MWC W10 1970's Pattern (Unbranded Dial) Hybrid Quartz/Mechanical Military Watch with 100m Water Resistance
$287.00
Product Details
SKU: W10/S/ND/MQ
W10 Hybrid Military Watch
The hand-wound mechanical version of this hybrid W10 was the predecessor to the quartz G10/98 models used by today's armed forces. Interestingly, British MOD specifications from February 1980 invited companies to submit tenders for supplying watches to the British forces (see last three images). The requirement anticipated that the W10 pattern mechanical watches issued in the 1970s would continue with a quartz movement. However, no quartz movement at that time could fit the case due to being too thick. This led to the creation of the G10 watches, descendants of which are still in military use today.
An intriguing twist in this story came when a local watch collector in Zurich mentioned having a W10 case and dial that was noticeably thicker than the standard W10 case. As a collector of various W10 watches, he concluded this must be one of the original prototype cases made in 1979/80 to accommodate a quartz movement. The case measured 13.9 mm compared to the 11 mm of the mechanical watch. Based on this discovery, we decided to follow the measurements of this original casing for our quartz model, creating the W10 that was never made back in 1980, resulting in a unique timepiece.
Our designer considered the W10 casing and evaluated different movement options. The Swiss quartz Ronda 715li movement was a good fit, but a sweep second-hand hybrid movement was even better suited to the 1970s design. This allowed us to produce a model that adheres to the original dimensions and aesthetics while incorporating modern upgrades like a glass crystal for 100m water resistance, a screw-on caseback, and a locking crown. Although significantly updated, this watch retains the original 1970s appearance.
Hybrid watches combine the best of contemporary and traditional watchmaking technology, featuring elements of both automatic and quartz watches. The hybrid movement uses a battery to power the movement through coils and a quartz oscillator, with mechanically actuated and controlled hands. This watch is ideal for those who prefer the sweep second-hand of an automatic or manual wind watch but want the low maintenance of a quartz model.
The W10 Hybrid has a heavy stainless steel satin finish case made from Military Grade 316L stainless steel. It is robust and built to endure extreme conditions, with a sweep second hand, black dial, and luminous markings. Note that the watch uses Luminous Luminova paint and carries a T for historical accuracy, though it contains no radioactive material.
Specifications:
- Case Diameter: 36mm excluding crown, 39.5mm including crown
- Lug to Lug: 42mm
- Thickness: 13.9 mm
- Dial Colour: Black
- Case Material: 316L stainless steel
- Caseback: Screw-on stainless steel
- Crown: Screw Down Locking
- Water Resistance: 100m / 330ft
- Movement: Hybrid
- Glass: Hardened Mineral Glass
- Serial number: Engraved on caseback
- Strap: 18mm NATO
- Packaging: Supplied in a box
This W10 Hybrid is a modern recreation that captures the essence of the 1970s design while offering the advantages of modern technology, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a high-quality, low-maintenance military watch.
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