Lum-Tec Combat B Quartz vs. Automatic vs. Chronograph: Which Should You Pick?
Since the original Combat B1 arrived in 2007, Lum-Tec's Combat B series has become the brand's signature field watch: a tough, bead-blasted 316L steel case, 200 meters of water resistance, and MDV lume bright enough to read in total darkness. Today's lineup at CGA Watches covers three very different movement types, quartz, automatic and chronograph, all in the same rugged case. If you are trying to decide which Combat B is right for you, the movement is the best place to start.
The Shared Combat B Platform
Every 43mm Combat B model below shares the same core build, according to the listings:
- 43mm forged, heat-treated 316L surgical-grade stainless steel case
- 13.6mm thick including the domed sapphire, 51.5mm lug-to-lug, 22mm lug width
- Bead-blast finish for extra durability
- 200 meters water resistance
- Curved sapphire crystal with AR coating
- Anti-shock movement mounting system
- MDV luminous technology on dial and hands
- Limited and numbered series of 500 worldwide, with a 2-year limited warranty
- Designed, assembled by hand and fully tested in Ohio
As the FAQ on our Combat B70 listing notes, 200 meters is suitable for swimming and snorkeling, though the Combat B is not recommended for scuba diving.
Quartz: Grab-and-Go Reliability
If you want a watch that is always on time and never needs winding, a quartz Combat B is the practical pick. Lum-Tec backs the quartz models with lifetime free battery replacement, seal cleaning and pressure testing.
- Combat B71 ($595): black PVD case, Swiss Ronda 515, matte black dial with X1 grade dark orange Super-LumiNova, black and gray nylon straps.
- Combat B72 ($595): gunmetal PVD case, Swiss Ronda 515, inverse lume dial with X1 grade C3 Super-LumiNova.
- Combat B73 ($545): steel with anti-fingerprint coating, Swiss Ronda 515, matte black dial with A-grade BGW9 Super-LumiNova.
- Combat B67 Day-Date ($545): Miyota 2105 day-date quartz with roughly 3-year battery life, matte gray dial, A-grade BGW9 in 30 layers.
- Combat B68 Day-Date ($595): gunmetal PVD, Miyota 2105 day-date, X1 grade C3 GL in 30 layers.
Choose quartz if: you want the lowest maintenance, a day-date display (B67/B68), or a watch that can sit in a drawer and still be ready to go. For more on the day-date pair, see our Combat B67 and B68 guide.
Automatic: Mechanical Heart, Tool-Watch Soul
For collectors who appreciate a mechanical movement, the automatic Combat B models use a precision-tuned 28,800 BPH Miyota 9015 with hand-winding and hacking, regulated in six positions in-house, and a sapphire caseback window so you can watch it work. Lum-Tec adds lifetime free timing adjustment, seal cleaning and pressure testing.
- Combat B69 Automatic ($1,095): gunmetal PVD case, matte black dial with X1 grade C3 Super-LumiNova, black and gray nylon straps.
- Combat B70 Automatic ($1,095): matte 2376C blue dial with A-grade BGW9 Super-LumiNova, blue and gray nylon straps.
Ariel Adams reviewed the B70 for aBlogtoWatch and concluded, "As a tool watch, the Combat B70 is a beast." He called it "an excellent value for an attractive and traditional-looking tool watch." He also gave an honest note on sizing: the case will wear large on some wrists, and he suggested a thinner 22mm strap for smaller wrists.
If you love the idea of a mechanical GMT but want a smaller case, also consider the Combat B74 GMT ($1,095). It runs a Miyota 9075 true GMT in a 39mm case with a 46mm lug-to-lug.
Choose automatic if: you enjoy the sweep of a mechanical seconds hand, want an exhibition caseback, and plan to wear your watch often.
Chronograph: Timing on Your Wrist
The Combat B64 Chronograph ($545) brings timing function to the Combat B case. Key details:
- Miyota OS21J chronograph with a 60-minute timer and 24-hour sub-dial
- 5-year battery life, with lifetime free battery replacement
- Military-grade titanium carbide gunmetal PVD hard coating
- Anti-reflective matte gray dial
- MDV luminous technology with custom X1 Swiss C3 BL (blue glow) in 30 layers
- One leather and one heavy-grade gray nylon strap, both with gunmetal PVD hardware
Choose the chronograph if: you time workouts, cooking, parking meters or anything else. It is also the only Combat B here with blue-glow lume.
Quick Decision Guide
- Lowest maintenance and lowest price: B73 or B67 quartz ($545)
- Day and date at a glance: B67 or B68
- Mechanical character: B69 or B70 automatic
- Second time zone in a smaller case: B74 GMT
- Stopwatch function: B64 chronograph
Still deciding between families? Read Combat B vs. Eclipse or our guide to why Lum-Tec watches glow so bright.
Shop the Combat B Series at CGA Watches
Every Combat B is a limited, numbered piece, hand-assembled and tested in Ohio. Once a series of 500 sells out, it is gone. Browse the full lineup at The CGA Company, an authorized Lum-Tec dealer.