Luminox recently started selling a couple of new aviation-inspired chronographs. One of them is named F-22 Raptor 9270 and the other (we’ll get to it later) is the Luminox F35 Lightning II. Being, in fact, updated versions of existing models, they feature more prominent titanium cases covered with stealthy matte black DLC treatment. As usual, both feature a set of signature ever-glowing tubes filled with T25 tritium radioactive gas.
Inspired by aviator watches, the refreshed Luminox F-22 Raptor 9270 Series comes equipped with not only a busy dial but also sports a well-known slide rule on its rotating bezel.
Having close to zero practical value, the slide rule still can help you convert MPH (miles per hour) values to KMH (kilometers per hour) and back, given that the maximum speed of the object you are interested in is not higher than 100 km/h.
On the inner side of the slide rule, there is also a standard tachymeter scale, which is good for as much as 500 km/h.
Equipped with the Swiss-made Ronda caliber STARTECH quartz ebauche (the official press release doesn’t state it directly, but I am certain that the movement in question is the Ronda caliber 5050.C engine,) the watch features not only a chronograph but also a big date display at 6 hours, as well as a day of week indicator at 12 o’clock.
As you may have already noted, the chronograph features a rather unusual display.
The totalizer at 9 hours combines the hour (white hand) and minute (red hand) counters into a single totalizer leaving the sub-dial at 3 hours for a small seconds indicator and the totalizer at 6 hours is here to display 1/10th of a second, which makes it more precise than most quartz chronographs.
The movement is packed inside a bulky-looking titanium case.
Around 44 millimeters wide, the titanium body (as well as the crown, chronograph pushers, and the metal bracelet) is treated with virtually scratch-proof black DLC (Diamond-like Carbon) coating. As the name implies, the coating is almost as hard as a conventional diamond, so it will take a lot of effort to damage the timekeeper’s ninja-style black livery.
Although the exterior doesn’t look particularly original, it has its advantages, like the aforementioned tritium tubes that do not depend on external light sources to be “charged”.
And, of course, the price. The American-based watchmaker offers the new F-22 Raptor at around $1225 USD, which makes it a lot less expensive than similar models from Breitling or other “true” luxury brands.
See also: TAG Heuer Aquaracer 500M Caliber 16 CAJ2110.BA0872
Photos: Luminox Watches
Luminox F-22 Raptor Chronograph specification
Price: $1225 (MSRP)
Movement: Quartz, Ronda caliber STARTECH 5050.C, 13 jewels, Swiss Made
Movement decoration: Gilt
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, big date, chronograph, day of week
Power reserve: 54 months
Case: Titanium, black DLC treatment
Shape: Round
Size: 44.00 mm
Case height: 13.00 mm
Dial: Black
Hour markers: Luminous, T25 tritium tubes
Hands: Luminous, T25 tritium tubes
Water resistance: 200 meters
Strap: DLC-coated titanium bracelet or black leather strap with red accents
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Back: Solid