Ever since I was a child, I have loved everything special forces. I grew up watching Chuck Norris in Delta Force. I saw Steven Segal as a SEAL in Under Siege. Who could forget Nic Cage as an Ary Ranger in Con Air? Am I the only one who includes that here? In any case, the movies are the movies, some close to true but most far outside the scope of reality. So when I get an opportunity to sit across from a real-life operator, I can nerd out. Add to that the ability to talk about another nerd angle of mine with watches, and I am surprised I kept my composure. So when I got the honor of sitting down with former Navy SEAL Ian Schinelli to talk about his role with Luminox watches, it was something I called my brother about (of course, we watched all those movies together) just to brag.
I was able to not ask him any questions about movies. We stuck to watches. And here is how it went.
I can always count on my Luminox in rain, sleet, snow and extreme heat! – Ian Schinelli Navy SEAL and Luminox ambassador
Why SEALs love Luminox
Luminox has been deeply connected to the SEALs since the early 90s, when they made the first watch specifically designed to be worn in the field by the operators. Obviously, if a brand goes out of its way to do that, it will obviously contain everything a man needs when he is in the field. It is durable, functional, and versatile enough to handle everything they face. So I wanted to know why this team loves them, what was it about Luminox?
“The unbridled and relentless pursuit of perfection. Luminox continues to tweak, alter, and modify its pieces to not only work in conjunction with operators but also truly get better with age. I’ve always collected watches, but they were never functional beyond events. Wearing Luminox can take me from the water to a fundraiser
and always perform.”
What operators look for in a watch
What do I know? That was the question I asked myself the last time I started writing about tactical watches. As a former Army Military Police (If you are thinking Jack Reacher stuff, remember the difference between the magic of Hollywood and reality), I know I had certain watches I loved, but they were nothing like what a Navy SEAL needed to accomplish their job. So I asked Schinelli what an operator looks for in a watch.
“Durability, Reliability, and Stealth. They continue to provide some of the most incredibly made watches that can be put through anything. I can always count on my Luminox in rain, sleet, snow, and extreme heat! They have a non-reflective face that is absolutely necessary, and bright luminescent markings that make it extremely easy to read in the pitch-black night.”
What does the former SEAL see as the next development in an operator’s watch?
Well now the fun question: What do you want to see in a future watch? Every soldier, cop, firefighter, and industry expert undoubtedly has a wish list. What would make the next watch the perfect one for a Navy SEAL? So I asked Ian to hit me with his wish list, and it truly sounds like a badass watch.
“There are countless ideas that can come to light with a question like this. While I’m not completely up to speed on what is out there, or what is even on the horizon…
I wouldn’t want to take away too much from the timeless characteristics of Luminox, but if it were to ever happen:
- Built-in GPS/Navigation
- Tactical Connectivity: Allow operators to connect to devices such as Drones
- Solar-powered face that continues to charge the battery
- A modular watch that would change with mission specifics, which could include bezels, straps, and even
attachments like altimeters and/or compasses.”
I have no pull at Luminox, but this guy does, and I can only hope I get to put my hands on a watch that has all of these features.
