MWC Automatic Black PVD Military Divers Watch - Tritium / GTLS Illumination, Sapphire Crystal and 60 Hour Power Reserve - May Need Checking or Regulating

MIL26-AP9

Model: DV2001/PV/AU/GTLS

Condition:

We received two of these watches from a military and security industries clearance sale. Both are in as-new condition and complete with their original boxes.

A note supplied with the watches stated that they needed checking. However, when the watches arrived back with the rest of the goods we had purchased at the sale, my colleague wound both of them and they were still running six hours later and on time at which point they were returned to their boxes.

As such, it is not yet certain that any fault is present. On the balance of probability, we suspect there may be no issue at all and, if there is one, it is likely to be minor regulation or servicing related — something that should be straightforward for any competent watchmaker or person with horological experience to resolve.

Model: DV2001/PV/AU/GTLS

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SKU: DV2001/PV/AU/GTLS

MWC first manufactured the predecessor to this 300m/1000ft water-resistant divers’ watch between the early 1990s and 2004. This current model is closely based on a version introduced in 2005, which was the first MWC watch to feature tritium gas tubes (GTLS). These self-luminous GTLS tubes make the watch exceptionally easy to read at night, with a steady glow from dusk until dawn. Each hour marker and the hour and minute hands contain a vial of tritium gas, which emits light continuously without needing any external power source.

Although the vials contain radioactive material, the combined tritium content in the entire watch is below the personal limit of 25 millicuries, as specified by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (10 CFR 30.15).

Unmatched Visibility in Low Light

Watches of this type are among the most readable in low-light or total darkness conditions. The tritium tubes provide light up to 100 times brighter than traditional luminous paints. They require no charging, no batteries, and no maintenance, and their life expectancy is at least 10 years—after which they can gradually begin to fade.

Rediscovery and Revival

Although the original version of this watch was discontinued in 2007, an interesting development occurred a few years ago. One of our Australian distributors discovered 500 brand-new quartz models from this range during a stock audit. The watches, manufactured between 1999 and 2001, had been part of a procurement contract but were forgotten in storage until the owner's son took over the business.

All 500 watches were eventually sold, and their popularity led us to reintroduce the model. However, we took the opportunity to significantly upgrade the specification using modern advancements in watch manufacturing.

Modern Upgrades

• Movement: A Miyota 8315 automatic movement with a 60-hour power reserve—something unheard of two decades ago. It can also be hand-wound and features hacking for precise time setting.

• Crystal: Upgraded from hardened mineral glass to sapphire, offering exceptional scratch and shatter resistance.

• Bezel: Now features a 120-click unidirectional bezel, compared to the 60 or 90-click bezels of earlier models.

• Lume: Improved Swiss-made tritium tubes provide enhanced performance compared to the original 2005 GTLS models.

Heritage Case Design

This entire range is based on a case originally made by the renowned Swiss case manufacturer MRP S.A. Aside from a few updates, the design remains virtually unchanged since the late 1970s. MRP was founded in 1953 by Marchand, Roth, and Petignat, and was acquired by Georges Hauert in 1979. The company is still independently owned by Patrick Hauert today. More details: https://www.mrp-sa.ch

This case design has been used by other historic watchmakers, including Precista, Nilax, Elvia, Heuer (which became TAG Heuer), and Chronosport (known for the Sea Quartz 30 worn by Tom Selleck in Magnum P.I.). Elvia, still active today, continues to produce watches with this case and is distributed by MWC. CWC and various other brands also continue to use this case style. It’s a testament to the case’s durability and appeal that it has remained in production for over 40 years.

MOD Heritage

The standard version of this MWC watch is based on a British Ministry of Defence (MOD) specification, as shown in the final 2 product images.

Specifications

• Case: Satin-finished, black PVD, non-reflective stainless steel
• Crown: Screw-down locking
• Water Resistance: 30ATM / 300m / 1000ft
• Movement: Miyota 8315 (60-hour power reserve, hand-windable, hacking)
• Case diameter (excluding crown): 44.5 mm
• Case diameter (including crown): 46.0 mm
• Case width (2 o’clock to 8 o’clock): 42.5 mm
• Lug-to-lug length: 47.5 mm
• Case thickness: 13.1 mm
• Crystal diameter: 31 mm
• Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
• Lume: Swiss Tritium Gas Tubes
• Bezel: 120-click unidirectional
• Weight: 89.5g
• Strap: Black 20mm military nylon webbing
• Strap Bars: Spring bars
• Warranty: 24 months

Why Sapphire Crystal?

We’re often asked: Why choose sapphire crystal over mineral glass?

The answer lies in sapphire’s exceptional strength and resistance to both scratches and shattering. These properties make it ideal for military personnel, police officers, and active outdoor enthusiasts—groups that make up over 70% of our customers.

In our experience, over 90% of watches returned with cracked crystals are fitted with mineral glass, even when using hardened mineral. Sapphire crystal, by comparison, is far more durable under harsh conditions. After manufacturing, sapphire glass is heat-treated to eliminate internal stresses and then coated with two layers of anti-reflective material. This same crystal type is now used on modern smartphones, such as the latest iPhone models.

While sapphire crystal is more costly, it is typically found on higher-end timepieces—and for good reason.