LUMINOX ATACAMA FIELD LM1929 MEN'S WATCH
Luminox watches have long been synonymous with rugged, tough, and reliable tool watches. Along with Milspec, Navy Seals, and of course an outstanding illumination system as well. Luminox was founded in 1989 by watch industry veteran Barry Cohen with the goal to bring “cutting-edge luminescence and readability in its line of high-performance sports watches.” And that is exactly what the brand is most known for, a self-powered lighting system that doesn’t require a charge or activation, it is always there (for a good 25 years or so). Luminox calls it the LLT (Luminox light technology) and it consists of tiny glass valves containing tritium gas which naturally glows thanks to its radioactive properties. It is completely safe of course; the radioactive properties of tritium aren’t as penetrative as its predecessor Radium and being stored in glass vials means that it is isolated from exposure. So, with a reliable and long-lasting light source from a decaying isotope, rugged and dependable build quality, Luminox watches are the perfect outdoors watch for the adventurers in all of us.
Where the brand truly excels is in developing watches to be used by field operators; specialists who spends most of their time in the harshest of environments and need a dependable and tough timepiece to rely on. So, it is only appropriate that we’re taking a look at one of their more conventional and still equally durable watches: The Atacama Field LM1929. The brand’s take on a classic field watch.
Of all the watches in Luminox’s catalogue, that are field watches (and mind you there are a lot), this is the one that fits that term the most in the traditional sense. Well visually at least, this is the Luminox Atacama Field LM1929. You don’t name a watch after one of the harshest and driest deserts on earth if you don’t intend for it to be brought to harsh environments, or at the very least, as a daily field watch. The LM1929 strays away from the traditional bold and striking designs that the brand is so known for and opts for a more, conventional (albeit still large and bold) field watch design.
With a rounded case, bold blocky numerals, and simple matte black dial, the watch has an almost spartan approach in its design, and I think that was the point. It’s a simple and reliable tool watch that certainly fits the bill very nicely, throw-in an added day-date complication for added practicality and it’s the perfect everyday beater. The riveted camel brown strap adds a touch of vintage charm, whereas the stealthy black PVD stainless steel case keeps the aesthetic equally tactical as a Luminox should. Powering the watch is of course, a reliable Swiss Ronda quartz caliber which adds to the otherwise no-nonsense tool watch personality of the LM1925. It’s nothing much to shout about, but it’ll get the job done effortlessly.
The Atacama Field LM1929 certainly ticks a lot of boxes as a practical dependable field watch. And while Luminox’s watches may not be for everybody, the Atacama Field is certainly one that fits well in anyone’s collection. All in all, if you’re looking for a reliable, practical field watch to accompany you into the desert or just a simple, dependable everyday beater, the LM1929 is certainly the right watch for you.
Features
Case material: Stainless Steel
Lume: Proprietary Tritium Valves/LLT
Colour: Black
Water resistance: 20 atm
Movement: Swiss Ronda Quartz
Case Size: 45mm
Crystal: Sapphire
