Current NATO Pattern Quartz Military Divers Watch with Sapphire Crystal and 10 Year Battery Life and Ceramic Bezel - NATO STOCK NUMBER NSN 6645-99-157-3496

SKU: DIV2001SSCE/715LI

This watch, allocated the NSN number 6645-99-157-3496 by the MOD (Ministry of Defence) codification agency, traces its origins to models MWC first manufactured between the early 1990s and 2004. Although some details, such as the dial design, changed over that period, the 1999-2001 pattern dial remains the clear winner due to its easily readable, uncluttered layout and excellent nighttime performance. This watch retains that original dial pattern.

Over the years, this watch has been significantly updated. The main upgrades include:

• Transition from a Ronda 705 movement with a 5-year battery life to a Ronda 715li, which only requires a battery replacement every 10 years.
• Upgrading the crystal from hardened mineral glass to sapphire, which is vastly superior due to its high scratch and shatter resistance.
• Switching from a 60 or 90-click bezel to a 120-click bezel for more precise adjustments.
• Scratch Resistant Ceramic Bezel Insert

Because of its high specifications, this watch has received significant attention from various procurement agencies, leading to the allocation of an NSN number, making it available to NATO forces worldwide.

These watches are closely based on a case design originally made by the famous Swiss case-making firm MRP S.A. Aside from a few minor updates, the case remains much the same as in the late 1970s. MRP was founded in 1953 by Marchand, Roth, and Petignat, and it was bought by Georges Hauert in 1979. The entire share capital now belongs to Patrick Hauert, keeping the company independent and strong. For more information, visit their website: MRP S.A.

In addition to MWC watches, other watches using this case pattern have been produced by companies such as Precista, Nilax, Elvia, and Heuer, the predecessors to Tag Heuer, who made the Heuer 844-1 in 1979. Chronosport also made the Sea Quartz 30, worn by Tom Selleck in the Magnum PI TV show. Elvia, another manufacturer from the 1970s, 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. It's interesting that few people realize how historically significant this case pattern is and how well it has stood the test of time, having been in continuous production for over 40 years.

The basic design of these MWC watches goes back to the British Ministry of Defence (MOD) specification shown in the two images. The current NATO stock number allocation reflects the multiple improvements made possible by advancements in technology over the past three decades. While the updated models are virtually identical to the original watches in outward appearance, they are significantly superior from a technical perspective.

Dimensions and Specifications:

• Casing: Stainless Steel with matt finish
• Crown: Screw-down Locking
• Water Resistance: 30ATM/300m/1000ft
• Movement: Ronda 715li with 10 Year Battery Life
• Case diameter: 42.25 mm (2 o’clock to 8 o’clock)
• Width: 46mm (including crown), 44.5mm (excluding crown)
• Thickness: 13.1mm
• Lug to Lug: 47.5mm
• Crystal Diameter: 31mm
• Crystal Type: Sapphire with non-reflective coating*
• Luminous Paint Type: Luminova
• Bezel: 120 Click Unidirectional with Scratch Resistant Ceramic Insert
• Weight: 89.5g
• Fixed Solid Strap Bars
• Strap: Supplied with 1 x Admiralty Grey and 1 x Black 20mm NATO Pattern strap
• Guarantee: 24 Months

*Many people ask about the benefits of sapphire crystal over standard mineral crystal. Synthetic sapphire is the best material for watch crystals due to its strength and resistance to shattering and scratching. These characteristics make it highly appealing to military and security personnel, police officers, and people who lead active outdoor lifestyles, accounting for over 70% of our customers. When clients experience accidents resulting in a cracked crystal, over 90% involve watches with mineral glass crystals. Even though we use hardened mineral crystals, they still do not come close to sapphire for durability under adverse conditions. The reason sapphire crystals are so strong is that after the sapphire glass is manufactured, it is heat-treated to remove internal stresses, which can cause weakness. Two layers of anti-reflective coating are then applied. Interestingly, sapphire crystal is now used on the latest iPhones. Of course, sapphire crystal comes at a price, so it is usually only fitted to higher-end watches.