During the second world war, British allied forces contracted with Swiss Watchmakers for a large order of custom-built, precision watches. Unable to facilitate a mass order domestically, reaching out to the Swiss was a logical decision. Twelve watch companies accepted the call and produced hundreds of thousands of military-grade timepieces for soldiers battling the evil of their time.
According to Hodinkee...These needed to be accurate, reliable and durable, which in watchmaking terms meant they had to be regulated to chronometer standards, and also be waterproof and shockproof.
The watches also had to have a black dial, Arabic numerals, luminous hour and minute hands, luminous hour markers, a railroad minute track, a shatterproof crystal, and a stainless-steel case. Powering them would be 15-jewel movements, measuring between 11.75 and 13 lignes.
The original British MoD requirements acted as a set of guidelines rather than a traditional rule book. Our goal with the Model C was to recreate the classic military watch, a timepiece you may expect to find employed on a battlefield or training camp in an era when analog ruled.
Yet remain modern in nature, 35-38mm case replaced by 40mm, Sapphire over Perspex crystal all the while maintaining strong lume, high water resistance, power reserve, and accuracy.
The end outcome, a design suitable for daily wear, legibility, abuse and above all else a bit of adventure ;)
Specifications
Case width: 40.50mm
Case thickness: 10.40mm
Lug to lug: 48.50mm
Water resistance: 200M / 20ATM
Crystal: Sapphire, 2.40mm with anti-reflective coating on the inside
Movement: Swiss Technology Production Automatic, STP 1-11 with center seconds, hacking, and a convenient 44-hour power reserve - No date window will be offered
Details
Case: 316L stainless steel, signed hexagonal crown with embossed "S". Finishes offered are brushed/polished, media blasted and vintage. Lug width is 20.00mm but accommodates 22.00mm straps nicely.
Dial: Lightly granulated, black or German blue with applied 3-tier SEALS logo in a brushed finish. Markers and chapter ring (5-minute marks) employ Swiss Super-Luminova.
Strap: Handmade with Italian leather and heavy Chinois Au Fils thread. Each strap will be made in either Spain, Italy, Singapore or USA. Bespoke designed buckle in brushed or blasted finishes.
Delivered contents include:
- Automatic Model C waterproof wrist watch on leather strap
- Handmade Italian leather watch pouch with suede lining
- Owners manual, warranty information, and a couple stickers