The Lum-Tec Combat B37 was my first foray into a watch using only the 24-hour format, and it did not disappoint. It is a simple but classy timepiece that has a subtle ruggedness to it. The B37 is limited to only 200 available for worldwide sale (each has a unique number on the case back), and at a price tag of $495 it is an excellent value for what you get. American handmade in Ohio and crafted from surgical-grade stainless steel, it has a black PVD coating and a curved sapphire crystal with inner AR coating. This watch also features 200 meter water resistance, Swiss Ronda 515.24H movement and a threaded case back and crown with double diamond seals. Last but not least, it features Lum-Tec’s trademark MDV luminous technology on the dial and hands.
My favorite thing about this watch is the large surface of the dial in relation to the 43mm case. It gives the appearance of a much larger watch, making it easier to read. I view this watch as a good everyday carry option, but it is particularly good for the outdoorsman or service member who wants a watch that will last.
It ships with two straps, one NATO leather and one nylon – both with black PVD buckles. For this review I had one green and one black leather NATO strap made by Lum-Tec. They are super comfortable and durable. As far as NATO straps go, these are hard to beat.
You can’t have a Lum-Tec review without covering the lume. Lum-Tec provides technical information about their MDV technology on their site. Simply put, it is something special. Very bright and crisp. I love that they not only illuminated the large hands and the markers, but also the second hand and their logo. In low-light or blackout environments this watch is easily visible.
After wearing the watch for several weeks, I was impressed with how well the case and crystal stood up to everyday use. It is incredibly comfortable and lightweight without sacrificing quality and durability. This is a great watch with a solid value, and if you aren’t interested in a 24 hour-only watch, they offer several other watches in their Combat line that include automatic movement and GMT.
Originally published on SOFREP and written by