Posted: 7/27/2017 4:56:50 AM EDT
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There was a recent thread in GD about watches that forced me to reconsider my choice in a daily wear timepiece. I've always considered a watch to be a necessary evil. It is needed to tell the time, but a hassle to lug around. In my mind, there were two types of watches; heavy stainless models with metal bracelets, and cheap plastic watches like the G-shock. In the thread, I caught a few glimpses of another style. A beautiful watch, with a subtle yet elegant NATO strap. Merging the practicality and light-weight of the g-shock, with the solidity and ruggedness of a metal case. The models that stood out the most all had the words "combat b" on the bezel, which at this point, meant nothing to me. I was intrigued, and started digging.
The style of watch that had caught my fancy is typically referred to as a field watch. Marathon, a Swiss company, made and still makes NSN coded watches that were used in Vietnam and possibly farther back than that by servicemen fighting wars. This appeals to me. I am currently deployed overseas in the desert and have natural affinity to no nonsense pieces of equipment. I prefer my BUIS's metal, my boots leather, and decided, my watches metal and nylon. However, the simple classic Marathon models are all plastic bodied and looked a bit cheaper than I was hoping for. My search continued. A quick google for the words "combat b" and "watch" resulted in a quick "ahhh" moment. After a lot of debate, I settled on Lüm-Tec, specifically their Combat B line, as the source for my watch. I emailed Bes with their customer service department a handful of questions; would they ship to an APO, do they ship insured, etc. My final question is something I always struggle to ask, but I did, and am grateful for it. Do you offer a military discount. The answer was a resounding yes to all questions, and she assured me that the packaging would be beefed up for my order to handle the less than ideal and often violent transit circumstances that mail goes through on its way to this side of the world. Now I had to pick a model. I struggled between automatic and quartz. One is timeless and a true work of mechanical art. The other, simple, rugged, and stout. I chose to go with the more affordable option for now, partially based on the cost, and partially based on the sense that it would be a more rugged construction with fewer moving parts that would risk being dislodged during a very active day which might include arduous range days. Keep in mind, up until this point, to me, a watch was something you bought at Walmart, so anything above that, especially in price, was a huge leap. The model I chose was one that caught my eye as soon as their page loaded. The Combat B39 Phantom. With its sleek, streamlined design and an almost entirely black bezel I kept finding myself drawn to it. I started trying to talk myself out of it. It's too big, it's too expensive. My g-shock works fine. Nobody wears nice watches these days..... Needless to say, I ordered it, let Bes know, and began my wait. Today, a rather large box arrived with my name on it. As I cut away the tape, a smile crept across my face. This box was easily 9 timex the size of a lumtec watch box, and was stuffed with enough bubble wrap that a carton of eggs would've survived the trip unscathed. After removing the box, my smile only got larger. Continued below. |
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Lüm-Tec really goes beyond in their packaging. The box is as much a piece of art as the watch.
Attached File As you start to peel back the layers, it becomes evident that this company takes pride in their work. A certificate of authenticity greets you with every watch. Attached File And below that things only get better. A beautiful wooden box holds the watch, the box itself is beautifully made, and polished so high I initially thought it must be plastic. Attached File As soon as I lifted the lid, I felt like a kid at Christmas. I had to touch it, feel it, inspect it, and of course, wear it. Attached File Attached File |
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The watch came wearing a beautiful leather band, something far nicer than my current environment merits.
Attached File I swapped it out quickly for the included nylon strap, and was equally amazed at the quality. The strap is well constructed, with the clasp holes reenforced by melting to prevent future fraying. Attached File The fit was perfect, no overhang on my wrist, and light enough to be comfortable all day, yet heavy enough to know it's still there. Attached File Attached File |
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And lastly, the lume. Lüm-Tec makes their own lume in house, and it works flawlessly.
Attached File Attached File Something tells me this won't be my last, I've already been eyeing a bronze cased automatic for a future purchase likely a year or so down the road. For now, I'm thrilled. I now have a truely nice watch, something that should easily give me decades of enjoyment, and that potentially has started yet another very expensive hobby. ARFCOM watch gurus, thank you for inspiring this, and Lüm-Tec, thank you for an amazing product. I genuinely could not be happier with my purchase. |
