Condition: The watch is in excellent condition and looks very new, as evident from the actual images here of the watch. However, it runs erratically. It is unclear whether this is due to a service requirement or a fault with the NH35A movement regardless, it would be a straightforward issue for any watchmaker or person with horological skills to deal with.
FACTORY DESCRIPTION
SKU: DV2001/PV/AU/GTLS
MWC first manufactured the predecessor to this 300m/1000ft water-resistant diver's watch between the early 1990s and 2004. This model closely resembles a 2005 version, the first to use tritium gas tubes. These GTLS tubes provide exceptional readability at night, maintaining consistent brightness from dusk until dawn. Each hour and minute hand, along with the hour markers, contains a vial of tritium gas. While these vials contain radioactive gas, they are well within the safety limits as per U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations (10 CFR 30.15).
Military watches of this type are renowned for their readability in low light or complete darkness, thanks to the self-activated light source that is up to 100 times brighter than traditional luminous paint. These light-emitting tubes require no battery power or charging and need no servicing or maintenance, with a life expectancy of at least 10 years before fading.
Although the predecessor with GTLS tubes was discontinued in 2007, an interesting event occurred two years ago. An MWC distributor in Australia discovered 500 brand-new watches in their stockroom, made between 1999 and 2001. These watches were sold quickly, prompting MWC to remake the design with significant upgrades, leveraging advances in watch manufacturing over the past 20 years. Improvements include an automatic movement with a 60-hour power reserve, hand winding capability, hacking for synchronization, upgraded sapphire crystal for superior scratch and shatter resistance, and a 120-click bezel.
This model, closely based on the 2005 GTLS diver's watch, benefits from enhanced performance of the Swiss Tritium GTLS tubes developed over the last two decades. The case design remains largely unchanged from the original by the famous Swiss case-making firm MRP S.A, founded in 1953. Notable users of this case design include Precista, Nilax, Elvia, Heuer (predecessor to Tag Heuer), and Chronosport.
The basic design traces back to a British Ministry of Defence (MOD) specification.
Dimensions and Specification:
Casing: Satin Finish Black PVD Non-Reflective Stainless Steel
Crown: Screwdown Locking
Water Resistance: 30ATM/300m/1000ft
Movement: Miyota 8315 with 60-Hour Power Reserve
Dimensions:
Width including Crown: 45mm
Width excluding Crown: 40mm
Thickness: 12mm
Lug to Lug: 46.5mm
Crystal Diameter: 31mm
Crystal Type: Sapphire with non-reflective coating
Luminous Material: Tritium Gas Tubes
Bezel: 120 Click Unidirectional
Weight: 89.5g
Strap: Black 20mm Nylon Webbing Strap
Strap Bars: Spring
Guarantee: 24 Months
Benefits of Sapphire Crystal: Sapphire crystal is the best material for watch crystals due to its strength, shatter, and scratch resistance. These properties are especially valued by military and security personnel, police officers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Synthetic sapphire is heat-treated to remove internal stresses, making it extremely durable. Sapphire crystal is now also used in the latest iPhones, reflecting its premium quality and cost.
For more details about the historical significance of the case design and the continued use by various manufacturers, please visit the MRP S.A. website here.
