MWC Classic 1970s Pattern MIL-W-46374 Pattern Military Watch on a Black Military Webbing Strap

£42.50
Description

SKU Code: ST/NAM/SIL

This watch is virtually identical in appearance to the watches issued to American servicemen during the closing years of the Vietnam War. It is based on the MIL-W-46374A specification, which superseded the earlier plastic-cased watches introduced at the beginning of the conflict.

The original plastic models were intended to be inexpensive, disposable timepieces. However, both the U.S. military and the manufacturers supplying them soon recognised that plastic cases were not sufficiently durable for prolonged field use. As a result, the later MIL-W-46374A specification adopted a far more robust metal case, greatly improving strength, service life, and reliability under operational conditions.

Interestingly, MWC reached the same conclusion many years later. Around fifteen years ago, we also replaced the plastic cases on our Vietnam-pattern watches with metal cases, having found that the increased durability and longevity more than justified the change. The experience demonstrated exactly why military manufacturers eventually abandoned disposable plastic cases in favour of stainless steel.

This watch faithfully recreates the appearance and proportions of the late-war military issue models while offering the reliability and convenience of a modern quartz movement.

Specifications

  • Case: Metal
  • Case Diameter: 33 mm (excluding crown), 36 mm (including crown)
  • Thickness: 8 mm
  • Crystal Diameter: 29 mm
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Battery: SR626SW (377) or equivalent
  • Strap Width: 18 mm
  • Strap: U.S. Pattern Military Strap
  • Presentation: Supplied in a military-style storage tin

The penultimate image shows an original 1972 MIL-W-46374A military watch, while the final image illustrates one of the earlier plastic-cased Vietnam War watches that it replaced.
      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.

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