The Luminox Field Automatic 1800 Series finally offers you a pair of military-style watches that combine their proprietary LLT self-illuminating technology and the amazing presence of a mechanical automatic movement. Just as their quartz-powered siblings, this collection comes in two case sizes that range from a modest 43 mm to gargantuan 48 millimeters in diameter.
The new line consists of two new members. There is a three-hander Field Day Date A.1801 Three-Hand powered by a Swiss Made ETA 2878 automatic caliber, and a Field A.1867 Chronograph animated by an even more noble ETA Valjoux 7750 natural-born chronograph movement: something that you don’t see so often today in a watch with a recommended price of just USD 2300.
Both are an update to the existing line of Luminox Field 1800 series currently powered by cheapish “Swiss quartz” movements. Although being infinitely more accurate and reliable, the quartz is also a lot more boring and characterless, so the introduction of mechanical versions was simply a matter of time.
The Field Automatic come in similarly shaped cases but are a tad larger than their quartz counterparts with the three-hand version measuring 43 mm and the chronograph coming in a huge 48 mm case. The quartz models are available in 42 mm and 47 mm diameters respectively.
Both cases feature transparent case backs with sapphire crystals (a rare treat in this price range) that offer an unobstructed view of the movements. Well, to be frank, there is nothing particular to look at (both movements come with only basic decoration, like circular graining,) but some people may find particular pleasure in just looking at the engraved oscillating weight and slowly turning gear trains.
Both versions come with either a black or a silver dial with black textured dial centers and huge Arabic numerals painted on them.
Since Luminox traditionally uses its own self-glowing tubes filled with tritium, the numerals are printed with normal paint and do not glow in the dark.
However, the twelve LLT tubes placed closer to the outer part of the dial (eleven green and one orange at 12 o’clock,) as well as a pair of green tubes in the hour and minute hands supply the dial with more than enough illumination and provide superb readability.
In fact, the dials are perfectly legible even in twilight, when most Superluminova and other luminescent substances that have to be “charged” with ultraviolet, tend to suck it up.
As far as pricing is concerned, I still think that, at USD 880 for the three-hander and $2300 for the chronograph version, the collection is mildly overpriced. On the other hand, there is a good chance that both models will be offered with good discounts that will make them more competitive with military-styled watches from competing brands like, say, Hamilton and the likes.
See also: Welcome 2 the Evolution: Hamilton Aviation X-Patrol
WWR Verdict
Originality 4.5/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Overall Legibility: 4/5
Nighttime Legibility: 4/5
Value for Money: 3.5/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
Photos: Luminox
Luminox Field A.1801 Three-Hander and A.1867 Chronograph specification
Price: $880 (A.1801) / $2300 (A.1867)
Movement: Automatic, Caliber ETA 2878 Automatic Day-Date (A.1801 Three-Hand) or Caliber ETA Valjoux 7750 (A.1867 Chronograph), Swiss Made
Functions: Hour, minutes, seconds, day, date (A.1801 Three-Hand) PLUS chronograph (A.1867 Chronograph)
Power reserve: 42 hours
Case: Stainless steel, Black PVD-coated
Shape: Round
Size: 43.0 mm (ref. A.1801) or 48.0 mm (ref. A.1867)
Case height: 12.00 mm
Dial: Silver, Black
Numerals: Arabic
Hands: Steel
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Leather
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Back: Sapphire