Luminox Bezel Durability

[Screehopper]

I've been contemplating on getting a either a Luminox 3001 or 3101. How durable are the bezels? Do they scratch easily? I will be using the Luminox as a backup timepiece to my Suunto Vyper dive computer.

If I opt for a Luminox with a steel bezel I would have to change the wrist band to a rubber wristband so that I can alternate it between wearing it over my wet suit and for everyday wear. So I don't want to go that route unless they offer a deal with the watch only with no band, then purchasing a rubber wristband separately.

 

[flownosaj]

I don't have any first hand experience with the plastic models, but the steel Stealth and titanium versions I have are both well made. Both of them have saphire crystals and are treated with anti-glare film on both sides--harder to scratch but I've been told that they are prone to shatter sooner than others on direct impact. The uni-directional bezel has held up well and won't turn unless you want it to.

If you get a steel model, I believe you can get the rubber strap model instead of the metal bracelet if that's what you're asking.

-Jason

 

[DieselDave]

[ QUOTE ]
flownosaj said:
Both of them have saphire crystals and are treated with anti-glare film on both sides--harder to scratch but I've been told that they are prone to shatter sooner than others on direct impact.

-Jason


[/ QUOTE ]

I have the 3101 and have been wearing it daily for 2 years. 3-4 months ago I shattered the crystal and I did it again yesterday when I dropped it on brick floor and it landed directly on the crystal. Mine came with the rubber as well as velcro wet-suit band.

It's my favorite watch I have ever owned and is very durable except for the crystal and that’s even pretty tough but weight x height x brick is bad for the crystal. The first crystal lasted about 20 months and it was pretty scratched up but I gave it a great deal of abuse.

 

[gadgetnut]

[ QUOTE ]
Screehopper said:
...If I opt for a Luminox with a steel bezel I would have to change the wrist band to a rubber wristband so that I can alternate it between wearing it over my wet suit and for everyday wear.

[/ QUOTE ] I don't know about the other Luminox models, but my stainless Marine has a wet suit expander built in to the bracelet. It's pretty cool.

 

[Bullzeyebill]

I scraped my Luminox composite bezel against concrete, and just buffed it a little. Like new. A steel bezel would have been gouged.

Bill

 

[Deanster]

I have had my basic Series I 'Navy Seal' Lumiox for six years now, and have managed to wear down the sharp edges of the bezel, and some of the lettering, and scratch up the crystal a bit. Indeed, I've smoothed out the texture on the included polymer band until it's slick.

It's probably not as tough as a G-shock, but I have no worries about beating up this watch.