ELVIA Automatic Military Divers Watch with Sapphire Crystal and 24 Jewel Automatic Movement

SKU: ELVIA/DIV1AU

ELVIA first produced military specification diver watches of this type and case design in the 1970s for the French Marine Nationale (French Navy). This watch maintains the spirit of their original models.

ELVIA was an officially authorized military contractor to the Marine Nationale, alongside notable brands like Beuchat, Tudor, Rolex, Heuer, Luxia, MN Auricoste, Triton, and ZRC. Many companies, including ourselves and CWC, continue to use this case pattern today.

The current ELVIA watches are closely based on a case pattern originally made by the renowned Swiss case-making firm MRP S.A. Founded in 1953 and bought by Georges Hauert in 1979, MRP is now independently owned by Patrick Hauert.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..

In addition to ELVIA, watches using this case pattern have been produced by companies such as Precista, Nilax, and Heuer, who were predecessors to Tag Heuer and made the Heuer 844-1 in 1979. Chronosport manufactured the Sea Quartz 30, worn by Tom Selleck in Magnum PI. Currently, CWC and various other companies continue to use this design. This case pattern is historically significant and has stood the test of time, being in continuous production for over 40 years.

The watch measures 45mm including the crown and 40mm excluding the crown. It uses a 20mm military nylon webbing strap, compatible with various NATO strap variants.

Dimensions and Specifications:

• Casing: Stainless steel with non-reflective light sandblasted finish
• Crown: Screw-down locking
• Water Resistance: 30 ATM / 300m / 1000ft
• Movement: 24 Jewel NH35 self-winding automatic with a 41-hour power reserve
• Case width (2 o’clock to 8 o’clock): 42.25mm excluding the crown
• Lug-to-lug length: 47.5 mm
  
• Crystal diameter: 31mm
• Crystal Type: Sapphire with non-reflective coating
• Luminous Paint Type: Luminova
• Bezel: 120-click unidirectional
• Weight: 89.5g
• Strap: Elasticated nylon French military webbing strap
• Spring Bars: Included
• Guarantee: 24 months

Benefits of Sapphire Crystal:

Sapphire crystal is superior to standard mineral crystal due to its strength, shatter, and scratch resistance. This makes it ideal for military and security personnel, police officers, and those with active outdoor lifestyles, who account for over 70% of our customers. Sapphire crystals are heat-treated to remove internal stresses, enhancing durability. Although more expensive, sapphire is typically fitted to higher-end watches. Sapphire crystal's robustness and durability make it a preferred choice for those seeking reliability under adverse conditions, and it is now also used in the latest iPhone models.

MWC are official distributors for ELVIA watches.