MWC 24 Jewel 1982 Pattern 300m Automatic Military Divers Watch in Black PVD with a Sapphire Crystal on a NATO Webbing Strap (Date Version)
$358.00
Product Details
Product Code: DIV/82PVD/AU/D
These diver's watches are a modern remake of one of our 1980s models, featuring a robust black PVD stainless steel case. One variant of this watch was specifically remade for a U.S. contractor who secured a large order for one of their clients. The watch is powered by a high-performance, 24-jewel automatic self-winding movement. Several upgrades have been made to the original design, including a shatter- and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and an increased water resistance rating.
The special covert matte black non-reflective PVD finish used for this watch is commonly specified in military contracts, particularly for special forces and anti-terrorist units, as well as for covert operations. In the PVD process, the steel is not black throughout; instead, the color is achieved through a specialized chemical PVD plating process. This method is vastly superior to the painted finishes used on lower-quality watches, which can easily fade or rub off. The PVD process alters the steel’s color at a molecular level, ensuring durability even during heavy use. However, the finish can be damaged if the case is severely gouged or subjected to continuous heavy abrasion.
This watch is based on the 1980 UK MOD specification for automatic divers' watches (DEF STAN 66-4 [Part 1] Issue 3), which required features such as a unidirectional bezel, a boldly marked dial with tritium paint, and a mineral glass crystal. The original MOD document from 1980 is included in the last two images. While this watch maintains the spirit of the 1980 design, it incorporates certain elements from its predecessors and features modern improvements like the sapphire crystal.
These models offer excellent value and are competitively priced for a high-performance automatic watch of this type.
The watch measures 45mm including the crown (40mm excluding the crown) and uses Luminova for exceptional nighttime visibility. It comes with a standard 20mm NATO strap, commonly used on military divers' models, offering a wide range of color options for those who like to change their straps occasionally.
Dimensions and Specifications:
- Water Resistance: 300m / 1000ft
- Crown: Screw-down locking
- Caseback: Screw-down
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Dimensions:
- Width: 45mm (including crown), 40mm (excluding crown)
- Thickness: 15mm
- Lug-to-lug: 49mm
- Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating (31mm diameter)
- Movement: 24-jewel NH35A with a 41-hour power reserve
- Weight: 89.5g
- Strap: 20mm NATO webbing
- Packaging: Gift box
Why Sapphire Crystal?
Many customers ask about the benefits of sapphire crystal compared to standard mineral crystal. Synthetic sapphire is the best material for watch crystals due to its exceptional strength, shatter resistance, and scratch resistance. These qualities make it especially popular among military and security personnel, police officers, and those with active outdoor lifestyles, who collectively represent over 70% of our customer base.
In our experience, watches with mineral glass crystals account for over 90% of cracked crystal incidents, even when hardened mineral glass is used. Sapphire crystals, on the other hand, are much more durable under adverse conditions. This strength is achieved by heat-treating the sapphire glass to eliminate internal stresses before shaping it into crystals. Two layers of anti-reflective coating are then applied. Interestingly, sapphire crystal is also used in the latest iPhones.
While sapphire crystal does come at a higher cost, it is a feature typically found on higher-end watches and offers unmatched durability and clarity.
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