MWC 100atm / 3,280ft / 1000m Water Resistant Divers Watch in Stainless Steel Case with Helium Valve on Silicon Strap / 100% Swiss Made with Sellita SW200 26 Jewel Automatic Movement
SKU: 100AT/SS/SIL/200
This 100% Swiss-made diver's watch is one of MWC's latest heavy-duty models. It is extremely robust, featuring a sapphire crystal and suitable for diving with mixed gases at extreme depths due to its 100ATM water resistance rating. The watch also has a wider 24mm strap and a non-scratch ceramic bezel that is easier to grip in extreme cold. These watches are specifically designed for use by professional divers under very challenging conditions.
Key Features
-
Helium Escape Valve:
- Helium molecules, being among the smallest of all molecules, can enter the watch even though other gases and water cannot. This can create pressure inside the case, potentially causing serious damage by blowing out the crystal or crown during decompression. The helium escape valve allows helium to escape automatically during decompression, preventing such damage and ensuring safety.
-
Why Use Helium for Deep Diving?
- Helium is used in deep-sea diving because it does not cause negative effects like nitrogen, which can cause nitrogen narcosis. Professional divers operating at great depths for extended periods use an oxygen/helium mix. When they surface and decompress, helium must be removed to prevent issues such as the crystal or crown being blown out, which can potentially injure or even blind someone.
-
Reality of Helium Valves:
- Most divers will not need a helium valve as they don't live in a pressurized environment for extended periods. However, for deep diver watches like the 100ATM range, the valve is essential to ensure the watch is fit for purpose.
This variant is finished in brushed stainless steel. It features a high-quality 26-jewel Swiss automatic SW200 movement with hacking function for synchronization and a 38-hour power reserve.
Dimensions and Specifications
- Movement: Sellita SW200, 28,800 bph, 26 Jewels, 38-hour power reserve
- Water Resistance: 100ATM / 3,280ft / 1000m
- Crown: Screwdown
- Helium Escape Valve: Yes
- Width: 45mm
- Bezel Type: Unidirectional Non-Reflective with Ceramic Insert
- Thickness: 15.8mm
- Crystal Type: Sapphire with Anti-Reflective Coating
- Case: 316L Stainless Steel
- Illumination: Super Luminova on markers, hands, and bezel
- Strap: 22mm Silicone
Benefits of Sapphire Crystal
Synthetic sapphire is the best material for watch crystals due to its strength and resistance to shattering and scratching. These properties make it highly appealing to military and security personnel, police officers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Sapphire crystal is heat-treated to remove internal stresses and coated with two layers of anti-reflective material, ensuring durability and clarity. Although more expensive, sapphire crystal offers superior protection compared to mineral glass crystals, which are more prone to cracking. This is why sapphire crystal is used in high-end watches and even in the latest iPhones.