MWC 24 Jewel 1982 Pattern 300m Automatic Military Divers Watch with Sapphire Crystal on a NATO Webbing Strap (Date Version)
Product Code: DIV/82SS/AU/D2 These diver's watches are a modern remake of our 1980s model, specifically remade for a U.S. contractor who secured a large sale to one of their clients. The watch features a robust stainless steel case and is equipped with a high-performance automatic 24-jewel self-winding movement. Several upgrades have been made to the original design, including a shatter and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and an increased water resistance rating. Historical and Technical Background This watch is based on a 1980 UK MOD specification for automatic diver's watches (DEF STAN 66-4 [Part 1] Issue 3), which specified a unidirectional bezel and a boldly marked dial with tritium paint and a mineral glass crystal. The MOD document from 1980 can be seen in the final two images. While this watch retains the spirit of the 1980 design, it includes modern improvements such as a sapphire crystal for enhanced durability. Key Features and Upgrades Movement: High-performance automatic 24-jewel NH35A self-winding movement with a 41-hour reserve Crystal: Shatter and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating Water Resistance: 300m / 1000ft Design: Sterile dial and caseback for a clean appearance Visibility: Uses Luminova for excellent nighttime visibility Strap: Standard 20mm NATO strap, with a variety of color options available for customization (supplied with 2 NATO straps) Specifications Water Resistance: 300m / 1000ft Crown: Screwdown locking Caseback: Screw caseback Dimensions: Width: 45mm including the crown, 40mm excluding the crown Thickness: 15mm Crystal Diameter: 31mm Lug to Lug: 49mm Weight: 89.5g Movement: 24-jewel NH35A with a 41-hour reserve Strap: 20mm NATO webbing strap (includes 2 NATO straps) Packaging: Giftbox included Benefits of Sapphire Crystal Many customers ask about the benefits of sapphire crystal over standard mineral 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 a heat treatment process that removes internal stresses and are then coated with two layers of anti-reflective coating. While sapphire crystals are more expensive, they offer superior longevity, resilience, and performance, justifying their use in higher-end watches. These models represent excellent value and are competitively priced for such a high-performance automatic watch. This watch combines the historical design and functional integrity of its predecessors with modern upgrades to meet the needs of today's professionals and enthusiasts.