About MWC

MWC was founded in 1974 by Wolfgang Obrigheimer. Although he had manufactured a limited number of watches in the mid-1960s, branding the movements as Military Watch Company, it wasn't until 1974 that he decided to run the business full-time. This decision came after a conversation with the renowned watchmaker Albert Wajs of Ollech and Wajs, who also lived in Zürich. Wolfgang ran the business alongside two partners, both of whom had previous experience in the horological industry.

Under Wolfgang's direction, the company initially focused on producing hand-wound mechanical watches, eventually progressing to quartz models in 1978. Some of the models we make today, such as the MKIII, W10, and G10 battery hatch models, trace their origins directly back to these early designs. While they remain visually similar to their predecessors, they now feature significant design improvements.

Wolfgang in 2005

MWC: A Legacy of Excellence

Wolfgang Obrigheimer, the founder of MWC, passed away in 2020 at the age of 91. Until the last few months of his life, Wolfgang remained actively involved with the company, contributing enthusiastically to design concepts. Unlike many modern designers who rely on computer-aided design, Wolfgang preferred sketching models by hand, a testament to his traditional craftsmanship. We still cherish some of his original drawings from the 1970s and early 1980s. Even in his final weeks, Wolfgang enjoyed good health and pursued his hobby of renovating grandfather and mantelpiece clocks. His son now runs the clock restoration business full-time. In honor of Wolfgang, we plan to introduce wooden replica military mantelpiece clocks, inspired by an RAF Mess clock from 1927 that he owned.

Global Operations and Innovation

Our design office, procurement, and contract sales staff are still based in Zürich, Switzerland, where the company began. Additionally, we have a location in the USA to manage our North American business. Over the last 25 years, we have established service and distribution centers in several countries, with manufacturing facilities in both Switzerland and Germany continuing to produce parts and handle assembly.

From a retail perspective, MWC operates globally through a network of distributors and retail outlets across the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, and various other countries.

Robust Military Specification Timepieces

MWC is one of the world's leading suppliers of robust military specification timepieces. We cater not only to individual buyers and the military but also to police forces, anti-terrorist units, airlines, mining companies, shipping and salvage companies, and a diverse array of government agencies and departments.

Custom and Private Label Services

We manufacture an extensive range of models under private label agreements, designed according to customers' specific requirements. We also tender for contracts where quality, reliability, and long-term durability are of primary importance. For example, the model shown here, reference G10/100UKG, is currently supplied to the British MoD (Ministry of Defence) and carries the NATO stock number (NSN) 6645-99-472-3228.

Regardless of whether you are a wholesaler, a buyer for a retail chain, a retailer of military, outdoor, or adventure products, or a government representative, please contact us to explore potential collaboration opportunities.

Note: Many retailers, jewelers, outdoor stores, dive shops, and airlines take advantage of our extensive range of OEM and Private Label services. If you wish to offer one of our models with your brand name or logo, we can supply you with quantities of 100/150 pieces and upwards, depending on the model. For details, please contact us via this link: Private Label Inquiries.

For further questions or assistance, please feel free to contact us by phone or email at admin@mwc.watch.