Luminox
San Jose, USA · Est. 1989
Founded by Barry Cohen
Luminox is an American watch brand founded in 1989 and based in San Mateo, California, known for pioneering the use of self-powered tritium gas tubes for always-visible luminescence. Adopted by the US Navy SEALs in 1992, Luminox produces tactical, dive, and field watches worn by military and emergency services personnel worldwide.
- Founded
- 1989
- Headquarters
- San Jose, USA
- Group
- Other
- Price Segment
- Entry
- Status
- Active
Key Collections
- Navy SEAL — Luminox’s Navy SEAL collection is its signature tactical watch line, defined by rugged construction, strong night visibility, and long-running association with U.S. Navy SEAL branding across the brand’s catalog.
- Pacific Diver — Luminox’s Pacific Diver collection is a dive-oriented family built for underwater use, combining a rotating bezel, high legibility, and the brand’s signature illumination system in a robust sports-watch package.
- Leatherback Sea Turtle — A lightweight, brightly illuminated sport watch line built around Luminox Light Technology, CARBONOX construction, and an accessible everyday-adventure profile, with a conservation-minded sea turtle identity and a focus on durable daily wear.
- Atacama Field — Luminox’s Atacama Field collection is a rugged field-watch family inspired by harsh desert environments, built for outdoor use with highly legible dials and durable, adventure-ready construction.
Timeline
- 1989 — Luminox is founded in San Mateo, California, with a commitment to always-visible illumination using self-powered tritium gas tubes — a technology previously used in military applications.
- 1992 — The U.S. Navy SEALs adopt Luminox as their watch of choice for night missions after being sought out by a Navy RDT&E officer seeking a more dependable timepiece.
- 2000 — Luminox expands internationally, establishing partnerships with adventure athletes and first-responder communities worldwide.
- 2014 — Bear Grylls becomes a Luminox brand partner and ambassador, extending the brand's reach to global outdoor adventure audiences.
- 2021 — Luminox launches the Navy SEAL Foundation partnership collection, directing proceeds to support U.S. Navy SEAL veterans and their families.
- 2025 — Launches the Bear Grylls Survival Master 3780 CARBONOX+ series and new Navy SEAL Foundation editions, continuing its focus on military-grade luminous watches.
Frequently Asked Questions about Luminox
- How does Luminox's illumination work?
- Luminox uses self-powered tritium gas tubes — called Luminox Light Technology — which glow for up to 25 years without any need for light exposure, battery charging or button-pressing.
- Are Luminox watches truly used by the Navy SEALs?
- Yes. Since 1992, Luminox has been the official watch of the U.S. Navy SEALs. The collaboration began when a Navy officer sought a more dependable timepiece for night missions and selected Luminox for its always-visible illumination.