WATCH DNA: Lum-Tec M-Series Quartz Chronographs

The M-Series of chronographs by Lum-Tec represents a dizzying array of design styles applied to a common case and quartz caliber platform. This article will barely dip into the subject by showing 3 distinctly different models that I own, plus a gallery of other M models.

Lum-Tec M-Series Quartz Chronographs on aftermarket straps

Lum-Tec has been producing watches in small numbered batches since 2008. This was before I “got serious” about collecting watches. In a way, I matured as a watch collector with some of their products. The watches manufactured by Lum-Tec are widely regarded as well made and desirable. Lum-Tec watches were some of the first timepieces that I hunted to add to my collection.

An early M-3 with a polished stainless steel case (and some scratches too!)

I currently own four Lum-Tec watches, and have a wish list that I am always looking to fulfill should I ever come across a good deal. Now looking back, I can still see a great value in collecting watches from this brand. Their designs still work for me. And, if I confess… I am a hopeless lume-a-holic. I just cannot get enough of the brightly glowing paint that they apply to their dials with a patented 12-layer process called MDV aka “Maximum Darkness Visibility”.

MDV lume comes in many colors and configurations

This is going to sound like a peculiar analogy to anyone who did not go to art school but bear with me. Lum-Tec M-Series Chronographs remind me of the brainstorming stage of the creative projects that I get to work on as a graphic designer. Many of their watches are design explorations done on a common platform.

Lum-Tec M15 with PVD case and reverse lume dial

Various alterations to the case treatment and design choices applied to the dial make for a lot of variety within the M-Series, yet many have a strong similarity. I call this sort of cohesive design “Watch DNA” and it is what allows collectors to differentiate a Speedmaster from a Submariner (to use a more upscale analogy).

The Lum-Tec M44, M15 and M3 are similar yet worlds apart

For instance, all M-Series watches use the same cushion case and many of Lum-Tec M-Series Chronographs use the same dial proportions. The position of subdials is dictated by the quartz movement used. Watch designers know the dimensional requirements of a movement and design the dial-side elements to fit. From what I could tell, many of the watches use either a Miyota OS20 or Miyota FS20J quartz movement (or similar).

My Lum-Tec M44 on the wrist with a custom WW2 canvas strap

I considered tracing all the variations that Lum-Tec created in the case treatment, dials, lume color, straps, crowns, marker style, and hands, but it literally would have been a stupendous task. Because a photo is worth 1,000 words, I collected images of all the quartz-based M-Series watches and you can see for yourself the variety. I already own three of these watches so looking at other M-Chronographs was probably not a prudent thing for me to do. I ear-marked at least two more that I want to add to my collection, especially M43. What a stunner it is with with blued accents on a white dial! Enjoy “nerding out” with the images below.

If you are wondering why the numbers are not always sequential, it’s because the there are other watch styles in the M-Series. Some are not quartz chronographs, and there are also models with automatic movements and even a GMT. I deduce that the “M” stands for the cushion case style and the internal movement can be variable.

If you want a current model M-Series Chrono, jump over to Lum-Tec and see what they have in stock. If you want one of the older, sold-out models, then start your hunt on eBay or on the watch forums. You will see some of these pop up occasionally. But be warned… patience will be a virtue. Many of these watches were made in low numbers of roughly 100 of each… sometimes more and sometimes less. These are truly limited edition watches and super fun to collect.