I did extensive research. Bottom line is that Luminox is one of the most copied and counterfeited watches on the market. Buying from unauthorized dealers without current credentials can be a rip-off, and is the reason for most reviews that complain about Luminox performance. Some of the biggest sellers of so-called Luminox products are run by disreputable people and they are sneaky, so you really have to know your stuff to avoid getting a 2nd-rate watch or a total knock-off.

I own the old version when Luminox first debuted this watch. Has a metal backing on the case which they no longer use, now they use polycarbon, and is SERIES 3000. It says NAVY SEALS on the face of the watch. They no longer say that. (so if you're buying a brand new one with Navy Seals on the face it is probably a replica, i.e. a fake)

Pros:

After all these years the luminosity is strong, reading the watch is easy in any level of lightness or darkness.

All in all I consider it a good solid investment.

I do love the tritium markers and they really do the trick.

Other companies make watches with tritium markers but most of them don't get the reviews that Luminox gets. Mine on my Luminox Navy Seal 3000 are plenty bright after several years of constant usage.

Cons:

1. The spring inside the bezel on mine broke so bezel no longer turns but I think a good watch technician can fix it for a reasonable fee.

2. Costs at least $40 or more to send it to Luminox for bezel repair.

Other Cons as in CON ARTISTS:

Luminox knock-offs are everywhere, and some of very cleverly marketed and also expensive.

You will even find fake cases, manuals, and warranty cards. By the way unless you have a warranty card stamped by an authorized Luminox dealer PLUS your sales receipt I was told that Luminox won't honor the warranty. You can ask Luminox to verify that info. But be careful because buying at any price from anyone who is not an authorized Luminox vender can invite problems and possible fraud.

2. Right now (March 2013) Luminox won't let its dealers sell this particular Navy SEAL Dive Watch new for less than about $315 and most sell it for suggested price of $350. Keep that in mind if you plan to spend money with an unauthorized vender. You might be better off spending more to get a guaranteed "real deal" with no worries about knock-offs or warranty problems. Buy a piece of junk for $200 and you throw away $200. Invest in the real thing for $350 and you'll likely get a watch that will last at least a decade and maybe a lifetime. Mine's going strong after nearly 15 years of active service.