Luxmento NayLamp 300 Meter
- Specifications
- Case made of 316L Steel
- Diameter 43mm
- 52mm lug to lug
- Height 14.6mm
- 22mm Lug Width
- Weight 195 grams
- Sapphire crystal AR-Coating With inner
- With 120 clicks bezel Unidirectional
- Engraved Screw-in crown (diameter 7mm)
- Water resistant 300m / 30bar
- Automatic Movement Seiko NH35 TMI SII
- Solid Stainless Bracelet with engraved clasp
- Price $325 USD
When it comes to the types of watches I wear on the regular these days I have been choosing field style watches over dive watches. That does not mean my love for dive watches have dwindled, and there is always a place for a nice budget dive watch, which is what the Luxmento Naylamp 300 meter is. A military sub style watch, with an automatic movement, sapphire crystal, a solid stainless case and bracelet and copious amounts of lume, all for a price tag of around $325 (can fluctuate due to conversion from Euro). In my time with the Naylamp 300, I can say it is a fine watch for its price point, though there are a few things I will point out, as always, that can be improved.
The stainless stainless steel brushed case is 43mm in diameter with a 22mm lug width. The case is as it should be for a tool watch, simple and unbranded and not overly thick. The screw down crown is engraved with an L, though I would have liked a logo or something here instead. Crown action is smooth, though it does have some side to side wobble. The 120 click bezel is nice and tight with a smooth ratchet, and boasts an aluminum insert with elapsed time markings. While these days many companies are using sapphire or ceramic inserts, aluminum was the standard for many year and I don’t have a problem with it for a watch well under $500. A Seiko Sumo as an example that goes for $500 or more on average uses aluminum as well, as do most Seikos with bezel inserts.
Where I do have a bit of an issue, is the brushed finishing itself, mainly on the sides of the case. The brush lines are noticeable and somewhat large and uneven, at least on the example I have for review. Now, this could be a sample, preproduction piece, and not of the same quality that a customer would receive, or one that just slipped passed QC. I am not sure. Whatever it may be, in my specific example I wish it was more fine and uniform.
The Naylamp 300 comes in 3 dial color variations, black (as shown), green and blue. The black is more of a charcoal grey to me, and has a matte finish with almost a super fine sand like texture. Applied markers have been used here, outlined in steel, as well as the date cutout at the 3 o’clock position. Dial writing has been kept to a minimum as well, which is always a bonus to me. Too many companies are writing novels on their watch dials these days.
The Naylamp 300 came with a solid stainless steel bracelet and a nato style strap, as well as a strap changing tool. Because I don’t care for nato style straps, I did not mount it on it, though I am sure it looks like any other sub style watch on a nato strap. The bracelet uses double sided screws for attachment and this can be a bit of a pain. In my video review, I had not sized it yet, to show how big the bracelet was. Since then I got out my screwdrivers and went to work. Always try and size bracelets with screws like these with care, and make sure to not loose the tiny, tiny screw heads. Sized to my 7 ½ wrist, I removed 4 links and moved the pin in the clasp over one spot to get a perfect fit. With its dimensions and weight, it is a well balanced and comfortable watch on my wrist.
Moving on to what powers the Naylamp 300, the Seiko NH35. I know we have seen MANY micro brands in the past two years using Miyota 9015 movements at this price point and just a bit higher, and I know there are some coming out this year as well. With that said, seeing that movement in budget watches might become less and less, as in January Citizen raised the price of this movement by 40%. I have reviewed many watches with the NH35, and while it is not an expensive movement, it is reliable and always fairly accurate. The sweep hand is not as smooth as the 9015 or its Swiss counterparts, but I at least it is not a choppy 8215.
When the dark settles in, you will be glad if you own a Luxmento, as the Naylamp 300 is no slouch in the lume department. Bright green Superluminova has been used, and it shows. While the markers might not be very wide, they are thick and loaded with the light charging compound.
As you can tell, I do not have a big amount of complaints on the Naylamp 300. Yes, on my example the brushed finish is a little, let’s say wonky, but let’s just hope it is my example and no one else’s. For the price, it is a good value, offering a reliable automatic movement and sapphire crystal and comes in a nice wood crate style packaging.
If you like the look of this piece and want to see more, check out the Luxmento Website HERE.
As always, thank you for reading/viewing and please leave your comments below.
