MWC Automatic Black PVD Military Divers Watch - Tritium / GTLS Illumination and Sapphire Crystal

We have a handful of these watches remaining which are reduced due to the arrival of a new model with a slightly different specification.

SKU: DV2001PV/AU/SL

MWC first manufactured the predecessor to this 300m/1000ft water-resistant diver's watch between the early 1990s and 2004. This model is closely based on a watch introduced by MWC in 2005, which was the first to use tritium gas tubes. The self-luminous GTLS tubes make the watch extremely easy to read at night, with consistently bright illumination from dusk until dawn. Each hour and minute hand, as well as the hour markers, contain a brightly glowing vial of tritium gas. Although the vials contain radioactive gas, the total amount is less than the personal limit of 25 millicuries, in accordance with U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations 10 CFR 30.15.

Superior Night Readability

Military watches of this type are the easiest in the world to read in low light or total darkness due to the self-activated light source, which is up to 100 times brighter than traditional luminous paint. The light-emitting tubes require no battery power or charging and need no maintenance, with a life expectancy of at least 10 years after which they can start to decline.

Rediscovery and Remake

Although this watch range was discontinued by MWC 20 years ago, an interesting turn of events occurred when an MWC distributor in Australia discovered 500 brand-new quartz versions of this range in their storeroom. These watches, made between 1999 and 2001, were part of a procurement contract. When the distributor's son conducted a detailed stock check, these watches came to light. We were offered the opportunity to buy them back, and their popularity prompted us to remake the watches in the same design with significant upgrades.

Upgrades and Improvements

Advances in watch manufacturing over the past 20 years allowed us to enhance the overall specifications:

• Movement: Automatic 24 Jewel NH35A with 42 hour power reserve, which can also be hand-wound and has hacking for synchronization.
• Crystal: Upgraded from hardened mineral glass to sapphire, which is highly scratch and shatter-resistant.
• Bezel: Upgraded to a 120-click bezel versus the earlier 60 or 90-click versions. 
• Tritium Tubes: Improved performance of Swiss Tritium GTLS tubes.

Historical Case Design

These watches are based on a case design originally made by the renowned Swiss case-making firm MRP S.A. Founded in 1953, MRP is now independently owned by Patrick Hauert. The case design has remained largely unchanged since the late 1970s. More information can be found on their website: MRP S.A..

Notable Users and Legacy

This case pattern has been used by various companies, including Precista, Nilax, Elvia, and Heuer (predecessors to Tag Heuer). Notable models include the Heuer 844-1 (1979) and the Chronosport Sea Quartz 30, worn by Tom Selleck in Magnum PI. Elvia continues to produce watches using this case, and MWC is a factory-authorized distributor for this brand. CWC and other companies also continue to use this case design, which has been in continuous production for over 40 years.

Dimensions and Specifications

• Casing: Satin Finish Black PVD Non-Reflective Stainless Steel
• Crown: Screw-down Locking
• Water Resistance: 30 ATM / 300m / 1000ft
• Movement: NH35A with 24 Jewels and 42 Hour Reserve
• 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 Type: Sapphire with non-reflective coating
• Luminous Material: Swiss GTLS Tritium Gas Tubes
• Bezel: 120-click unidirectional
• Weight: 89.5g
• Strap: Black 20mm Nylon Webbing Strap
• Strap Bars: Spring
• Guarantee: 24 months

Benefits of Sapphire Crystal

Synthetic sapphire is the best material for watch crystals due to its strength and shatter and scratch resistance. These characteristics make it appealing to military and security personnel, police officers, and active outdoor enthusiasts, who account for over 70% of our customers. When clients have accidents resulting in a cracked crystal, over 90% involve watches with mineral glass crystals. Even hardened mineral crystals do not match sapphire's durability under adverse conditions. Sapphire crystals are heat-treated to remove internal stresses, enhancing their strength, and are made into watch crystals with two layers of anti-reflective coating. While more expensive, sapphire crystal is typically fitted to higher-end watches and is now used in the latest iPhone models.