Luminox watches are known by the self-powered illumination method that's exclusive to them, and guaranteed to last not less than 10 years. In order to incorporate this facility, Luminox timepieces carry out additional manufacturing steps that few other watches in the world do. The heritage of Luminox is intimately associated with this distinctive characteristic of their watches.
Richard Timbo and Barry Cohen, two business colleagues who knew each other through their own profession as product sales associates, were seeking to develop a market through branded products or proprietary technology that would put a barrier on competitors. They discovered the Swiss company RMBG, which had a exceptional lighting technology, and proposed that this technology be integrated into Swiss watches, and obtained exclusive rights for the use of the technology in Northern America.
The new design watches, which were at first marketed under the brand name of the Swiss company, was subsequently re-christened Luminox, a name highly suggestive of the company's distinctive illumination abilities that had been derived from the Latin roots Lumi, meaning light, and nox which means night.
The unknown brand of watches was still struggling to make a mark in a very competitive market that laid great value by brand name, when it got a break in the form of a call from a US navy procurement official. In 1993 the company received an invitation from the procurement officer of the US Navy SEAL teams to provide it with a specially designed range of watches. The US navy's Sea, Air and Land (SEAL) teams needed a dive watch for use on their night missions. Luminox took up the challenge and worked with its Swiss partner for nine months before coming out with the first Navy SEAL watch in 1994.
This was a turning point in the history of Luminox watches. The seal of approval given by the SEAL enhanced the standing of the brand and raised its image within the consumer market. Demand for the watches began to spread and the company began selling its plastic model Luminox watches.
After selling several thousands of its plastic model watches for five years, the company launched the first steel version, with a carbon fibre bezel, in 1999. The steel version of the SEAL dive watches was an immediate winner. From this, it was clear to the manufacturers that if they could make the watches in greater varieties and numbers, the market would absorb them. This spurred the company on to an expansion drive and the desire to introduce new models.
In the fall of 2000, the company came out with an all steel series and an all titanium series. The innovative product launches were again greeted with resounding success, as the market lapped up both the products. These series incorporated features that are found in what are considered fine watches, and included 10-year lithium batteries, sapphire glass crystals and anti reflective coating.
If the call from the US navy was a significant milestone in the history of Luminox watches, the Air force wasn't to be far behind. The company received a call in 1999 from the Edwards Air Force base informing them that they loved the watches produced by them, and would like to have a version for use during their bombing missions. The requirement was to develop something specifically for them, and not to supply or even adapt the version that was supplied to the Navy. This gave rise to a succession of watches that was developed for use by F-117 Nighthawk stealth pilots.
Luminox consequently acquired rights to develop watches for the unusual requirements of the aviation sector. Thus was born another range of watches in the Luminox group.
The company is now working on plans for new ranges of watches for meeting both the requirements of the Navy and the Air Force, and is also taking several measures to retain and consolidate its control in the retail market.
A Brief History Of Luminox Watches
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