MWC Mechanical/Quartz Hybrid NATO Pattern Military Pilots Chronograph in Non Reflective Black PVD Finish - - Ex Display Watch From the Singapore Air Show at Changi Exhibition Centre

LOCATION

EU AND UK

MWC Military PVD NATO Chronograph

SKU: CHR20/PVD/HY

The MWC PVD NATO Chronograph is built to the same core specification as military chronographs used by several leading manufacturers, but incorporates a number of refinements to improve legibility, reliability and day-to-day usability.

Originally developed for military aircrew, this model is equally suited to airline pilots, general aviation pilots and anyone looking for a robust professional-grade chronograph.

The watch features a 44mm 316L stainless steel case (45.5mm including the crown), a 100m water resistance rating, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, and is powered by the outstanding Seiko VK68 hybrid meca-quartz chronograph movement.

The Best of Mechanical and Quartz Technology

The VK68 is often referred to as a meca-quartz movement because it combines the accuracy of quartz with the operating characteristics of a mechanical chronograph.

A traditional mechanical chronograph is powered by a mainspring and regulated by a balance wheel, with the chronograph operated through an intricate system of levers, gears and hammers.

The VK68 uses a quartz-regulated movement for exceptional accuracy, while retaining a genuine mechanical chronograph module. The result is a watch that feels remarkably similar to a high-quality mechanical chronograph.

When the chronograph is started, the pushers provide the crisp tactile response normally associated with classic mechanical movements. The central chronograph hand sweeps in 1/5-second increments, giving the appearance of a mechanical chronograph rather than the one-second jumps of a conventional quartz watch.

When stopped, the chronograph responds with the same positive mechanical feel, and pressing the reset pusher instantly returns the hand precisely to 12 o’clock.

When our own watchmaker first examined the prototype, he assumed it contained a classic Valjoux 7750 or 7765 movement because of its operation and feel.

Factory accuracy is rated at ±20 seconds per month, although we generally find these movements perform even better. By comparison, even high-quality mechanical chronographs typically achieve around ±2 to ±3 seconds per day.

Lower Maintenance

One of the greatest advantages of the VK68 is its long-term reliability.

Unlike a traditional mechanical chronograph, it:

• Requires no winding.
• Needs only an occasional battery replacement (approximately every three years).
• Requires significantly less servicing over its lifetime.
• Offers outstanding long-term reliability.

This makes it particularly attractive for owners who rotate between several watches, as it is always ready to wear.

Military-Grade PVD Finish

The watch features MWC’s matt black non-reflective Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) finish.

This type of finish is widely specified for military contracts, particularly for special forces, counter-terrorism personnel and covert operations where reflections must be minimised.

Unlike painted finishes found on lower-quality watches, genuine PVD is a molecular bonding process that forms an extremely durable coating on the steel.

Under normal use the finish will not fade or rub away. Like any surface treatment, it can only be damaged by severe impact or prolonged heavy abrasion against hard materials such as rock or concrete.

A Watch That Doesn’t Behave Like Quartz

One feature that continually surprises owners is that the watch does not exhibit the familiar one-second ticking motion associated with conventional quartz watches.

Its chronograph operation and overall behaviour are so similar to a mechanical watch that even experienced enthusiasts often assume it is fully mechanical.

It genuinely combines the best characteristics of both technologies.

Technical Specifications

• Case Diameter: 44mm (45.5mm including crown)
• Lug to Lug: 49mm
• Thickness: 13.5mm
• Case Material: 316L stainless steel with black PVD finish
• Caseback: 316L stainless steel
• Dial: Black
• Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
• Crown: Screw-down locking crown
• Water Resistance: 10 ATM (100 metres / 330 feet)
• Lume: Super-LumiNova
• Movement: Seiko VK68 meca-quartz hybrid chronograph
• Strap: 22mm military NATO nylon strap
• Battery: SR936SW Silver Oxide
• Battery Life: Approximately 3 years
• Guarantee: 24 months

Why Sapphire Crystal?

This watch is fitted with a premium synthetic sapphire crystal, chosen because it offers exceptional resistance to scratches and impacts.

Compared with conventional mineral glass, sapphire is considerably harder and more durable, making it the preferred choice for military personnel, police officers, security professionals and anyone with an active lifestyle.

In our experience, over 90% of cracked watch crystals returned for repair are mineral glass rather than sapphire. Even hardened mineral crystals cannot match sapphire’s durability under demanding conditions.

After manufacture, the sapphire crystal is heat-treated to relieve internal stresses before receiving an anti-reflective coating to maximise clarity in bright light. Although more expensive than mineral glass, sapphire remains the benchmark for premium military and professional watches.