Lum-tec Combat Field X1 | Hands on Review

Lum-tec Combat Field X1

I have long been a fan of Lum-tec watches and I have shared that here many times. Their latest model, the Combat Field X1 might rank at the top if not be the definitive Lum-tec for me to date. The X1 at first glance might look like  other Combat models from Lum-tec, but is actually a modernized version of a field or trench watch. I love when a brand can think outside the box and bring us something familiar while still putting their own twist on it. While the price is up there at $895, the Combat Field X1 uses a Sellita SW200 automatic movement and nothing for this watch was off the shelf. Couple that with being assembled and tested in Ohio, and you can see where the price comes from.

Lum-tec Combat Field X1 Specifications:

44mm case width excluding crown
22mm lug width, but accepts a 24mm military style strap
Surgical grade 316L stainless steel
Threaded solid case back
Bead blasted finish
Double curved sapphire crystal with a military grade anti-reflective coating
Swiss Sellita SW200 automatic movement
Anti-Shock movement mounting system
100 meters/330 ft. water resistance
Bead blasted black PVD dial base
MDV Technology® dial and hands with grade X1 LOR Super-Luminova®
Screw lock crown with double diamond sealing system
High tech Viton® gaskets
Black nylon military strap with 316L bead blasted hardware
Brown leather military strap with 316L bead blasted hardware
Lifetime free movement timing regulation
Lifetime free pressure testing and seal lubrication/cleaning
2-year international limited warranty (fully transferable)
Limited and numbered series of 100 worldwide

Price $895 USD 

https://lum-tec.com/collections/combat-field-series/products/combat-field-x1?variant=12618295246890

Right out of the gate, I will tell you the only one thing that about the Lum-tec Combat Field X1 that it is not perfect out of the box, and to be fair, it is extremely minor. One is the straps that come with it. This watch is of course military inspired, so it comes with two NATO straps, one fabric, and one leather, and both are of good quality. I am just not a NATO strap guy at all. I would have preferred a canvas two-piece strap or even a leather two-piece strap. That said, it is easy rectified and you can see in the video review that I put it on one of my own canvas straps and it is fantastic this way. If you may be worried about those wired lugs, don’t be. They use traditional spring pins to allow mounting of any strap you want.

Some people may take issue that the Combat Field X1 case is bead blasted, but I personally love that look to watches, especially with a watch such as this. Brushed or fully polished would not look right and while it is true that bead blasted surfaces are prone to marring or scratching, if you are really hard on your watches or just not a fan of the bead blasted look you can opt for the titanium carbide black PVD version, which will hold up better to your rough adventures. Below is a look at the PVD version.

One of the major highlights of the Lum-tec Combat Field X1 is large boxed sapphire crystal. I have been outspoken that I am not always fond of dome crystals and to tell the truth, it depends on the crystal used and the type of watch. Another big factor is the legibility. I hate when massive crystals cause not just distortion but also have so much glare that it makes it hard to read the time at a glance. This is a tool watch and its main purpose is to tell the time, and fortunately, this crystal accomplishes both. I had no issues at all seeing the dial and hands and I found myself admiring the crystal from time to time, especially from its profile.

The screw down pumpkin style crown is easy to grasp and wind and because of Lum-tec assembles and regulates the watches themselves, I have found the SW200 movement to be running at -3 seconds a day, which is pretty darn good in my book. Below I show what it looks like on my 7 1/2 inch wrist with the stock NATO strap, and even though I do not like this style of strap, I will admit it is comfortable.

Honestly, as I type this review and looking at the pictures as I upload them to the site, I am admiring this watch even more. There is just something about the Lum-tec Combat Field X1 that captivates me. I love the blasted finish and the dial is easy to read with the large numbers and markers, but Lum-tec also kept it clean and chose to go with no date. I know for some that may be a deal breaker, but I love a no date watch. It keeps the symmetry of the dial and I personally do not look at my watch for the date, at least not these days.

Obviously, with a name like Lum-tec, I always expect the lume to be fantastic and I am not disappointed with the Combat Field X1. Using the latest X1 Superluminova, this watch is a torch. Not only is the lume bright, but extremely long lasting. I wore it to bed for a few nights and found that 6 hours later when waking up, it was still glowing and I could easily see the time in a dark room.

I remember earlier this year when Lum-tec showed their upcoming models on their Instagram page and instantly being excited when I saw the initial renderings of the Lum-tec Combat Field X1. We keep an eye on Lum-tec’s page regularly as they take phenomenal photos of their watches and when the prototypes of this model landed, it was one of those few times where the real deal looked even better than the rendering. For me, this model takes their Combat line to another level. It is sleek and sexy while still being rugged and I have very much enjoyed wearing it off and on the past few weeks. As I said, I am a big fan of Lum-tec and there have been many models over the years that I have like and a few that I have loved, but this one may be the crème de la crème. It ticks all the boxes for me and while I am never here to sell anything, the direct link is in the specifications section above in case it does for you as well.