MWC 1970s Pattern Automatic Military Divers Watch with Chromed Case and Sapphire Crystal - Limited Edition of 250 Pieces - Ex Display Watch from the Shot Show in Las Vegas

MIL26-0117

Ex Display Watch from the US Shot Show in mint condition

We received two watches from the show and both are in as new with the plastic still on the crystal etc

LOCATION UK

SKU Code: DIV2001/SS/73A

Inspired by a case design specified by the British Ministry of Defence (MOD) in 1973, this watch combines classic military styling with an updated specification, including 300 m water resistance, a sapphire crystal and an NH35A automatic movement.

Following numerous requests from customers and dealers, we have produced a small run for private buyers and selected dealers. The case retains many of the distinctive design elements of the early-1970s pattern and is particularly significant as the predecessor to the late-1970s case design used in our subsequent military diver’s watches.

While the original watches used tritium, this version features Luminova. The encircled “T” marking has been retained as a historical design detail; this watch contains no tritium.

The Story Behind the Revival

After the earlier range had been discontinued for many years, an unexpected discovery helped bring it back. An MWC distributor in Australia uncovered 500 unused watches during a detailed stock check following his father’s retirement.

Manufactured between 1999 and 2001, these watches had remained overlooked in storage. We were offered the opportunity to buy them back, and they subsequently sold out. Their popularity encouraged us to reintroduce the designs and add the earlier 1973-pattern case to the collection, incorporating significant improvements to the specification.

Key Upgrades

• Automatic movement: The 24-jewel NH35A provides an approximately 41-hour power reserve and can also be wound manually. Its hacking function stops the seconds hand when setting the time, allowing precise synchronisation.
• Sapphire crystal: Sapphire replaces the hardened mineral glass used on earlier models, offering excellent scratch resistance. An anti-reflective coating reduces glare and improves dial visibility.
• 120-click bezel: The unidirectional bezel allows finer adjustment than the 60- or 90-click versions fitted to earlier watches.

The final images show the British MOD specification that inspired the design. This model follows the 1973 case pattern most closely, while other models in the range draw on the later case design used by MWC from the early 1990s until 2004.

Supplied with both black and grey 20 mm nylon webbing straps, the watch also accommodates a wide choice of compatible NATO-style straps.

Dimensions and Features

• Case: Chromed stainless steel
• Crown: Screw-down locking crown
• Water resistance: 30 ATM / 300 m / 1,000 ft
• Movement: NH35A automatic, 24 jewels, with manual winding and hacking
• Power reserve: Approximately 41 hours
• Case width, measured from 2 to 8 o’clock: 42.25 mm excluding the crown
• Case thickness: 13.1 mm
• Lug-to-lug length: 47.5 mm
• Crystal diameter: 31 mm
• Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
• Luminous material: Luminova
• Bezel: 120-click unidirectional
• Weight: 89.5 g
• Strap attachment: Spring bars
• Strap width: 20 mm
• Included straps: One black and one grey nylon webbing strap
• Guarantee: 24 months

Why Sapphire Crystal?

Sapphire crystal provides excellent scratch resistance, helping to preserve clarity and appearance through everyday wear. The anti-reflective coating reduces glare and makes the dial easier to read.

These qualities make sapphire a practical upgrade for a watch intended for regular use, including outdoor activities. Although highly resistant to scratches, sapphire is not shatterproof and can chip or crack under a sufficiently hard impact.