For the people unfamiliar with tritium gas tubes, they contain small amounts of safe radioactive gas that glows to offer exceptional night reading abilities. Unlike traditional lume they don’t need to be charged by light. This is a T25 watch in terms of the number of tritium gas tubes which are used. The case shape and rotating bezel on the Modern Mariner Automatic models is 100% Luminox DNA. Based on their popular Navy SEALs collection pieces, this enduring design tends to enjoy wide appeal among male wearers. Do you think it dresses up nicely?

While Luminox does offer the 6500 collection on a lovely leather strap, I prefer how it looks on a bracelet. Though if you are a strap guy, you’ll enjoyed the padded, soft leather with its contrast stitching. The steel case on the leather strap is the ref. A.6501, and the phantom version on the strap is the ref. A.6501.BO.

Which of course leads to discussing the all-black “phantom” version of the Modern Mariner Automatic. In addition to the brushed steel case, Luminox once again offers one of their watches in the stealthy black guise. Though I have to say that they did a good job making the hands and hour markers a gray color with a different texture in order to preserve legibility. Given the fact that the “black out” model (what “BO” stands for) has the more matte texturing on the dial, it may actually be more legible than the standard model given the polished and glossy elements on the dial.

If you want a more sporty and mysterious look, then the Modern Mariner Automatic ref. A.6502.BO is the way to go as it has the PVD black case with matching bracelet. Turn the watch over and you’ll see an exhibition case back window showing the mechanical movement. Luminox likes to put a large version of their logo right over the view. Personally I don’t mind that as I’ve seen this movement many times, but it does offer a bit less visibility to those who are getting this piece as their first mechanical watch (which isn’t that unlikely given the brand and price point of the 6500 series).

Inside the watches are Swiss Sellita SW220 automatic movements. These are based on the SW200 movements, but have an added wheel for the day of the week. Thus the dial offers the time, date, and day of the week. Consider it to be analogous to the ETA 2836. For the price, the movement looks just right with a bit, but not too much decoration.

We feel that the Luminox 6500 series is a diverse and durable sport watch that won’t look strange with more formal attire. As a first mechanical watch or something that celebrates your soldier within but external appearance as an office employee, the Modern Mariner Automatic isn’t a bad choice. Price is $1,250. luminox.com