Luminox’s Navy SEAL 3500 Semper Fortis Dive Watch Mates Mil-Spec Might to Ultralight Stealth

Designed to honor the U.S. Navy, this Swiss timepiece features a proprietary construction and exclusive styling.

Black tactical watch with green luminescent markers on a black metal bracelet.Luminox

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While the Navy SEALs date back to 1962, its mother military branch, the U.S. Navy, dates back to 1775. Yes, that means the Navy technically predates the Declaration of Independence by nearly a year.

In honor of the branch’s “enduring strength, resilience and determination,” Luminox has released a formidable new watch. Called the Luminox Navy SEAL 3500 Semper Fortis, it’s a stealthy new addition to the brand’s beloved, ongoing mil-spec dive watch lineup.

Black tactical wristwatch with green and orange luminescent markers on a black metal band, placed on textured black surface with a flashlight and knife.
The watch is almost entirely blacked out in the daylight, apart from the red on the seconds hand and “Ever Strong” on the dial. But low-light lets its lume shine bright.
Luminox

Navy strong

Black-on-black is an ongoing theme for Luminox’s Navy SEAL divers (and mil-spec watches in general). Of course, in the context of military operations, this makes perfect sense, as bright, vibrant colors draw attention and operatives often strive for stealth and to remain hidden.

However, it certainly doesn’t hurt that it looks great, too.

While this watch isn’t completely blacked out, the majority of it is. The parts that aren’t include the brand’s signature lume tubes around the dial and on the hour and minute hands, as well as the print on the date window, all of which are pretty standard.

Close-up of a black Luminox watch face showing luminescent hour and minute hands, red second hand, date window, and "Swiss Made" text.
The phrase “Semper-Fortis” and its English translation, “Ever Strong,” hearken to the “enduring strength, resilience and determination” of the U.S. Navy.
Luminox

What isn’t standard is the phrase “Semper-Fortis” and its English translation “Ever Strong” printed on the dial. According to the brand, this phrase refers to “the enduring strength, resilience and determination associated with the U.S. Navy.”

The latter phrase is printed in red, matching the tip of the seconds hand, while the latter is painted with bright blue lume, which shines brightly in low-light situations.

While the styling is certainly one of the elements that make this watch special, it’s easy to argue that its functional and material elements are even more impressive.

Close-up of the back of a black Luminox watch with a metal case back engraved with a winged emblem and text on a yellow background.
The only part of the watch case that isn’t Carbonox is the screw-down caseback, which has the Special Warfare insignia (or “SEAL Trident”) etched upon it.
Luminox

Forged by the sea

This watch shares a construction similar to many of Luminox’s other Navy SEAL dive watches, especially the blacked-out ones. And that construction lends this watch a unique combination of lightness and toughness.

That’s because it’s crafted almost entirely from the brand’s proprietary Carbonox material. In fact, the only part of the case that isn’t Carbonox is the screw-down caseback, which is steel and has a Navy SEAL Special Warfare (or “SEAL Trident”) insignia etched on it.

Black wristwatch with glowing green and orange markers worn on a wrist over a green fabric sleeve.
At 45mm in diameter, this watch is not for the small-wristed.
Luminox

The Carbonox construction also extends to the dive timer bezel and the bracelet. That means, despite being a chunky 45-millimeter timepiece, it weighs just under 3.32 ounces (much lighter than the average dive watch). Yet it remains extremely strong and resistant to impacts.

The watch also features a Swiss-made Ronda 515 quartz movement that’s durable and reliable. And it has the brand’s signature 25-year lume on its dial markers, hands and the 12 o’clock pip of the bezel.

Black tactical wristwatch with luminous green and orange markers and a metal link band on dark fabric.
Only 775 examples of this watch were built. Once they’re gone, there are no plans for another run.
Luminox

Availability and pricing

The Luminox Navy SEAL 3500 Semper Fortis is now available on the brand’s site for $695. However, only 775 examples have been made, making for an extremely limited-edition offering.

Black Luminox wristwatch with a matte finish, luminous hour markers, date display, and a black metal link band.Luminox

Luminox Navy SEAL 3500 Semper Fortis

Specs

Case Size 45mm
Movement Ronda 515
Water Resistance 200m

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