# Dreaming Up the Model C Field Explorer

**By Michael Seals** · 2017-10-23

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](https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/dirty-dozen-twelve-military-watches "Dirty Dozen Watches")..._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. 

![](//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1004/4894/files/IMG_6601_large.JPG?v=1499923423)

The end outcome, a design suitable for daily wear, legibility, abuse and above all else a bit of adventure ;)

![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1004/4894/files/unknown_large.jpg?v=1506401892)

## 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

Initial production will consist of only 250 examples

**Pre-order begins December 2017**

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> Source: [Seals Watch Co](https://seals-watches.com/blogs/journal/dreaming-up-the-model-c-field-explorer)