Lum-Tec Solar Marine 8 | 2026 USA Assembled Solar Dive Watch with MDV Lume

The Lum-Tec Solar Marine 8 combines a Japanese VS42A solar movement and 300-meter water resistance in a compact 39 mm stainless steel case. Its micro-polished titanium nitride PVD finish and semi-transparent black dial distinguish it from the other Solar Marine models. At 10.7 mm thick and 43.5 mm lug to lug, it is sized for everyday wear.

The Solar Marine 8 is finished with a hand micro-polished titanium nitride PVD hard coat, the same kind of coating used on drill bits, over a forged and heat-treated 39 mm case that is 10.7 mm thick and 43.5 mm lug to lug. Under its semi-transparent black dial is a Japanese VS42A solar movement: about a minute of sunlight provides a day of running, and roughly five hours of sun fills it for a six-month reserve. A rotating bezel with a steel insert and luminous pip, a 2 mm sapphire crystal and grade A BGW9 Super-Luminova on the markers and hands, part of Lum-Tec's MDV® luminous technology, complete the package. It comes on a nylon strap with matched polished PVD hardware and is limited to 300 pieces.

As an authorized Lum-Tec dealer, The CGA Company sells this watch new, never pre-owned, with free USA shipping. The Solar Marine 8 is a limited, numbered series of 300.

Specifications

• Case width: 39 mm
• Thickness: 10.7 mm including sapphire
• Lug to lug: 43.5 mm
• Lug width: 20 mm, drilled lugs for easy strap changes
• Case: Forged and heat-treated 316L surgical-grade stainless steel
• Coating: Micro-polished titanium nitride PVD hard coating (the same type of coating used on drill bits)
• Bezel: Rotating, with steel insert and luminous pip
• Crystal: 2 mm thick sapphire, military-grade anti-reflective coating on both sides
• Caseback: Threaded solid 316L stainless steel
• Crown: Threaded 316L stainless steel with double Viton® seals
• Gaskets: Viton® case gaskets
• Movement: Japanese solar-powered VS42A
• Solar charging: About 1 minute of sunlight gives a full day of power; a full charge (about 5 hours of sunlight) gives a 6-month power reserve
• Shock protection: Anti-shock movement mounting system
• Water resistance: 300 meters
• Dial: Semi-transparent black solar dial, grade A BGW9 Super-Luminova with metal index surrounds
• Hands: Diamond-cut, filled with grade A BGW9 Super-Luminova
• Lume: MDV luminous technology on dial and hands
• Strap: Nylon military-style strap with matched polished PVD hardware
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty
• Edition: Limited and numbered, 300 pieces worldwide
• Assembly: Designed, assembled by hand and fully tested in Mentor, Ohio

Construction

The 316L case is forged and heat treated. Lum-Tec says forging adds about 37% fatigue strength over a typical cast case and removes porosity. After hand micro-polishing, the case gets a titanium nitride PVD hard coat for hardness and scratch resistance, then an anti-fingerprint layer. Heat treatment does two jobs here: it keeps the steel stable while it is being forged and hardens the surface after finishing.

The 2 mm sapphire sits on a Hytrel mount. Silicone-lubricated double Viton seals protect the crown and the threaded caseback, and Lum-Tec says the sealing is tested to 30% beyond the 300 m rating. The seals are meant to resist salt water, chemicals and extreme heat or cold, not only water depth. The anti-shock mount is there so the movement can absorb the impact of an accidental drop on the ground or a hard knock against a wall.

Strap

The included heavy nylon strap passes behind the case through both spring bars, so the watch stays on your wrist even if one spring bar fails. Drilled lugs make strap changes quick.

Lum-Tec says its nylon straps are more durable than typical straps of this type and are designed for easy adjustment, a secure fit and minimal weight on the wrist.

MDV® Lume

The luminous elements are printed in many layers of top-grade Super-Luminova over a reflective base, which directs the light forward. The dial is semi-transparent, letting light through to charge the solar movement underneath. Lum-Tec says its dials were verified as top Super-Luminova performers by RcTritec in Switzerland.

Lifetime Service

Because the movement is solar powered, there is no regular battery change. Lum-Tec includes free lifetime seal cleaning and lubrication, plus pressure testing, in Ohio. Lum-Tec says it regularly sees its watches come back for service after 15 or more years of use, and it puts what it learns from them into new designs. Lifetime services are provided by Lum-Tec under Lum-Tec's terms, not by The CGA Company; for service, contact service@lum-tec.com.

Hand Assembled and Tested in Mentor, Ohio

Lum-Tec says its watches are designed and engineered in Ohio from the ground up, and every Solar Marine 8 is hand assembled and individually tested in Mentor, Ohio, using international and domestic components; the movement in this model is the Japanese VS42A solar caliber. Lum-Tec says that since 2007 it has produced watches for more than 100 brands around the world, the U.S. government and SWAT teams.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the solar charging work?
Light passes through the semi-transparent dial to the movement. About a minute of sunlight powers a full day, and a full charge gives about a 6-month reserve.

Is it a real dive watch?
It is rated to 300 meters and has a rotating bezel with a luminous pip and a threaded crown.

How big does it wear?
It's compact: 39 mm wide, 10.7 mm thick and 43.5 mm lug to lug, with 20 mm lugs.

What's new for 2026?
Lum-Tec describes the Solar Marine 8 as an updated and upgraded 2026 version of the series.

Where is the Solar Marine 8 assembled?
Lum-Tec hand assembles and tests every Solar Marine 8 in Mentor, Ohio, using international and domestic components. The movement is the Japanese VS42A solar caliber.

Comparing Solar Marine models? See how the Solar Marine 5, 6, 7 and 8 compare on size, finish, and charging.