Founded in 1989, Luminox has solidified its position as a pioneering force in the watch industry, known for its innovative use of self-powered illumination technology. Originating from a collaboration between Barry Cohen, a Swiss watch industry veteran, and Richard Timbo, a former lighting engineer for NASA, Luminox introduced its signature light technology to watches, providing unparalleled visibility in low-light conditions. Initially catering to the needs of elite military units, Luminox watches quickly gained popularity among outdoor enthusiasts and the Military. Later on a collaboration between the U.S. Air Force and Luminox would emerge when a request for a highly visible timekeeping solution for both pilots and special operations forces soldiers. Luminox would rise to the occasion with its cutting-edge illumination technology. This collaboration birthed the iconic “Air” series, featuring watches equipped with Tritium gas tubes that provide constant illumination without the need for an external light source. Trusted by pilots and personnel in critical missions, these timepieces stand as a testament to the enduring partnership between Luminox and the US Air Force. This brings us to the legendary Luminox F-117 Nighthawk, a plane that would truly change the term “stealth” in regards to aviation and radar detection.
The Luminox F-117 Nighthawk 6440 Watch was independently purchased by myself and Luminox has absolutely no idea who I am and has not been allowed to preview this Review. I have been wearing this watch off and on for the past 5 months from days on the beach to in the cockpit at flight school.
The Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk emerged from the shadows of secrecy in the 1980s as a groundbreaking stealth aircraft, revolutionizing aerial warfare. Developed by Lockheed Skunk Works under utmost secrecy, the F-117 Nighthawk was designed to evade enemy radar detection, employing advanced composite materials and a unique faceted shape to deflect radar signals. Its first combat deployment during the Gulf War in 1991 showcased its unparalleled precision strike capabilities, striking deep behind enemy lines with remarkable accuracy. Despite its angular and unconventional appearance, the F-117 proved its effectiveness, paving the way for the development of subsequent stealth aircraft. With its retirement from active service in 2008, the F-117 Nighthawk left an indelible mark on aviation history as a symbol of technological innovation and military prowess. If you are interested in hearing more about the development of the F-117 Nighthawk, I highly recommend reading by Ben Rich.
So what would be a better military airframe to base the design of a subdued tactical watch from than the F-117 Nighthawk? Good Question cause I’m not sure but that’s exactly what the team at Luminox did.
“Luminox answered the U.S. Air Force’s call for an exceptional timepiece. Introducing our F-117 Nighthawk
GMT 6420 series, a legendary partnership with Lockheed Martin® fueling a collection tailored for pilots. Experience the thrill of the new collection, born from the acclaimed 6420 series. Luminox takes flight once again with the F-117 Nighthawk
I remember back in 2010 I found myself scrolling through the Luminox Website on my high school-provided laptop and drooling over all of the incredible-looking watches they had. I can specifically remember looking at the F-117 Nighthawk 6440 and thinking how I hoped that someday I could be able to afford it. Well fast forward 14 years and since my birthday was back in March, I decided this was the time to buy my dream watch!
Specifications – Luminox F-117 Nighthawk 6440 Watch
- Case Size: 44mm
- Case Material: Black PVD-coated stainless steel
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Movement: Swiss quartz movement
- Water Resistance: 200 meters (20 ATM)
- Illumination: Tritium gas tubes for continuous illumination (up to 25 years)
- Dial: Black with white numerals and hour markers
- Bezel: Unidirectional rotating bezel
- Crown: Screw-down crown
- Case Back: Screw-in case back
- Weight: Approximately 5.5 ounces (varies with strap)
- Country of Origin: Switzerland
- MSRP: $1200 (can be found online for around $450)
- Discontinued: Yes, but very recently
The Luminox F-117 Nighthawk 6440 Watch immediately caught my attention with its unique design inspired by the F-117 Nighthawk stealth aircraft. As someone who loves both tactical gear and aviation, I was eager to see how this watch would perform in everyday use. After wearing it for a while, here’s what I’ve experienced in terms of its design, features, and overall functionality.
Design and Build Quality – Luminox F-117 Nighthawk 6440 Watch
The first thing that struck me about the Luminox F-117 Nighthawk 6440 is its bold, angular design. The 44mm case is made from black PVD-coated stainless steel, giving it a rugged and stealthy look that really appeals to my taste for tactical aesthetics. The black dial, paired with white numerals and hour markers, offers great contrast, making it easy to read at a glance.
One of my favorite aspects of this watch is Luminox’s use of tritium gas tubes for illumination. I’ve found that the consistent glow from the tritium is perfect for low-light situations and is easily the brightest of my current collection of watches. It’s comforting to know that it will last up to 25 years. Whether I’m out in the evening or just checking the time in a dim room, the glow is always visible, which adds to the watch’s practicality and cool factor.
The overall build quality feels solid and reliable but this is expected at this price point and from a company with Luminox’s reputation. The F-117 Nighthawk 6440 is water-resistant to 200 meters, so I don’t have to worry about it getting wet during activities like swimming or popping in the shower. The sapphire crystal is another great feature—it’s scratch-resistant, and I’ve noticed that it stays clear even after some rough handling. The screw-down crown and case back contribute to the watch’s durability, giving me confidence that it can handle whatever I throw at it, but to be truthful I have not been very hard on this watch.
Features and Functionality – Luminox F-117 Nighthawk 6440 Watch
Powered by a Swiss quartz movement, the Luminox F-117 Nighthawk 6440 has proven to be accurate and low-maintenance. I appreciate the date function at the 3 o’clock position, which I find useful for keeping track of the days. The unidirectional bezel, while more of a stylistic choice in this case, is a nice touch and adds to the watch’s overall functionality and looks. I do really wish that this watch had a solar function built into it, this seems like a nice feature for a potentially updated version.
Overall Performance – Luminox F-117 Nighthawk 6440 Watch
In terms of performance, the Luminox F-117 Nighthawk 6440 has met my expectations. It provides reliable timekeeping, and the tritium illumination is a standout feature for me, especially in low-light conditions. The durability and water resistance are added bonuses that make it a versatile watch for both everyday wear and more demanding situations. I also appreciate the distinctive design. The angular, stealth-inspired look really sets it apart from other watches I’ve worn, and I’ve received quite a few compliments on it. However, I realize that this bold design might not be for everyone—some people might prefer something more classic or subtle.
Likes
- Gorgeous to look at
- Makes me feel way cooler than I am (Like Ethan Hunt)
- Full of Heritage
Dislikes
- Still very expensive even when on a deep discount
- Needs a battery and not solar-powered
Wrap Up – Luminox F-117 Nighthawk 6440 Watch
After spending time with the Luminox F-117 Nighthawk 6440 Watch, I can say that it’s a well-made timepiece that blends rugged durability with a unique design. The tritium illumination, reliable Swiss quartz movement, and overall build quality make it a solid choice for anyone who values functionality and style. For me, this watch is more about what it represents and its heritage. There are certainly more functional and cheaper watches on the market but none of them make me feel the way this watch does. If you grew up watching Modern Marvels on the History Channel and caught the F-117 Nighthawk episode, I’m not sure how you can’t be a fan of this watch. I definitely just dated myself to our younger readers, but let’s be real, kids don’t wear watches anymore, so they are probably not reading this review that has probably gone on for a bit to long at this point. I hope you enjoyed this review and a bit of a self-indulgent piece by yours truly.
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