The MWC "Depthmaster" Military Diver range is MWC’s latest heavy-duty line of watches. These models are extremely robust, featuring a sapphire crystal and 100ATM water resistance, making them suitable for deep diving with mixed gases. The watches come with a 24mm wide strap (compared to the standard 20mm for most military diver watches) and a non-scratch ceramic bezel, which is easier to grip in extreme cold. These watches are specifically designed for use by professional divers in challenging environments.
All MWC 100ATM models include a helium escape valve. Many people ask how helium enters a dive watch in the first place. The answer is simple: helium molecules are among the smallest of all molecules. Even when the seals are working perfectly to keep water out, helium can still penetrate the watch due to its small size, whereas other gases and water cannot.
Helium escape valves are primarily used by saturation divers, who spend long periods at great depths under high pressure. Without a helium escape valve, helium molecules can accumulate inside the watch, creating internal pressure that can damage the watch—potentially blowing out the crystal or crown when unscrewed, which could be dangerous or even write off the watch. The helium escape valve allows helium to exit the watch automatically during decompression, without letting anything else in.
Helium is used in deep-sea diving because it doesn’t cause negative effects like nitrogen, which leads to nitrogen narcosis. In some situations, divers spend extended periods at great depth, living in pressurized environments filled with an oxygen-helium mix. As they decompress after days or weeks, the helium must escape to avoid damage to the watch, such as the crystal or crown being blown out, which could cause injury.
Most divers don’t live in pressurized environments for extended periods, so they won’t need a helium valve. However, for deep-diving watches like the 100ATM range, the valve is essential in case it’s needed. Without it, the watch wouldn’t be suitable for deep diving.
This variant features a 24-hour format NATO pattern dial and is finished in black PVD stainless steel. The non-reflective matte black PVD coating is often specified in military contracts for special forces, anti-terrorist units, and covert operations. The PVD process chemically alters the steel at a molecular level, ensuring it remains durable under heavy use, unlike painted finishes that can fade or wear off.
The watch is powered by a high-quality 24-jewel automatic NH35A movement with a hacking function for synchronization, and it boasts a 41-hour power reserve.
Dimensions and Specifications:
Movement: 24 Jewel Automatic NH35A with hacking function
Water Resistance: 100ATM / 3,280ft / 1000M
Screwdown Crown
Helium Escape Valve
Width: 47mm with crown (44mm without crown)
Bezel Type: Unidirectional, Non-Reflective, with Ceramic Insert
Thickness: 18mm
Crystal Diameter: 31mm
Crystal Type: Sapphire with Anti-Reflective Coating*
Lug to Lug: 48mm
Weight: 140g
Case: 316L PVD Stainless Steel
Illumination: Luminova on markers, hands, and bezel
Strap: 24mm NATO Webbing Strap
*Many people ask about the benefits of sapphire crystal over standard mineral crystal. Synthetic sapphire is stronger, shatter-resistant, and highly scratch-resistant, making it ideal for military personnel, security forces, police officers, and outdoor enthusiasts, who make up over 70% of our customer base. Over 90% of accidents resulting in cracked crystals involve watches with mineral glass, even if they use hardened mineral crystal. Sapphire, however, remains far more durable. The sapphire glass is heat-treated to remove internal stresses, and two layers of anti-reflective coating are applied. Interestingly, sapphire crystal is now used in the latest iPhones. While sapphire crystal comes at a higher cost, it’s generally found in higher-end watches due to its superior performance.
