute to easy time reading.
Surrounding the dial is a black, uni-directional bezel with white markers. Uni-directional bezels are a common feature in dive and pilot watches as they can be used to elapse time without accidentally being adjusted the wrong way. The white markers on the bezel provide a clear contrast to the black background, enhancing readability.
At the 6 o'clock position on the strap, a unique feature catches the eye: a detachable compass. This built-in compass can be a valuable tool for navigation, especially in unfamiliar territory. The dark grey rubber strap itself looks comfortable and appears designed to withstand the elements.
Courtesy of Luminox
The Luminox Bear Grylls Survival Master 3740 chronograph is powered by a Swiss Quartz movement. Now, if you're an automatic watch enthusiast, don't let the quartz tag fool you. Swiss Quartz is renowned for its accuracy and dependability. This makes it a smart choice for a watch designed to be a survival tool. Unlike mechanical counterparts, quartz movements are less affected by sudden shocks or extreme temperatures, making them maintain excellent timekeeping throughout a range of challenging conditions.
The Bear Grylls Survival Master 3740 takes functionality one step further with the inclusion of a chronograph. A chronograph is essentially a watch with a built-in stopwatch. They typically feature two or three subdials on the face for measuring minutes and seconds. This specific chronograph appears from the image to feature three subdials. Many watch collectors find a chronograph useful for timing activities while out on an adventure.
Additionally, the Survival Master 3740 provides a date function with a small date window positioned at 6 o'clock. While it might seem like an obvious feature on most watches, a date window can be a valuable asset when keeping track of time becomes important in survival scenarios.
We all know that visibility is perhaps the most crucial aspect of a useful survival watch. Here's where the 'always visible' part of this Luminox truly shines. The Survival Master 3740 boasts a generous array of 18 Luminox Light Technology (LLT) tubes. These tubes contain a radioactive isotope of hydrogen called tritium. This substance emits beta particles that react with a phosphor coating inside the tubes. The reaction excites the electrons in the coating, causing them to glow, even in total darkness.
Courtesy of Luminox
The watch features a bright green LLT tube for the hour hand and an orange LLT for the minute hand, helping differentiate between the two in low light. The bezel has an orange tube at 12 o'clock, and the sub-dials for a chronograph also feature green and orange accents, aiding quick readings for the stopwatch function.
It's not just about functionality; the LLT tubes add a touch of flair to the watch. The bright orange and green accents against the dark backdrop create an eye-catching look, even when the lights are on.
A subtle yet significant detail on the silver dial is the Morse code table for SOS. A watch collector familiar with Morse code would find this feature extremely interesting. It reminds the wearer of their resourcefulness; that even with a watch, you have a tool to signal for help in an emergency. Whether it ends up being used in life-or-death situations or just becomes a cool talking point is up to the wearer, but it adds a layer of purpose and ingenuity to this watch.
The Survival Master 3740 boasts an impressive 300-meter water resistance. Now, most of us won't ever come close to testing those depths, but for the adventurer, this water resistance indicates a well-sealed, heavy-duty construction that can withstand whatever the elements may throw its way. Whether you get caught in a storm or take an unexpected dip in a cold mountain lake, this watch is built to handle it.
Courtesy of Luminox
Turning the watch around, the case back proudly features Bear Grylls' signature along with his motto, "Never Give Up." This inscription serves as a constant reminder of the survivalist's unrelenting spirit; a testament to the philosophy of resilience built into every Bear Grylls Survival Series timepiece. The bright orange Bear Grylls signature and the orange screw-in crown also add a splash of color to the watch that sets it apart from the rest of your watch collection.
The new Luminox Bear Grylls Survival Master 3740, especially with its unique silver dial, stands out as more than just a tool or even an accessory. This is a watch with a specific point of view and a clear mission: to accompany those who venture into the unknown, who refuse to back down from a challenge.