INTRODUCING: The Luminox Air Pilot-38 Lightning® 9520 has a dial that will glow without charge for 25 years
Zach BlassThe phrase “tool watch” seems a bit laughable to some in a world of smartphones, smartwatches, and a world where luxury steel sports watches cost more than ever. Many of these steel tool watches are now among the most hyped and sought-after references around the world. Also, when you consider some collectors even look into protective wrappings for their luxury steel sports pieces, in order to preserve condition and value, sometimes these watches become safe queens rather than the daily beaters they were meant to be. This is where a rugged, robust and cost-approachable watch brand like Luminox comes in. Their new Luminox Air Pilot-38 Lightning 9520 is a perfect example of a hassle-free steel watch you can take all around the world without fear.
The stainless-steel case has a finish befitting of a tool watch, with rich brushing throughout and a hint of polish on the bevelled edges of the lugs and case flanks. Clocking in at 42mm in diameter, 14mm thick, and a lug-to-lug I would guesstimate at 50mm or below across the wrist, it is definitely not the most cuff-friendly for a dress shirt. But, this watch by no means advertises itself as a suit-and-tie kind of offering. With 100m of screwdown crown secured water-resistance, however, it is definitely built to take out for adventure.
Pilot’s watches are known for being highly legible in design, and the Luminox Air Pilot-38 Lightning 9520 is no exception. Both the black and off-white dials have large hour indices and arabics, with a sunken central medallion that hosts the 24-hour scale tied to the GMT functionality of the Swiss quartz movement inside.
A really neat feature of the Luminox Air Pilot-38 Lightning 9520 is its “always visible” dial. Right out of the darkness of its packaging, the dial immediately glows thanks to its usage of tritium to illuminate the hour indices and central hours and minutes hands. This glow is pledge to last for 25 years. So, regardless of how long you spend your day in the sun, at night you will never have to worry about being unable to read the dial.
The Luminox Air Pilot-38 Lightning 9520 can be purchased on either a 22mm wide leather strap or mesh bracelet. The mesh bracelet has a bit of bulk, especially if, like me, you have a smaller wrist due to the overlap of the clasp and extraneous metal of the bracelet. It is, however, nice to know from a fit and functional standpoint the mesh bracelet can be infinitely sized by merely unlocking the clasp and pulling the metal through to the exact position of preference. With 100m of water-resistance, and a 22m lug width, aftermarket options can definitely be found for the watch as well.
Inside, beneath a solid caseback, is the Swiss quartz RONDA 515.24H movement. The battery life will last a pledged 50 months, so you will only have to change the battery once every four years or so. Ultimately, with a quartz movement, that also provides GMT functionality, the Luminox Air Pilot-38 Lightning 9520 seems to be a great option for the travelling analog timekeeper you will not have to stress over during your adventures abroad or at home.
Luminox Air Pilot-38 Lightning 9520 pricing and availability:
The Luminox Air Pilot-38 Lightning 9520 is available now for purchase. Price: $595 USD (on leather), $645 USD (on bracelet)
| Brand | Luminox |
| Model | Air Pilot-38 Lightning 9520 |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm x 14mm |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100m (screw-down crown) |
| Crystal(s) | Double AR coated sapphire crystal |
| Dials | Black and white (Always Visible up to 25 years in any light condition) |
| Straps | Leather strap or mesh bracelet |
| Movement | Swiss Quartz RONDA 515.24H |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, GMT |
| Power Reserve | 50 months of battery life |
| Availability | Available Now |
| Price | $595 USD (on leather), $645 USD (on bracelet) |