MWC Mk III Stainless Steel 1950's Pattern 100m Water Resistant Automat

EX DISPLAY WATCH FROM THE IWA SHOW

Model: MKII/AU/RET/D

Condition: Brand New with the Plastic still on the crystal and running. It's in perfect condition but will have been tried on by a few people but the packaging is possibly  slightly soiled.

SKU Code: MKII/AU/RET/D

The MWC Mk III Automatic is a modern recreation of the classic 1950s NATO specification watches, originally made under the UK Ministry of Defence reference 6B/346 Mk XI. It comes with both black and grey NATO straps and incorporates significant advancements while retaining its vintage aesthetic.

Unlike the watches of the 1950s, the Mk III offers greatly improved accuracy thanks to its modern 24-jewel automatic movement, which features a 40-hour power reserve and a hacking function.

With current budgetary constraints, no modern military force could justify investing in watches of this quality, especially when more economical options meet functional requirements. In the past, forces worldwide frequently purchased premium watches from brands like Rolex, IWC, Omega, and Longines. Unfortunately, those days are long gone. However, for those who appreciate military-pattern watches made to modern high standards, the MKIII delivers exceptional quality.

No expense has been spared in crafting the Mk III, from its high-performance movement to its brushed stainless steel case inspired by 1950s/60s designs. The case is manufactured and hand-finished in Zurich. Additionally, the model now features a scratch- and shatter-resistant sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, ensuring durability and clarity.

This watch boasts a screw-down caseback and crown, making it robust, highly accurate, and water-resistant to 100m (330ft).

Specifications

• Case Diameter: 38mm (excluding crown), 40mm (including crown)
• Lug-to-Lug Distance: 49mm
• Water Resistance: 100m / 330ft
• Luminous Material: Super-Luminova
• Movement: 24-jewel automatic with hacking function
• Power Reserve: 41 hours
• Crystal: Scratch- and shatter-resistant sapphire with anti-reflective coating
• Caseback and Crown: Screw-down
• Thickness: 12.5mm
• Weight: 73g
• Strap: 18mm NATO (one black and one grey included)

Why Sapphire Crystal?

Many customers ask about the advantages of sapphire crystal compared to standard mineral glass. Synthetic sapphire is widely regarded as the best material for watch crystals due to its exceptional strength, shatter resistance, and scratch resistance.

These characteristics make sapphire crystal particularly appealing to military personnel, security professionals, police officers, and individuals with active outdoor lifestyles—groups that comprise over 70% of our customer base.

Here are some key points:

• Watches with mineral glass are more prone to cracks during accidents, even if the mineral glass is hardened.
• Sapphire glass undergoes heat treatment during manufacturing to eliminate internal stresses that could cause weaknesses.
• Once manufactured, sapphire watch crystals are coated with two layers of anti-reflective material for enhanced clarity.
• Sapphire is now even used in high-end consumer electronics, such as the latest iPhones.

While sapphire crystals are typically reserved for higher-end watches due to their cost, the Mk III incorporates this premium feature to ensure durability and performance under adverse conditions.

The MWC Mk III Automatic is a testament to timeless design and modern engineering, perfectly suited for professionals and enthusiasts alike.