Luminox developed the first Navy SEAL series way back in 1993 - used by U.S. Air Force F-117 Nighthawk pilots and known for their tough exteriors and high visibility, due to the ability to glow up to 25 years in any light condition.

The Carbon Seal 3800 series is from Luminox’s Sea range and has a case that is made of a compound using 40% Carbon in bar form. This makes it light (three times lighter than titanium), durable, exceedingly hypoallergenic and more scratch resistant than most other materials, as well as chemical and heat resistant.

Weighing just 80g this Swiss made time-piece has a diameter of 46mm. It is water-resistant to a depth of 300 meters (1000 feet) and is powered by a CR2016 battery that will give you a whopping 8 years of battery life. The 3800 series features a carbon compound, unidirectional turning bezel, at 12h fitted with a coloured light tube protected with sapphire crystal, with the back of the casing made from 316L Stainless Steel and featuring a screwed closure.

Although it looks like it may weigh a ton it is comfortable and light to wear. The large face can swallow up slimmer wrists, however it does make it easy to read underwater. The build quality is good, but the matt design looks a little unclean in areas due to falling between a rough and smooth finish. The self-emitting micro gas tubes allow you to clearly read the time in any light conditions, unlike watches that use glow-in-the-dark paint. The gas tubes don’t need to be exposed to daylight to become active - spend 3 weeks in a cave and this will still glow!

It’s strange that such a durable watch comes with such a large protective case, it all seems rather unnecessary. The wrist band is soft & flexible, and it is comfortable to wear. The durability wins over aesthetics here. RRP variable, depending on model: £625 (3801, 3813)

4 out of 5

Buy now

Pros

Carbon compound

Durable

Lightweight

8year battery life

Micro-gas tubes last 25year

Water resistant up to 300m

Cons

Unclean finish

expensive