MWC "Submarine / Naval Crew Divers Watch" 500m (1,640ft) Water Resista

These watches are brand new but were overlooked during a stock check and will need a new battery either now or soon. Since they are currently in our packing and shipping center, we have reduced the price by over 60% to avoid the need for them to be returned for a battery replacement. This is a routine procedure as they use a standard, readily available battery as detailed below:

Movement: Ronda GMT 515.24H with hacking function
Battery Life: Approx. 45 months
Battery Type: Standard 371

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FACTORY DESCRIPTION

SKU: 500M/SUBC/PVD

The MWC "Naval Crew" range of Military Divers models represents one of MWC's latest heavy-duty collections. This range includes two models: one in covert non-reflective PVD steel and the other in standard stainless steel. These watches feature red T100 tritium GTLS tubes, making them superior to alternatives as they successfully preserve night vision on the bridge of a ship or in a submarine. Submarines are typically 'rigged for red' to allow the use of the periscope at night, dusk, and dawn without interference from bright control room lights. The red light provides the operator with additional time to adjust to night conditions, which is critical when a submarine is at periscope depth and most vulnerable to collision. These watches were specifically ordered by submarine crews for this purpose.

Both models are designed to be robust, featuring a shatter- and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that significantly enhances their durability compared to other divers' watches. These versatile and multipurpose watches can be used in a wide variety of applications, from onboard vessels to deep diving with mixed gases. They have a water resistance rating of 500m (1,640ft), a wide 24mm strap, and a non-scratch ceramic bezel designed for easy grip in cold and icy conditions.

What makes these watches unique is not only their high water resistance rating but also their high-quality Ronda GMT 515.24H movement with a hacking function for synchronization. The GMT or dual time zone function is simple yet clever. Unlike conventional watches, the GMT model adds a second, independently adjustable hour hand that travels around the dial in 24 hours instead of the usual 12. This design eliminates any confusion between a.m. and p.m., making the watch easy to use.

All MWC 500m (1,640ft) models are fitted with a helium escape valve. Helium molecules, being among the smallest of all molecules, can penetrate the watch even when other gases and water cannot. This is particularly relevant for saturation divers who spend extended periods at great depths. As helium builds up inside the watch, it can create pressure that may cause serious damage, potentially blowing out the crystal or crown when unscrewed. The helium escape valve automatically releases the helium during decompression, preventing any potential damage and ensuring the watch's safety and durability.

Although most divers won't spend days or weeks in a pressurized environment, making a helium valve unnecessary for most users, deep dive watches like these 500m models require this feature to be fit for purpose.

This particular variant features a 24-hour military format dial and is finished in black PVD stainless steel. The special covert matte black non-reflective PVD finish used for this watch is often specified in military contracts for special forces units, anti-terrorist units, and various covert operations. The PVD process alters the color of the steel at a molecular level, making it vastly superior to the painted finishes used on lower-quality watches, which can easily fade or rub off. This ensures that the watch's finish remains intact even during heavy usage, although it can be damaged if the case is severely gouged or worn down by continuous heavy abrasion against rocks or other hard surfaces.

Dimensions and Specifications:

• Water Resistance: 500m (1,640ft)
• Crown: Screw Down Locking
• Helium Escape Valve
• Width Including Crown: 48mm
• Width Excluding Crown: 43mm
• Thickness: 16mm
• Weight: 120g Including Strap
• Crystal Diameter: 31mm
• Crystal Type: Shatter- and Scratch-Resistant Sapphire with Anti-Reflective Coating
• Lug to Lug: 50mm
• Case: 316L Stainless Steel
• Movement: Ronda GMT 515.24H with hacking function
• Battery Type: 371
• Battery Life: Approx. 45 months
• Case: 316L PVD Stainless Steel
• Illumination: GTLS T100 Tritium on dial and hands
• Strap: 24mm NATO Webbing Strap

Benefits of Sapphire Crystal:

Many people ask about the advantages of sapphire crystal over standard mineral crystal. Synthetic sapphire is the best material for watch crystals due to its strength and resistance to shattering and scratching. These qualities make it ideal for military personnel, security professionals, police officers, and those who lead active outdoor lifestyles—groups that account for over 70% of our customers. Over 90% of watches that suffer cracked crystals are those with mineral glass, even when hardened mineral crystals are used. Sapphire, on the other hand, is much more durable under adverse conditions. After manufacture, sapphire glass is heat-treated to remove internal stresses, further enhancing its strength. Two layers of anti-reflective coating are then applied. Interestingly, sapphire crystal is also used in the latest iPhones. Though sapphire crystal is more expensive, it is typically found in higher-end watches due to its superior durability.