Almost 20 years ago, military pilots flying the F-117 Nighthawk stealth jets out of Edwards Air Force Base approached Luminox to make watches specifically for them, utilizing the brand’s unique design and the self-powered illumination system. This collaboration resulted in the USAF F-117 Nighthawk Stealth series, and the F-117 remains an integral part of the Luminox collection. Luminox continues the F-117 story with the F-117 Nighthawk 6440 Series, for the first time using the Carbonox™ + case in the AIR series.
A Little Nighthawk History
The Lockheed Martin F-117 Nighthawk was the world’s first aircraft invisible to radar. Theory had postulated that radar beams could be reflected by a series of carefully angled triangular panels. In reality, the unconventional alien-looking aircraft proved to be one thousand times less visible than any other aircraft ever created. Although retired in 2008, the F-117 Nighthawk became the basis for the design of subsequent stealth fighters, including the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II.
Carbonox™ +
The material used in the F-117 case for the very first time, Carbonox™ + is a carbon-based material exclusive to Luminox. It is light, hypoallergenic and extremely durable and resistant. It also features a very interesting texture, where the carbon long bar fibers are visible on the surface of the case.
The F-117 Nighthawk 6441
To match the F-117 Nighthawk, the 6440 Series achieves a stealthy look through a combination of the signature Carbonox™ + material and the angled bi-directional turning bezel. In addition, the 6440 Series combines Super-LumiNova with the Luminox Lighting Technology (LLT), which guarantees ultimate night vision for up to 25 years through its use of tritium tubes. This combination provides the best of both worlds – the brightness of Super-LumiNova and the LLTs, which are always visible.
The easy-to-read white numerals and hands glow in an icy blue and yellow when it’s dark, making the watch visible in any lighting conditions. The F-117 Nighthawk 6440 Series is powered by a Ronda quartz movement, which features a GMT indication (a nod to the F-117 Nighthawk’s time zone crossing nature) along with a date display at three o’clock. This versatile and attractive watch comes on a Kevlar strap with a Carbonox™ + buckle.
The F-117 Nighthawk (XA. 6441) is priced at INR 63,042 and available for pre-order only at www.swisswatchcompany.in