MWC 1999-2001 Pattern Automatic Military Divers Watch with Sapphire Crystal and 60 Hour Power Reserve

SKU: DIV2001/SS/AUT

MWC first manufactured the predecessor to this 300m/1000ft water-resistant diver's watch between the early 1990s and 2004. Although the dial design evolved over that period, the 1999-2001 pattern dial remains the clear winner due to its easily readable, uncluttered layout and exceptional nighttime performance. This watch retains that original dial pattern and, while the original models used tritium, these new versions use Luminova. The encircled "T" has been retained for historical reasons.

Rediscovery and Remake

Although the predecessor to this watch was discontinued in 2007, an interesting turn of events occurred when an MWC distributor in Australia discovered 500 brand new quartz versions of this range in their storeroom. Made between 1999 and 2001, these watches were part of a procurement contract. When the distributor's son took over the business and conducted a detailed stock check, these watches came to light. We were offered the opportunity to buy them back, and they proved so popular that we decided to remake the watches in the same design with significant upgrades.

Upgrades and Improvements

Advances in watch manufacturing over the years allowed us to improve the overall specification:

• Movement: Automatic Miyota 8315 movement with a 60-hour power reserve, which is exceptional today but unheard of over 20 years ago. The movement can also be hand-wound and has hacking for synchronization.
• Crystal: Upgraded from hardened mineral glass to sapphire, which is highly scratch and shatter-resistant.
• Bezel: Upgraded to a 120-click bezel versus the earlier 60 or 90 clicks.

Historical Case Design

These watches are closely based on a case design originally made by the famous Swiss case-making firm MRP S.A. Founded in 1953 and bought by Georges Hauert in 1979, MRP is now independently owned by Patrick Hauert.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

Notable Users and Legacy

In addition to MWC watches, this case pattern has been used by companies such as Precista, Nilax, Elvia, and Heuer (predecessors to Tag Heuer who made the Heuer 844-1 in 1979). Chronosport manufactured the Sea Quartz 30, worn by Tom Selleck in Magnum PI. Elvia continues to produce watches using this case, and MWC is a factory-authorized distributor for this brand. CWC and various other companies also continue to use this case design. This case pattern is historically significant and has stood the test of time, being in continuous production for over 40 years.

Specifications

• Casing: Matt Non-Reflective Stainless Steel
• Crown: Screw-down Locking
• Water Resistance: 30 ATM / 300m / 1000ft
• Movement: Miyota 8315 with 60-Hour Power Reserve

Dimensions etc:

• Case diameter (excluding crown): 44.5 mm
• Case diameter (including crown): 46.0 mm
• Case diameter (2 o’clock to 8 o’clock): 42.5 mm
• Lug-to-lug length: 47.5 mm
• Case thickness: 13.1 mm
• Crystal Type: Sapphire with non-reflective coating
• Luminous Paint Type: Luminova
• Bezel: 120-click unidirectional
• Weight: 89.5g
• Strap: 1 x Black and 1 x Grey 20mm Nylon Webbing Straps
• Guarantee: 24 months

Benefits of Sapphire Crystal

Synthetic sapphire is the best material for watch crystals due to its strength and shatter and scratch resistance. These characteristics make it very appealing to military and security personnel, police officers, and those who lead active outdoor lifestyles, accounting for over 70% of our customers. The original plexiglass crystals used in the 1960s were easily scratched and prone to cracking, limiting water resistance. Over 90% of cracked crystal incidents involve watches with mineral glass crystals or plexiglass. Even hardened mineral crystals do not come close to sapphire for durability under adverse conditions. Sapphire crystals are heat-treated to remove internal stresses, enhancing their strength, and are made into watch crystals with two layers of anti-reflective coating. Sapphire crystal's robustness and durability make it a preferred choice for high-end watches and is now used in the latest iPhone models. While more expensive, sapphire crystal is typically fitted to higher-end watches.