MWC NATO Pattern Stainless Steel Military Pilots Chronograph with Sapphire Crystal and Swiss Ronda Movement

SKU Code: TN7/BD/CDB 

The MWC NATO chronograph in a stainless steel case is designed to meet the needs of military aircrews, airline pilots, and GA pilots. While based on the same specifications used by several other leading military manufacturers of NATO chronographs, this watch includes several improvements for enhanced operation and visibility. The case size is 45.5mm, and the chronograph uses a high-performance Swiss Ronda 5040.D movement.

Operation:

When you push the top button, you get a crisp response, and the timing hand starts ticking. The stop button at 5 o’clock provides the same crisp feel when stopping the chronograph, and pressing it again snaps the hand straight back to 12.  Practical Benefits:

These models are ideal for those who own multiple watches because they don’t need to be wound before wearing them. All they require is a battery swap every few years and a check of the water resistance. One unique aspect is the absence of a tick, making it indistinguishable from a mechanical watch based on behavior alone.

Ronda 5040.D Sub-Dial Functions:

Left Sub-Dial (9 o'clock):

• 60-minute counter (chronograph)
• Tracks elapsed minutes when the chronograph is running.
• Goes up to 60 minutes.

Bottom Sub-Dial (6 o’clock):

Dual-Function 1/10-Second & 12-Hour Chronograph Counter

For the first 30 seconds after the chronograph is started, this dial functions as a 1/10-second counter, providing high-precision measurement. Once 30 minutes have elapsed, the same sub-dial switches to an hour counter, tracking up to 12 hours of total time.

Right Sub-Dial (3 o'clock):

• Small seconds (continuous running seconds for the main time)
• This one’s always running — has nothing to do with the chronograph function.

🕹️ Chronograph Controls:

• Top pusher (Start/Stop): Starts and stops the chrono.
• Bottom pusher (Reset): Resets the chronograph hands to zero (after it’s stopped).

📝 Pro Tip:

If the chrono hands are out of alignment (say, the 1/10th sec hand isn't zeroing properly), you can recalibrate them via the crown pulled out to the second position — each pusher moves a different hand. This means that whereas with many chronographs they need to be booked into a watchmaker to make minor adjustments. This does not apply in the case of this particular model because it is a simple job to find the calibration yourself if it's ever required.

Key Specifications

• Movement: Swiss Ronda 5040.D
• Battery: Renata 395
• Battery Life: Approx. 54 months
• Case Material: 316L stainless steel
• Case Diameter: 44mm (excluding crown), 45.5mm (including crown)
• Lug-to-Lug: 49mm
• Thickness: 13.5mm
• Crown: Screw-down locking crown
• Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
• Water Resistance: 20 ATM / 200m / 660ft
• Dial: Matte black with Super Luminova for maximum visibility in low light
• Straps: Supplied with both black and grey 20mm NATO nylon webbing straps

Benefits of Sapphire Crystal:

Synthetic sapphire is extremely strong, shatter-resistant, and scratch-resistant, making it ideal for military and security personnel, police officers, and active outdoor enthusiasts. These groups account for over 70% of our customer base. Our observations show that over 90% of incidents involving cracked watch crystals occur with mineral glass. Even hardened mineral crystals do not match the durability of sapphire. Sapphire crystals are strengthened through heat treatment to remove internal stresses and coated with two layers of anti-reflective coating. Although sapphire crystals are more expensive, they offer superior longevity, resilience, and performance, justifying their use in higher-end watches.

The MWC NATO chronograph in stainless steel combines modern technology's reliability and precision with the rugged design and functionality needed for professional use. Its robust features and user-friendly design make it an exceptional choice for both professionals and enthusiasts.

Europe, UK, and Rest of World

Tracked Mail:

• Europe: €11.75 / £9.99 / US$12.95
• UK: £7.95 / €9.50 / US$10.50
• Rest of World: US$22.75 / €20.50 / £17.50

Express Courier (UPS or FedEx):

• Europe: €23.50 / £19.99 / US$25.95
• UK (UPS/DPD):  £12.95 / €15.25 / US$16.95
• Rest of World: US$45.50 / €41.25 / £34.95

Note: The exact shipping cost may vary slightly depending on the weight and dimensions, but it will only differ by a small amount and will be shown at checkout. The above rates cover approximately 85% of parcels.

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If you are not satisfied with your purchase or it does not meet your requirements, you can return it within 14 days of receipt. The item must be in its original condition and packaging. To return a watch, please notify us using the form at the link below.

Please note that the watch, strap, or other purchased item must be in new and resalable condition. The returns policy will not apply if the item has been worn, the plastic protectors on the dial and/or caseback have been removed, or if there are other signs of usage, such as a worn strap. Essentially, the goods should not have been used beyond what would be expected if you had handled or examined an item in a shop before purchase.

To request a return authorization number, please visit this link.

Read our full returns policy here