A week with my 500M-2

[JFLUX13]

It’s been a little more than a week now that I’ve been wearing my last LÜM-TEC watch, namely the 500M-2. I have had enough wearing time to write my impressions about this new addition to the LT line.

First, I have to give due credit to the people at K&B time, the LT Distributor for Europe. When dealing with them, the customer is always assured that everything will be flawless. Mr. Bezek and everyone at K&B time are true watch lovers and it shows. It’s nice to deal with people understanding and sharing your passion…

The first time I put my hands on the 500M-2, I was surprised by its weight. This watch is heavy! One may find it too heavy and somewhat bulky. After all, with its domed sapphire crystal, its 44mm dial (50mm including crown), and 18.5mm thickness, this timepiece is a statement in itself. However, after more than a week at my wrist, I can say that this dive watch is one of the more comfortable I ever wore! Thanks to the flat case-back and the curve lugs, this watch is a perfect fit, even for my 6.7’’ wrist.

The 500M-2 overall design is simply beautiful. The PVD steel casing, the lume on the digits and indexes (bezel and dial), along with the nice little touches of orange on the hands and dial are a perfect match. The domed sapphire glass, although a nightmare for picture taking, produces nice purple reflections which add to the uniqueness of this watch. This watch is sure to get you noticed. It draws comments and stares, particularly when entering a dim room or enclosed space. The green lume is really bright and quite impressive. I have no difficulty whatsoever to read time even after 6 to 8 hours of darkness.

With this dive watch, LÜM-TEC shows a lot of attention to details. The LT logo on the triple seal crown, for instance, sits perfectly straight once screwed in, and the 120-click bezel moves smoothly. This watch oozes quality.

The movement is a Seiko Sii NH15. So far, my watch registers +2 seconds per day, which is quite good. I find it disappointing though that it does not have a hacking feature, although it’s not a deal breaker. So far, I am impressed by its precision.

To wrap up this overview, I will say that I am really happy I decided on getting this dive watch. The Website rendering and the various pictures don’t do justice to its quality, its great finish, and its beautiful design. The lack of a hacking feature is the only element I find a minus to an otherwise close to perfect LÜM-TEC.

Specs (from LÜM-TEC Official Site):
500M-2 Bead blasted Titanium Carbide dark charcoal PVD hard coating. Black dial.
44mm width excluding crown./18.5mm thick.
24mm lug width.
316L stainless steel case.
Screw lock crown with triple diamond sealing system.
Threaded case-back with double sealing system.
5mm thick curved sapphire crystal with double side anti-reflective coating.
Full LUM-TEC MDV Technology® luminous diver bezel (uni-directional rotating).
LUM-TEC MDV Technology®.
500 meters / 1650 feet water resistance.
Japan Sii NH15 automatic and hand-winding mechanical movement.
Custom molded anti static rubber strap. 24/22 size.

Distributor for Europe:
K&B time (www.lum-tec.eu)

Few pictures (500M-2 with Piero Magli Carbon Fiber with orange stitching - not included with watch):

[gaopa]

Your new Lum-Tec looks great! Also you did a nice job with the photos. Wear it in good health for years to come! Cheers, Bill P.

[JFLUX13]

...Also you did a nice job with the photos.

Thank you! Because of the domed sapphire crystal, it is a very difficult to take pictures of this watch. I'm not very good with pictures in general, but this baby took me a lot of time and tries just to be able to be at good enough an angle so we could see something! Thank God we have digital cameras!

[Wombat]

Thanks for the info about the 500M! I came so close to pulling the trigger, but our aicon has blown up at the start of summer and I need to put funds there. But it was great reading about it, maybe soon!

[RobDeep]

Great looking model, but the stainless back is a deal breaker for me.

[Ray Knight]

Great looking model, but the stainless back is a deal breaker for me.

PVD caseback would look good until the first time we crank the caseback down it would leave tool marks.

[clubbtraxx]

PVD caseback would look good until the first time we crank the caseback down it would leave tool marks.

Still, I see other manufacturers do it... No tool marks on the backs.
I can surely understand your thoughts, but if others can pull it off...

If I wanted this watch I would not let the non-PVD back break the deal, but that is all personal I guess.

Cheers,

CT

[Ray Knight]

Still, I see other manufacturers do it... No tool marks on the backs.
I can surely understand your thoughts, but if others can pull it off...

If I wanted this watch I would not let the non-PVD back break the deal, but that is all personal I guess.

Cheers,

CT

I dont know.. We crank the case backs on REALLY hard for these. Since serial numbered on the casebacks as well, if scratched, we have to make a new caseback. With SS we can machine it easily if damaged. PVD...it's scrap of a tool breaks or slips.