All of that changed in 1989 when two American businessmen made the brave choice to use Swiss watch making technology and a unique illumination system to create a new watch unlike anything the world had seen before. The theory behind this innovative watch design was intended to appeal to the sports enthusiasts. After all, they were constructed to be able to withstand some heavy abuse and provide a watch face that is able to light up. To get the point across about the special and unique ability of this new style of watches, the two businessmen aptly named their new company Luminox.

Since the illumination feature of Luminox watches is what really sets them apart, it may be useful to have a clear picture of how this technology works. Unlike other watches that can light up, the Luminox watches are powered by tiny gas lights called borosilicate glass capsules. These capsules provide constant illumination without the need for solar power or batteries. Among other benefits of this system, the capsules also provide continuous illumination for up to 25 years and are brighter than previously manufactured lit watches. With a Luminox watch there is no need to push a button or do anything special to use the light up factor; it does it automatically regardless of the external conditions. Conventional illumination where some form of luminous paint is used requires charging from a light source for a period of time.

In the beginning, the Luminox Watch Company was having a bit of a struggle to get the notice necessary to really grow as a company. Sure, the extreme sports enthusiasts were catching on, but they still weren't able to reach the consumer market Luminox needed. All of that changed in 1993 with one call from a procurement officer with the U.S. Navy SEALS. By early in 1994, the Luminox company was able to offer the original SEAL Dive Series I. Once again the amazing ability of Swiss engineering, coupled with their unique illumination system set the Luminox Company up for some serious success.

This was the turning point the Luminox Company needed. Due the involvement of the SEALS in the popularity of Luminox watches, the owners began to see a dramatic increase in the number of sales. For the next 5 years, Luminox focused on the sales of their plastic watches. Around 1999, the company made the decision to branch out their watch styles and began to use steel and titanium in addition to the fiberglass models already on the market. Over the last few years Luminox have introduced many new models. And as I write this article, Luminox is introducing the next generation of illumination watch, the Luminox EVO Navy SEAL Colormark series. What is unique with this series is that the markers actually glow in the same color as the numerals on the dial.

The Luminox Watch Company is amazing example of what hard work, dedication, and having a product the U.S. military needs can do. They continue to work with both the Navy and Air Force to provide specialized watches for the special units and pilots. They are also hard at work providing the everyday person with well made, self illuminating watches at affordable prices.