American watches
The U.S.-based private watchmaking brand LÜM-TEC is going to seriously expand its collection for the new year. While everyone is raving about their extra-large Lum-Tec 300M-2XL automatic diver, I have just fell in love with their upcoming Lum-Tec M Bronze M54 model that is not very small either.
Yes, although the the American watchmaker has an umlaut mark in its name, it is NOT a German brand. Some may find the name deceitful, but I am giving the guys benefit of the doubt: they probably simply wanted to make it sound as cool as practically possible. So, LÜM-TEC will soon start selling a new timekeeper that has its oversized body crafted not from traditional steel or titanium, but from CuSn8 bronze: an extremely strong alloy, which is composed of copper, tin, phosphorus and traces of iron.
Despite being harder than normal bronze, it will probably age in the same nice way developing a noble patina as time goes by.
As you can see, the watch will be presented in a rather large cushion-shaped case around 44 millimeters wide (without the crown.) It is clearly that its design was strongly influenced by Panerai, however, the watch doesn’t make an impression of a rip-off: it looks more like homage or a tribute.
Its dial is clean and not overloaded with data. The four bold Arabic numerals, as well as the hands and hour markers are lavishly coated with Superluminova. In fact, LUM-TEC uses its proprietary MDV (Maximum Darkness Visibility) technology to achieve the highest glow, which is practically possible when it comes to Superluminova.
According to the American watchmaking brand, they first apply a chemical coated white base, which is followed by 6 layers luminous pigment and then sealed with a clear gloss coat to make the numerals and indexes look even more appealing in broad daylight and to glow brightly throughout the night.
Like their other new entries, the Lum-Tec M Bronze M54 is powered by the Japanese Seiko Sii NH35 self-winding movement.
Beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour and built on 22 rubies, the movement not only displays current time and date, but also offers manual winding (a very handy feature when you need to charge your timepiece in a harry,) as well as hacking seconds (when you pull out the crown to set correct time, the seconds hand immediately resets to zero increasing the accuracy of the watch.)
By the way, right now LUM-TEC offers a nice deal on their upcoming watches. If you preorder the new model placing a 35% deposit, the company will give you a 15 per cent discount when the product finally arrives.
Considering that the M54 has a regular price of $995, you can save almost $150 ordering it now on their corporate web-site.
See also: Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Bronze (PAM 382)
Photos: LUM-TEC
Lum-Tec M Bronze M54 Automatic watch specification
Price: $995 (MSRP)
Movement: Automatic, Caliber Seiko Sii NH35, Made in Japan
Number of jewels: 22
Movement frequency: 21,600 vph
Movement decoration: Branded oscillating weight
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Power reserve: 42 hours
Case material: Bronze
Bezel material: Matches case
Crown material: Matches case
Case shape: Cushion
Bezel shape: Round
Case size: 44.00 mm
Case height: 16.00
Lug width: 24.00 mm
Dial: Brown
Numerals: Arabic
Hour markers: Luminous
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 300 meters
Strap: 2 straps included. Brown leather strap. 24/22 size. Custom molded anti static rubber strap. 24/22 size
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective on both sides
Case back: Sapphire