MWC Mk III Stainless Steel 1950's Pattern 100m Water Resistant Automatic Military Watch with Sapphire Crystal - Ex Display Watch from the SPIE Security + Defence Show in Berlin (Item Location UK)
Description
We have a handful of these watches, which were on display at the SPIE Security + Defence Show in Berlin they are all brand new, but the packaging may show some degree of soiling, and the straps may also show signs of having been tried on, but the watches are still fully guaranteed for two years and a bargain at this reduced price.
LOCATION UK
SKU Code: MKIIISS1224UNB/MY
This distinctive MKIII Automatic features the same dial pattern used on an MWC model first introduced in 1979, making it a faithful revival of one of our later MKIII variants. Like all MKIII automatic models, it traces its heritage back to the classic 1950s NATO specification watches produced under the UK Ministry of Defence reference 6B/346 Mk XI, combining vintage military styling with modern reliability and performance.
While visually inspired by the watches of the 1950s, this version benefits from significant technical upgrades. Power comes from a modern 21-jewel Cal. 8215 automatic movement, operating at 21,600 bph with a power reserve of up to 40 hours. It also offers the convenience of manual winding when required. Protecting the dial is a highly durable scratch and shatter-resistant sapphire crystal, chosen for its strength and everyday practicality.
In earlier decades, military organisations regularly procured watches from brands such as Rolex, IWC, Omega, and Longines. Today, procurement budgets understandably favour lower-cost functional alternatives. However, many enthusiasts still appreciate a traditional military pattern watch built to a much higher standard than those originally issued. The MKIII range was created for exactly that purpose.
Every detail has been carefully considered, from the dependable movement to the brushed stainless steel case inspired by 1950s and 1960s military designs. The case is manufactured and hand-finished in Zurich, and this model has been upgraded with a sapphire crystal featuring anti-reflective coating for excellent clarity in all lighting conditions.
With its screw-down crown, screw caseback, and 100m (330ft) water resistance, the watch is highly robust, practical, and designed for daily wear in demanding environments.
Specifications
- Case Diameter: 39mm (excluding crown), 42.5mm (including crown)
- Lug to Lug: 46.5mm
- Thickness: 11.3mm
- Weight: 73g
- Water Resistance: 100m / 330ft
- Movement: 21 Jewel Automatic Cal. 8215, 21,600 bph
- Power Reserve: Up to 40 hours
- Crown: Screw-down
- Caseback: Screw-down
- Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
- Luminous Material: Luminova
- Strap: 20mm NATO webbing strap
Why Sapphire Crystal?
Many customers ask why sapphire crystal is considered superior to standard mineral glass. The simple answer is durability. Synthetic sapphire is exceptionally hard, highly scratch-resistant, and significantly more impact-resistant than standard mineral crystal, making it ideal for military personnel, police officers, security professionals, and anyone with an active outdoor lifestyle.
In our experience, the overwhelming majority of cracked watch crystals involve mineral glass. Even hardened mineral crystals cannot match sapphire for resilience under demanding conditions. Sapphire is heat-treated to reduce internal stress, improving strength, and then finished with anti-reflective coating to enhance legibility.
It is a premium material, which is why it is generally reserved for higher-end watches—but for a watch built to handle real-world use, it is one of the most worthwhile upgrades available.
Shipping Information
Delivery Charges – Worldwide
Europe
- Tracked Mail: €14.95 / £12.50 / US$16.95
- Express Courier (UPS/FedEx): €28.00 / £23.50 / US$31.75
United Kingdom
- Tracked Mail: £9.95
- Small Items (e.g., 1–2 straps): £5.95
- Express Courier (UPS/DPD): £12.50
Rest of the World
- Tracked Mail: US$23.75 / €20.95 / £17.50
- Express Courier (UPS/FedEx): US$39.25 / €34.50 / £29.00
More information on shipping can be found here.
