GGM.L029 ED 01/13
Luminox “RECON” Series
“RECON” is the abbreviation for “RECONNAISSANCE” (meaning “recognition” in French)
and a common term used by the military for an exploratory survey through direct observation
to determine the strength and types of enemy forces, their disposition and intention, along with
the lay of the land and weather conditions. Examples of reconnaissance include patrolling by
Special Forces or specialized units, ships, submarines, manned/unmanned aircraft and satellites.
The Luminox RECON Series was designed in collaboration with Andrea Micheli, a former
Swiss Army Military Security NCO, an internationally recognized law enforcement/military
specialized journalist and shooting instructor in order to meet the requests from professional
military personnel for an analog watch that can be also used as a simple but efficient ground
navigation tool. All watches in the RECON Series feature a second color countdown zone on
the dial, a dive timing unidirectional ratcheting bezel, highly scratch resistant sapphire crystal
with antireflective coatings, a walking speed scale (essentially a walking tachymeter!) available
with scales in either km/h or mph and of course the ALWAYS VISIBLE self-powered illumination found in all Luminox watches. All watches are packaged in a tactical MOLLE/PALS (a
standard carry system used in the military that means (“MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying
Equipment”/“Pouch Attachment Ladder System”) compatible sunglass case.
The watches in the RECON Series bear the title of a member of a Reconnaissance team and
has features specific to their role in a Recon operation.
Point Man – “Leading the Challenge!” (Series 8820)
The Point Man is the “tip of the spear.” Their job is to safely conduct the patrol to the designated target through hostile territory. They define the marching speed of the team. Being
on point requires great concentration, nerves of steel, and the ability to make instantaneous
decisions but at exactly the right time, because acting too soon or too late can be the difference
between life or death for the entire recon team.
Navigation Specialist (NAV SPC) – “Target oriented!” (Series 8830)
The Navigation Specialist is the person responsible for keeping the patrol on the designa-
ted route until the target is reached, keeping on track with the use of a map, a compass, and
GPS. They are a master in navigation – always oriented to the target. If necessary they are
able to change the route and still bring the patrol safely to their destination on time, always
bearing in mind that an error in the route calculation could have disastrous consequences for
the entire mission.
NAV SPC Watch Strap - Serie 8830
All maps have a scale which indicates the relationship between a certain distance on the map
and the distance on the ground. The map scale is usually located in the legend box of a map.
In order to facilitate navigation with a map, the newly designed watch strap of the RECON
Series 8830 features three common map scales which can be used to measure distances on
maps without the need of calculations.
The map scales in bold on the straps are the following:
1:100.000 – 1 cm = 100.000 cm (1 Km) on the map
1:50.000 – 1 cm = 50.000 cm (500 m) on the map
1:25.000 – 1 cm = 25.000 cm (250 m) on the map
Military maps are usually in scale: 1:50.000 and 1:25.000
The watch strap also features an inch/cm measurement and comparison chart.
The Nav Spc Serie 8830 comes with a small compass slided on to the strap.
“
Conceived for military reconnaissance missions, but also a great tool for
orienteering and adventure hiking.
“Whatever your target or mission may be: a Luminox RECON Series watch is
a great instrument to aid in exploring your world.”
Luminox – Essential Gear.
”
Andrea Micheli
Luminox RECON Series – Instructions
The watch as a sun compass
In a survival situation it is possible to check your direction using an analog watch, whenever
you can see the sun.
In the Northern Hemisphere: point the hour hand of your watch dial at the sun. Bisect the
angle between the hour hand and the 12 o‘clock mark to get the north-south line (substitute
1 o‘clock mark during Daylight Saving Time). North will be the direction further from the sun.
In the Southern Hemisphere: point the 12 o’clock mark on your watch dial at the sun. Bisect the
angle between the hour hand and the 12 o‘clock mark to get the north-south line (substitute
1 o‘clock mark during Daylight Saving Time). North will be the direction further from the sun.
Walking Speed Scale
Using a RECON series watch, you can calculate the approximate average walking/hiking
speed in an hour. This calculation is based on a distance of 50 m /164 ft. As the average step
length of a person varies as a function of their height, it is recommended that you measure
how many steps you personally need to walk 50 m/164 ft, prior to beginning your calculation.
General Comment: One step is approximately 75 cm or 2 1/2 feet
➢ Knowing how many steps you need to cover 50 m / 164 ft, start counting
your steps when the second hand is on 12 o’clock.
➢When you have covered the distance of 50 m / 164 ft, observe the Walking Speed scale noting the position of the second hand to arrive at your
walking speed in one hour.
For example: If you need 30 seconds to cover 50 m / 164 ft, your average
approximately walking speed is 6 km/h or 3.7 mph.
If you are walking/hiking in a group, the calculation should always be based on the slowest
walking person.
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2ND TIME ZONE
(NAV-SPC Series 8830 only)
Setting the 2nd time zone or the 24-hour time display
(in stead of a.m./p.m. time dis play):
Pull out crown B to position 1. Rotate until the indicator (I) shows the desired time in the
2nd time zone or the 24-hour scale. Push in crown B to its normal position.
Disclaimer: The walking speed scale is an approximate system to measure walking/
hiking speed. Conditions such as personal fitness, terrain, weather conditions and other factors
can drastically affect the walking/hiking speed of a person. The compass is a basic orientation device and the presence of alternate magnetic fields could affect accuracy. Luminox cannot
be held responsible in any way for the use or misuse of the walking scale and the compass
device, or any and all liabilities resulting from such use.
Walking Speed Km/h
Walking Speed mph
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