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As regular readers will be aware, we’re constantly covering and trying out new watches here at Man of Many, to the point where it might almost feel overwhelming if it weren’t so much fun. From eye-wateringly premium and exclusive examples of haute horology to new incarnations of entry-level staples that are perfect for newcomers discovering the difference between manual, automatic, and quartz movements, it’s always a pleasure exploring the broad pantheon of timepieces from the quirky to the sublime.
As a perfect example of this, we recently took custody of a pair of watches that serve a very particular niche, and I have to say I’ve been somewhat charmed by them. I’m certain this will be even more applicable to anyone with a particularly strong affection for the V8 Supercars and the Red Bull Ampol Racing team in particular, as these twin timepieces from Luminox are the AUD$649 SEA Turtle Giant and the AUD$999 Navy SEAL 3500 Series Red Bull Ampol Editions.
Continuing the brand’s partnership with the aforementioned racing outfit, these Swiss-made efforts acutely embody the spirit of the V8 Supercars like no piece of wristwear I’ve encountered. Both have been designed in collaboration with the team, harnessing its iconic livery and offering a rugged aesthetic intended to stand up to harsh conditions from the track to the surf. They also feature Luminox’s signature Light Technology, which is designed to deliver enhanced visibility in any lighting condition for up to 25 years.
With that, let’s take a closer look at these tough-as-nails timepieces and find out what makes them tick (spoiler, it’s a Swiss quartz movement).
SEA Turtle Giant Red Bull Ampol Edition
We start with the SEA Turtle Giant from Luminox’s Leatherback Sea Turtle collection. This watch features a 44mm case, which might sound enormous (at least, it does to me), but in reality doesn’t feel anywhere near that large on the wrist.
CARBONOX, the watchmaker’s ultra-lightweight carbon compound material, is deployed across the case and bezel, resulting in a 44mm timepiece that’s incredibly light for its size at just 50 grams. While I wouldn’t go so far as to say I forgot I had it on—a claim I’ve never viewed as particularly complimentary anyway—I certainly felt unburdened by it, regardless of its generous dimensions.
The construction here means it boasts water resistance up to 10 ATM, and while that’s no record-breaking figure, it’s more than respectable at this price point. And how many people regularly find themselves needing more anyway? For myself, I’d be lying if I claimed to have any ambitions of diving deeper than 100 metres. My ever-present thalassophobia and submechanophobia reliably take care of that. Besides, while it will stand up to all but the most depth-focused aquatic activities, at the end of the day, this SEA Turtle Giant and its even larger Navy SEAL 3500 Series sibling are designed for the hardship of the track.
There, the SEA Turtle Giant is right at home. From the race-ready sunray dial complete with the Red Bull Ampol emblem at 6 o’clock to the matching red of the seconds hand, as well as the legibility of its large, white numerals and markers, this is clearly an excellent choice for racing enthusiasts looking to spend hundreds rather than thousands of dollars on their watch. Luminox completes the piece with a resilient nato strap that’s reliable and, I have to say, surprisingly comfortable, rounding out a great option for motorsport lovers that will set you back AUD$649.
Navy SEAL 3500 Series Red Bull Ampol Edition
Next up, we have an even more heavy-duty race model, which further increases the scale to 45mm. However, the use of CARBONOX once again means I didn’t feel weighed down by this charmingly chunky proposition.
More subtle in aesthetics than the SEA Turtle Giant, it swaps the sunray dial out for a comparatively reserved yet no less race-ready matte navy finish. The high-contrast white numerals return, although their design is simplified, and the Red Bull Ampol branding remains present at the 6 o’clock position, with the Luminox logo returning at 12.
A unidirectional bezel is also carried across from the smaller model, however, here it requires considerably more force to turn, suggesting this reference is even better suited to underwater activities. This is further highlighted by a doubling of the water resistance to 200 metres—not that I actually dared put this to the test for reasons already explained—and the presence of a screw-down crown. This dive-ready picture is completed by the presence of a rubber strap with stainless steel buckle.
Whether you’re a watersports enthusiast with an appreciation for track styling or a race-day lover who’s partial to an aquatic adventure, this Navy SEAL 3500 Series is a robust offering that will serve you well from the pit to the point break, setting you back AUD$999.
Luminox’s goal when designing these watches was to service a niche target market, and the watchmaker has certainly succeeded in fulfilling that brief. To prove my point, a recent family gathering saw my V8-obsessed uncle take notice of the SEA Turtle Giant I was wearing and ask about it, despite him never having concerned himself with what I had on my wrist before.
They’re not the kind of watch I’d wear every day, nor would I want to strap one on for occasions requiring a particularly smart dress code—the Supercars Gala Awards being an obvious exception in that regard, were I invited—but they are both expertly made Swiss watches that offer an accessible way for fans to show their love for Australia’s signature motorsport without breaking the bank.
Whether that falls under the quirky or the sublime categorisation for you will likely depend on how much you love the V8 Supercars.
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