MWC 1970s Pattern Automatic Military Divers Watch with Chromed Case and Sapphire Crystal - Limited Edition of 250 Pieces
¥76,500
Product Details
SKU: DIV2001/SS/73A
This watch is inspired by an early case design created by the British Ministry of Defence (MOD) in 1973. While watches from that era lacked the performance standards of modern timepieces—such as advanced water resistance and features like sapphire crystal—we have drawn heavily on the design aesthetics of the early 1970s and incorporated them into this model. Due to consistent customer demand over the past few years, we decided to produce a small run of this watch for select private customers and dealers.
Although the original 1973 watches used tritium for luminescence, this version features Luminova. However, we retained the encircled "T" on the dial as a nod to its historical significance. The case design is particularly notable because it serves as the direct predecessor to the case used in our current range, which dates back to the late 1970s.
This model’s journey is intertwined with an interesting turn of events. Nearly 20 years after MWC discontinued this range, one of our Australian distributors discovered 500 brand-new watches in their stockroom. These watches, manufactured between 1999 and 2001, had been delivered in batches of 500 over three years. The final delivery was overlooked until the distributor’s father retired, and his son conducted a detailed stock check. When these watches resurfaced, we were offered the chance to buy them back. All 500 units quickly sold out, prompting us to remake the watches with significant upgrades, including the earlier 1973 case design.
Advances in watch manufacturing over the years enabled us to improve the specifications of these remakes. Key enhancements include:
- Automatic Movement: The watches now feature a 24-jewel NH35A movement with a 41-hour power reserve. The movement can be hand-wound and includes a hacking function for precise synchronization.
- Sapphire Crystal: Upgraded from hardened mineral glass, the sapphire crystal is highly resistant to scratches and shattering.
- Bezel Improvement: The original watches had 60- or 90-click bezels, but the updated models feature a 120-click unidirectional bezel for greater precision.
This updated range adheres closely to the 1973 MOD specifications, as shown in the final images. It remains distinct from other models in the series, which are based on case designs used by MWC from the early 1990s until 2004.
The watch measures 45mm including the crown (40mm excluding it) and uses a 20mm military nylon webbing strap, allowing for compatibility with a wide variety of NATO strap options.
Dimensions and Specifications:
- Casing: Chromed Stainless Steel
- Crown: Screw-Down Locking
- Water Resistance: 30ATM / 300m / 1000ft
- Movement: NH35A Automatic with 41-Hour Power Reserve
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Dimensions:
- Width: 45mm (including crown), 40mm (excluding crown)
- Thickness: 13.1mm
- Lug to Lug: 46.5mm
- Crystal Diameter: 31mm
- Crystal: Sapphire with Non-Reflective Coating
- Luminous Paint: Luminova
- Bezel: 120-Click Unidirectional
- Weight: 89.5g
- Lugs: Drilled
- Strap: Two 20mm Nylon Webbing Straps (1 Black, 1 Grey)
- Warranty: 24 Months
Why Sapphire Crystal?
Sapphire crystal is widely regarded as the best material for watch glass due to its exceptional strength, scratch resistance, and shatter resistance. These qualities make it especially appealing to military personnel, law enforcement officers, and individuals with active outdoor lifestyles—groups that comprise over 70% of our customers.
When watches with mineral glass crystals sustain damage, over 90% of cracked crystals occur in those made of mineral glass. Even hardened mineral crystals cannot match sapphire’s durability under harsh conditions. This strength comes from heat-treating the sapphire during manufacturing, which removes internal stresses and enhances its resilience. Afterward, the crystals receive two layers of anti-reflective coating.
Although sapphire crystal increases production costs, it is a hallmark of high-end watches. Its durability and superior performance make it a worthwhile investment. Notably, sapphire crystal is now even used in the latest iPhones, underscoring its exceptional strength and versatility.
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