LÜM-TEC choice

een checking out the offerings from the USA based LÜM-TEC (part of Wiegand Custom Watch) and of the range this model caught my attention. It's the Lüm-tec M Quartz M59 a neat PVD hard coated 316L stainless steel cased model at 44mm wide x 12mm height and 300m Water Resistance and for me seems to represent the best value.

Lüm-tec M Quartz M59

The movement is the Swiss quartz Ronda 515.24H GMT (I already have this movement in another brand) and it displays in analogue form, Time, Date and 24hr time. The date aperture is between 4 & 5 o'clock and although relatively small is white contrasting against black and the angle is about the best for quick reading. The clarity is assisted by the fact that the crystal is Sapphire and has double sided anti-reflection coatings and the dial back ground is matte black against which the broad white Hour and Minute hands show up clearly. The center Seconds hand is also white. The 24hr GMT pointer hand is red, stands out well and indicates the hours on the outer chapter ring with a white luminous arrow tip – again very clear.
Luminous wise – a feature of LÜM-TEC watches is the extremely effective 8-layer LÜM-TEC MDV Technology®.

LÜM-TEC MDV luminous technology.

In fact this is one of the better models on the market that excels on dial clarity, a favorite topic and bugbear of mine as you may well know if you're familiar with my site. And one of the main reasons for picking this model for my quick review.
I also like the watch case shape and the large screw down crown, good solid screw back and the fact it has lugs and spring bars, so alternate straps can be used. And talking of straps, this model comes complete with not one but three (3) different bands. Firstly a black leather strap with red stitching as shown, secondly a custom molded anti-static rubber strap and lastly a 316L stainless steel bracelet, which is a real bonus – not many brands give this.
I note with their top model, the LUM-TEC Abyss 600M dive watch (not reviewed here) they have changed some design elements, some aspects of which I have reservations. The Hour and Minute hands for example are of split design, so clarity may be an issue. The Date aperture is small and round without an outline and contrast seems low in comparison to the M59.
OK these are observations from a distance, but for me maybe a design change too far.
Keeping it simple is often the best way forward and the M59 featured here does a very good job of just that and at a lower price point.
That said the price here in the UK is right on the limits at £510, bearing in mind this is quartz, not multifunction nor mechanical. However the inclusion of two additional alternative straps takes the edge off it and you do get a very well made quality watch with great luminous properties.
So what about negatives? Well apart from my personal “have to think about it” hesitation regarding the final price here, I find nothing negative about this model at all and it certainly does attract me, so well done LÜM-TEC.
As I indicated at the start, within the LUM-TEC range this is definitely my favorite model – design, quality, features and overall look and it's certainly worth considering. Once again I'm tempted to sell on one of my lesser models for some extra cash and then who knows . . . . . as they say, it's a definite possibility! bekijk meer horloge replica en chopard grand prix de monaco historique