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First formed in 1943, Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works® program began as a small side division carrying out classified research and development programs for what would eventually give way to the first-ever fighter jet. Since that time, this now-iconic advanced development program has been responsible for assisting in the development of several of the world’s most cutting-edge aircrafts, including everything from the fastest manned aircraft to the first stealth aircraft to the first 5th-gen aircraft — just to name a few of the Skunk Works® program’s many illustrious achievements.
For its latest horological release, American born watch brand Luminox has opted to honor Lockeed’s Skunk Works® program — and the daring aviators that test-piloted and flew its inaugural stealth bomber, the F-117 — with a small batch of F-117 NIGHTHAWK® x Skunk Works® 6440 Heritage Pilot Watches.
Weighing in at less than 2.5oz, the F-117 NIGHTHAWK® x Skunk Works® 6440 Heritage Pilot Watch is constructed around a 44mm case that’s crafted from Luminox’s ultra-rugged and ultra-lightweight proprietary CARBONOX composite. Measuring 15mm thick, the case features a protected push-pull crown with a security gasket, a 316L screw-in case-back engraved with Skunk Works® and Lockheed Martin logos, and a bi-directional-rotating CARBONOX bezel.
Additionally, the use of reversed numbers on the bezel and dial allows the watch’s wearer to simultaneously track two different times zones at once. Sporting 22mm lugs, the case also comes paired with a black Kevlar strap fitted with an interior leather lining and one of Luminox’s signature CARBONOX buckles. Made in Switzerland, this thoroughly modern, interpretation of a classic aviator’s watch is also water resistant down to 200 meters.
Fortified beneath an AR-coated Sapphire crystal, the dial of the watch benefits from the use of the brand’s signature Luminox Light Technology — a self-powered lume tech that’s able to glow brightly for up to quarter-of-a-century. This horological outfit’s proprietary lume tech can be seen on each of the watch’s hands, plus at every hour marker — making the thing ridiculously easy to read in low-light scenarios (or in complete and total darkness). Its proprietary lume tech has also been supplemented via Super-LumiNova paint adorning a Skunk Works® logo on the dial. Though this logo is just barely visible when viewed during the day, the Swiss lume paint allows it to glow brightly in the dark alongside the LTT hand-set and hour markers.
The newest addition to Luminox’s Heritage Collection, the F-117 NIGHTHAWK® x Skunk Works® 6440 Pilot Watch is kept ticking via a Ronda 515 quartz movement that offers unparalleled time-keeping accuracy — plus this Swiss-made movement is able to run off of a single battery for more-than-four-years.
Available now the Luminox F-117 NIGHTHAWK® x Skunk Works® 6440 Heritage Pilot Watch has been priced at just $545. What’s more, alongside the pilot watch itself, each unit is sold with a gift/presentation box and an included Luminox Challenge Coin that celebrates the brand’s 35th anniversary.
