Review of the Luminox 6402 “Blackout”

In addition to the other timepieces Luminox recently provided us, we also got a sneak preview at the unreleased 6402 ‘Blackout’ seen here. Based on the previous F-117 Nighthawk 6402, the Blackout goes stealth with black-on-black dial, hands and matching PVD case and bracelet. The only color on the face is the tritium tubes and Luminox logo.

• PVD stainless steel case, 45mm by 13mm, 200g
• Swiss quartz movement with end-of-life indicator and matching white-on-black date wheel.
• Blue tritium vials on the H/M/S hands, hour markers and bezel pip, with orange marker at 12 o’clock.
• Solid steel bracelet with flip-lock, solid end pieces and four micro-adjustments.
• Sapphire glass crystal, anti-reflective coated.
• Water resistant to 200m (660′), double gasket non-screwdown crown.

Read on for the review and pictures.

As you can see in this comparison picture, the Blackout is larger and blockier than the 2002. The blocky lines of the case, crenellated bezel and all-black color make this a watch that Darth Vader would wear. On the outside of his suit. It’s big, bold, heavy and unapologetically macho. As you’d expect, black hour markers on a black dial aren’t exactly easy to read, but you can still do so due to the light-colored vials in the hands; daytime visibility is therefore mediocre. Again, style is the point, so keep that in mind.

Check out the heavy serrations/crenellations on the bezel – no problem grabbing and rotating this one. As you’d expect, it’s one-way, 60 clicks, with a tritium vial at 12 o’clock protected by a small crystal. Very functional, and also serves to protect the case and face as well. You can also see some nice finish and detailing on the bracelet center link.

Because this was a pre-release watch, we had to keep it in new condition and therefore didn’t remove all of the plastic or size the bracelet. Annoying, but worth it to check out the newest design from Luminox.

On the wrist, it’s heavy and quite fun to wear. At night, it lights up with an  interesting contrast to the daytime look. The prototype has red/green lume, but the production watches will have blue with a single orange highlight at twelve o’clock.

Because of the increased height and bezel, I’d expect it to be less shirtsleeve-friendly, so it’s definitely not for the cautious suit wearer. More of a bold statement, and it’d rock with jeans or outdoor gear. I think that you’ll know if this is the watch for you. It’s not going to have much of a middle ground; either you’ll love it or not.

List price will be $850.

Our thanks to Max Robertson of Luminox USA for the loaner; much appreciated.

By Paul Hubbard

Update 9/27/09: I had the lume colors wrong; corrected. My apologies for the error.

Update 9/28/09: Corrections from Luminox: The production model will differ from the prototype, with blue/orange tubes instead of red. Text edited to match the production model. Also corrected the crystal from mineral to AR sapphire, and the retail price.