Help a fellow out here. I go back and forth so am turning it over to the B&B community of dapper gents. Give me the good, the bad, the ugly on these two manufacturers.
G-Shock vs. Luminox - opinions?
- Thread starter Captain Pre-Capsize
- Start date
I've got nothing bad to say about my G-shock. After ten years of 10mile runs, yard work, biking through France, drinking through Ireland, going to the beach, going to the gym, moving 4 times, hiking through Australia and whatever else....it's still held up and keeps great time.
I don't have a luminox so can't say the same about it
I don't have a luminox so can't say the same about it
I've had both.
Luminox - tritium vials, analog dials, in my mind not particularly rugged, somewhat overpriced IMHO. I would buy a Traser before I would buy another Luminox. Traser doesn't put things like "Navy Seals" on their dials, which turn me off big-time. Great for night viewing with the vials.
G-Shock - basic models are very durable, great for any occasion or situation except extreme formal wear, lots of features like chrono, timer, backlights, world time if you need those. In the past several years, they have focused a lot on bright colors and pleasing the rapper wannabe's, which is turning me off the brand a bit. Still, I think they are the go-to watch for a lot of military folks. I like them a lot, but only in the basic black or muted gray color case.
YMMV, of course.
Luminox - tritium vials, analog dials, in my mind not particularly rugged, somewhat overpriced IMHO. I would buy a Traser before I would buy another Luminox. Traser doesn't put things like "Navy Seals" on their dials, which turn me off big-time. Great for night viewing with the vials.
G-Shock - basic models are very durable, great for any occasion or situation except extreme formal wear, lots of features like chrono, timer, backlights, world time if you need those. In the past several years, they have focused a lot on bright colors and pleasing the rapper wannabe's, which is turning me off the brand a bit. Still, I think they are the go-to watch for a lot of military folks. I like them a lot, but only in the basic black or muted gray color case.
YMMV, of course.
I have had a luminox and really liked it, never had a G shock. I went to get another and ended up with an Armour model in blue tritium. I got it like a day from this place seems to have the best selection and prices. I wish movado made one in tritium. My classy "looking cool expensive going out watch" sucks at night with no light.
http://www.luminouswatchshop.com/
http://www.luminouswatchshop.com/
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Lots of good input above. I have heard that some of the Luminx watches were problematic and that Traser were more problem free. I do like the idea of tritium lume though, and the Luminox watches are a bit more unique and thus impactful.
I've owned Luminox, but sold it. Get a G-shock with atomic and solar and you won't need anything else.
I have a couple of G-Shocks and they could withstand almost anything you throw at them. For the money, they can't be beat.
I've been drawn to Luminox but the high price on a lot of them doesn't justify the purchase. However, I do like their range of field chronos.
I've been drawn to Luminox but the high price on a lot of them doesn't justify the purchase. However, I do like their range of field chronos.
G-shocks are practically indestructible. Not too sure about luminox
I ran 3 G-shocks at work for 15 yrs. lost one off my arm jumping out of a plane, one went walk about at some point. #3 was an early atomic/solar. it quit on me in Iraq. it woke up a few days later, but I couldn't manually adjust the time for a week or so. it crashed again. I bought a Suunto Vector. it keeps good time, the altimeter and baro are worthless. I've never used the compass. the face scratches if you look at it hard. when it dies, and if I need a new field watch, I'll go Timex Ironman. it's most like the old G-shocks anyway; simple, rugged, clean.
Luminox? never had an interest in that gaudy, gimmicky looking thing. "SEAL TESTED AND USED IN THE TEAMS!!!" is also an automatic disqualifier.
Luminox? never had an interest in that gaudy, gimmicky looking thing. "SEAL TESTED AND USED IN THE TEAMS!!!" is also an automatic disqualifier.
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They're really quite different watches. A Luminox would be my choice, but I prefer a traditional analog dial. Get the Luminox if you like the styling, get the G-Shock if you want something that will take whatever abuse you can give it and laugh in your face. G-Shocks have a million digital features: multiple time zones, chronograph/stopwatch function, a vivid backlight so you can see the time effortlessly, alarms, date/weekday/time/millisecond readout, etc. They're ugly, but tough as nails, and that's comforting if you really NEED to know the time, and are doing very physical things.
The Luminox has a more eye-catching military style, and will still give you the time and date accurately, with 24 hour readability. It will also still be very water-resistant and durable. It's less utilitarian than the G-shock though: the tritium, while visible, will not be as bright as an LCD backlight, analog time takes an instant longer to read than digital, and its crystal and case will probably be more susceptible to scratches and dings than the G-shock, which is more contoured to deflect impacts rather than absorb them.
The Luminox has a more eye-catching military style, and will still give you the time and date accurately, with 24 hour readability. It will also still be very water-resistant and durable. It's less utilitarian than the G-shock though: the tritium, while visible, will not be as bright as an LCD backlight, analog time takes an instant longer to read than digital, and its crystal and case will probably be more susceptible to scratches and dings than the G-shock, which is more contoured to deflect impacts rather than absorb them.
martym
Unacceptably Lasering Chicken Giblets?
I have a 12 or 13 year old Luminox. It is on the 4th band and been to the shop at least 3 times and is due for another tune up. I own 5 solar/atomic g-shocks. They have never been to the shop. I never have to set them or worry about a battery. They go to the ranch, fishing, work, and church with me. Awesome watches.
marty
marty
I have had both. I have worn the same Luminox for the past 12 years, the trits are a little dim but other than that it has perfect. I have also had G shocks and they are very nice also. You can't go wrong with either IMO, but I have also heard that Luminox has had problems with QC. If I am not mistaken the Trazer watches are identical to the Luminox version but I could be wrong. The main thing I like about my Luminox is that it is a light weight no frills watch, I don't need stopwatches, timers, altimeters, thermometers, compass,etc on my watch. As long as it has the date and time I'm good. Most G Shocks are way too big for my taste but ymmv.
My luminox stopped working and needed a new movement. Their customer service was awful. All my g-shocks are still ticking. I can't recommend luminox.
I've owned 3 G-Shocks, and I've enjoyed every one of them. They just work! And you're not scared to damage it, like you would be with a more expensive, less durable watch. The prices for Luminox don't seem to be worth it to me, although I'm sure it's a good product. Since I've never owned one, I really can't comment on it. But a G-Shock is worth every penny.
G-SHOCK...preferred by troops on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan . Very durable and SHOCK resistant!!
I love my G-shocks and they go through hell every weekend... my solar-atomic ones are flawless and will keep perfect time for the next 100 years or so (providing there isn't a global blackout)
I don't own either but I just ordered a G-Shock Gw9200. From what I have read G-Shocks seem to be the toughest and most reliable watches available. I let you know when I receive it!
Another G Shock fan here. I have a collection of them - 7 at last count - which is in the process of being refreshed. A couple of older, "Men In..." models just went on ebay to help fund the new purchases.
My current work watch is a metal-cased solar & atomic G shock - it it coming up to 10 years old (I think) and hasn't put a foot wrong yet.
Depends what you want from your watch though. It's only the timekeeping modules that are indestructible - the straps etc wear like any other resin strap.
My current work watch is a metal-cased solar & atomic G shock - it it coming up to 10 years old (I think) and hasn't put a foot wrong yet.
Depends what you want from your watch though. It's only the timekeeping modules that are indestructible - the straps etc wear like any other resin strap.
