New hefty, hardy, and colourful quartz chronographs from Luminox.

Perhaps it is a much-needed shot of optimism that the world so badly needs these days or simply the purchasing power of millennials in full effect. But are we starting to see a lot of colour in recent watch releases, or what?

Even Luminox, a brand commonly associated with hard-wearing Navy SEAL- and Bear Grylls-approved daily beaters, doesn’t seem that opposed to injecting some multi-hued livery in its new rollouts. The latest additions to its Pacific Diver collection – named so because Luminox was originally founded in the town of San Rafael in California, which is located along the Pacific Coast – have certainly embraced it.

That is not to say that earlier Pacific Diver models were dour-looking watches. There have been green-, red-, and navy-coloured dials in the catalogue, and even a sexy all-black model with gold accents from 2021. However, the new Pacific Diver Chronograph 3140 Series is a different proposition entirely. Comprising nine models, the more flamboyant options look primed for boozy beach parties, even if they remain well-equipped to handle the rigours of underwater exploration.

Housed in an imposing 44mm stainless steel case with ultra-tough and scratch-resistant CARBONOX unidirectional bezel made from carbon compound, the Pacific Diver Chronograph definitely isn’t sacrificing performance for looks. The hefty watch makes its weight and presence felt on the wrist. If you were planning to go on a dive, its 200m water resistance and unparalleled legibility in dark conditions, thanks to Luminox’s proprietary luminescent gas tubes on the hands and markers, will serve you well.

Similarly, if you wish to activate the chronograph feature, it performs ably and with little fuss. The interval timings are measured via a central chronograph hand, alongside 30- and 60-minute totalisers. Elsewhere, the sub-dial on the left indicates the day, which complements the date window at four o’clock. Indeed, all these myriad features make the Pacific Diver Chronograph a rather neat all-in-one, everyday sports watch that you can put through the paces without feeling too precious about.

Of the nine models, there are two options sporting black or blue paired with stainless steel bracelets. If you prefer your dive watches to look classically macho and sporty, these are your guys. However, if you would like to have a little fun – which really, is what these new offerings are asking of you – consider the coloured models that feature matching dial flanges and rubber straps emblazoned with the name ‘Luminox’.

From all-black and all-white versions to options in lime green, canary yellow, bright orange, and fiery red, these colourful Pacific Diver Chronographs are striking, youthful, and full of personality. Together with the watches’ imposing dimensions and tool-watch aesthetic, the generous dollops of colour simply give the whole sportive look a lift.

We were told that the folks at Luminox were kind of nervous about the reception to this new flirtation with colours. Understandably so, given that ostentation isn’t typically a part of the brand’s design vocabulary. For us, the jolts of colour simply elevate the new Pacific Diver Chronograph’s adventure watch virtues. And after all, isn’t trying something new also what it means to be adventurous?

Case	44mm steel with Carbonox bezel
Dial	Black with coloured flange
Movement	Quartz
Functions	Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph
Water resistance	200m
Price	S$1,100 (rubber strap), S$1,265 (bracelet)

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