The Faststrap Series is the Original Luminox Navy SEAL watch, first introduced in 1994. It is the timepiece that Luminox considers to have put them on the map.

Prior to the 1994 release date of the Faststrap Series, Luminox worked with the officer in charge of procurement for the Navy SEALs, Chief Nick North, to develop a badass watch specifically tailored for the SEALs. The outcome was of course a profitable one for Luminox.

The Navy SEAL Faststrap Series is, in our eyes, one of the most reliable lower price range watches on the market. Where the Faststrap Series comes up short on bells and whistles it hits hard in the areas that count. The micro gas lights (borosilicate glass capsules) that light up the face of the watch need no external light source to “charge” Nor do they require a push of a button to light the dial as do watches with electro luminescence and therefore do not consume any battery power. The utter brightness of the watch face at night might even be considered to much for some to have around while sleeping.

Lets jump right into the PROS and CONS of this great product.

PROS

• Carbon-reinforced polymer case makes for a rugged all-weather watch.
• Highly scratch resistant hardened mineral crystal.
• Water-resistant to 200 meters makes it perfect for surf and diving.
• Double-gasketed push in crown.
• Jeweled Swiss quartz movement (variations of between -05. and +0.7 seconds per day)
• Long lasting 45 month battery.
• Night Vision Tubes imbedded in the face have a functional life of 25 years.
• Watch face comes in some great colors.

CONS

• Case diameter of 44.00 (mm) is a little small for big guys (they have other bigger models).
• The band is a little tacky and bulky.
• Once broken there is very little hope in repairing a polymer watch.
• It is a little bright for some individuals who have trouble sleeping.

This watch has a case diameter of 44.00 (mm) so keep that in mind with your wrist size. It’s not the best watch for the big guy! We also noticed that the cloth band can sometimes develop a smell that can deter the opposite sex but no worries, it’s not half as bad as the smell climbing shoes can produce in a hot car.

The strap can be a little tacky, but if it’s really an issue, there are several strap replacement options on the market or other Luminox models that sport different band options. We really respect the men and women that protect our country, so the band is a great little reminder of their service. All the same, if you don’t want to sport the band with a shirt and tie, know there are options for you.

Last negative point… When this watch fails, it fails catastrophically. Because it’s a polymer watch, just plan on replacing instead of repairing. Often the cost to fix a Luminox is equal to the replacement price and the durability once compromised is questionable. We had one break from user error and that was it for the watch.

You might think that a watch designed for and used by elite troops is a product that sounded too good to be true, but in this case it did stand up to what we could throw at it! We suggest you check out Luminox’s great watches that have been tailored for elite military, law enforcement, and you!

Product: LUMINOX NAVY SEAL FASTSTRAP SERIES
Price: $195 – $300 (Shop around)
Rating: 8.5/10