Traser vs Luminox

[Gareth]

Are these watches on par with each other in term of reliablilty/cost etc.

I'm looking for a cheap military style watch (<$350) preferably in black with nato or rubber strap.

Any other suggestions to fit the bill?
I've looked at used Ollech & Wajs watches, are they any good?

Thanks

[Brian D.]

Hi Gareth,

I think both watches are very similar as far as I know. I have a Luminox Navy Seals series 1 that I bought back in '97 or '98. I've worn it quite a bit and it has taken some pretty good knocks over the years with no problems. Both have the tritium vials which I think are great. Not overly bright but bright enough to see clearly in darkness. I know there are some who have the Traser watch and think very highly of it. I'd say either one would be a very good choice and you won't be disappointed .

[Gareth]

Hi Gareth,

I think both watches are very similar as far as I know. I have a Luminox Navy Seals series 1 that I bought back in '97 or '98. I've worn it quite a bit and it has taken some pretty good knocks over the years with no problems. Both have the tritium vials which I think are great. Not overly bright but bright enough to see clearly in darkness. I know there are some who have the Traser watch and think very highly of it. I'd say either one would be a very good choice and you won't be disappointed .

Thanks for the reply

[AndyFromHonolulu]

...especially if you're looking at the 'Navy Seals' models. The composite versions of both brands are based upon the Stocker & Yale P650 U.S. military contract watch of 1996 - 2000. They are both made by mb Microtec of Switzerland, which is the sole producer of those tritium tubes for all similar watches.

You mentioned O&W watches, and yes, they are very good, made with standard ETA movements, and represent a great value.

And here's one that is a combination of sorts of both watch types you were asking about. This is a M-16 diver watch by Howard Marx, a O&W dive watch with the dial and hands from a Marathon U.S. government contract military field watch installed. So it has tritium tube dial and hands, ETA automatic movement, 200M WR stainless steel case, and a custom domed sapphire crystal. I'm wearing it today on a 20mm black Zulu strap.

Mahalo,

andy

[Crusader]

They are both made by mb Microtec of Switzerland, which is the sole producer of those tritium tubes for all similar watches.

Whereas the Marathon tritium vials, as well as - I believe - the S&W and Uzi vials come from a different source in Canada.

[KBB]

You can get a good new O&W in that range.

[Gareth]

My Traser arrived today - don't like it

[Incurable]

My Traser arrived today - don't like it

Old newbie here... Which model? What don't you like about it? Could you be more specific?

[Chris B.]

My Traser arrived today - don't like it

I had a Traser for a very brief time and sold it almost immediately. Personally, I really like my Luminox 8401. Good size, superb tritum lume, nice PVD black finish, and really quite accurate +/- 10 seconds a month! And at $199. USD from Gem Day, a hard price to beat.

[SeikoAutomatic_01]

Can someone post a pic of a Traser or Luminox night shot? And is the same technology that Ball uses?