SKU: DIV2001/PVD/715LI
This model carries the NATO Stock Number 6645-99-969-5589, allocated by the UK Ministry of Defence codification agency. It is directly descended from MWC military divers produced from the early 1990s to 2004 and retains the highly regarded 1999–2001 pattern dial, widely considered the most legible configuration due to its uncluttered layout and excellent low-light visibility.
While the outward appearance remains faithful to the original issue watches, the modern version has been extensively upgraded to meet current operational standards.
Key Upgrades
- Swiss Ronda 715Li movement – approximately 10-year battery life (replacing the earlier 5-year Ronda 705)
- Sapphire crystal – vastly superior scratch and impact resistance compared to mineral glass
- 120-click unidirectional bezel – improved timing precision and tactile control
- Enhanced sealing and water resistance – suitable for professional diving
Because of its specification and reliability, the watch has been of ongoing interest to procurement agencies and is available to NATO forces through its NSN classification.
Military PVD Case Finish
The case features a military-spec black PVD treatment frequently specified for special forces and tactical use.
Unlike painted finishes used on lower-cost watches, PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) bonds to the steel at a molecular level. The result is:
- Far greater wear resistance
- No fading
- No flaking
The finish will only show wear if the steel itself is deeply abraded (for example against rock or concrete surfaces during heavy field use).
Historic Case Design
The case design originates from a pattern produced in Switzerland in the late 1970s and used across multiple military and professional diving watches. It has remained in continuous production for over four decades because of its durability, ergonomics, and ease of servicing.
The current MWC version follows the original British MOD specification visually but incorporates modern materials and engineering improvements developed over the last 30 years.
Why Sapphire Crystal Matters
Synthetic sapphire is the most durable material used for watch crystals. It offers:
- Exceptional scratch resistance
- High impact resistance
- Superior clarity
In real-world use, cracked crystals overwhelmingly occur on mineral glass watches. Sapphire is therefore strongly preferred by military personnel, police, security professionals, and outdoor users.
Specifications
Case: Stainless steel with black PVD finish
Water Resistance: 30ATM / 300m / 1000ft
Movement: Swiss Ronda 715Li quartz (10-year battery life)
Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Bezel: 120-click unidirectional
Crown: Screw-down locking crown
Lume: Luminova
Dimensions
- Case diameter: 42.25mm (2–8 o’clock)
- Width: 44.5mm (excluding crown) / 46mm (including crown)
- Thickness: 13.1mm
- Lug-to-lug: 47.5mm
- Crystal diameter: 31mm
- Weight: 89.5g
Bars: Fixed solid strap bars
Strap: 20mm black heat-welded NATO webbing strap
Guarantee: 24 months
This model preserves the appearance of the original military-issue divers while offering substantially higher durability, reliability, and service life than the watches it is based on — essentially the same tool watch concept, but engineered for modern use.