SKU: 100ATM/1224/SS/QZ
The MWC "Depthmaster" Military Diver models are MWC's latest heavy-duty range, designed to be extremely robust and reliable. Equipped with a sapphire crystal and 100atm water resistance, these watches are suitable for deep diving with mixed gases. They also feature a wider 24mm strap (compared to the standard 20mm on most military divers' watches) and a non-scratch ceramic bezel that offers better grip in extreme cold. These watches are specifically designed for professional divers operating in challenging conditions.
All MWC 100ATM models include a helium escape valve. Many ask how helium enters a dive watch, and the answer is simple: helium molecules are among the smallest molecules. Despite the seals working well to keep water out, helium can still penetrate the watch, whereas other gases and water cannot.
Saturation divers, who spend long periods at great depths under high pressure, are the main users of watches with helium escape valves. Helium can build up inside the watch, creating internal pressure that could damage the watch or even blow out the crystal or crown when unscrewed. This is particularly dangerous when checking or resetting the time, and it could render the watch unusable. The helium escape valve automatically releases helium during decompression, allowing the watch to return to standard sea-level pressure. The valve is one-way, ensuring helium escapes without letting external elements in.
For those unfamiliar with why helium is an issue, it’s important to understand why it is used in deep diving. Helium is one of the few gases that do not cause negative effects, such as nitrogen narcosis, making it ideal for mixed gas diving at great depths.
In some cases, professional divers work at great depths for extended periods in dry, pressurized environments using an oxygen/helium mix. When they decompress after days or weeks, the helium must be released to prevent problems like the crystal or crown blowing out, which could potentially cause injury or blindness.
While most divers will not spend days or weeks in a pressurized environment, and therefore won't need a helium valve, the 100ATM range includes one to ensure the watch is fit for deep diving purposes. Without the valve, the watch would not meet the needs of professional divers.
This particular model features a US 12/24-hour pattern dial and a brushed stainless steel finish. It is powered by a Ronda 715li movement, offering a 10-year battery life and a hacking function for synchronization.
Dimensions and Specifications:
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Movement: Ronda 715li with 10-year battery life and hacking function
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Water Resistance: 100atm / 3,280ft / 1000m
- Screw-down crown
- Helium Escape Valve
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Width: 47mm including crown (44mm excluding crown)
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Bezel: Unidirectional non-reflective with ceramic insert
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Thickness: 18mm
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Crystal Diameter: 31mm
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Crystal Type: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating*
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Lug-to-Lug: 48mm
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Weight: 132g
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Case: 316L Stainless Steel
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Illumination: Luminova on markers, hands, and bezel
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Strap: 24mm NATO webbing straps (One Grey and One Black)
* Many people ask about the benefits of sapphire crystal over standard mineral crystal. Synthetic sapphire is the best material for watch crystals because it is strong, shatter-resistant, and scratch-resistant. These properties make it popular with military and security personnel, police officers, and those with active outdoor lifestyles, who account for over 70% of our customers. Over 90% of accidents resulting in cracked crystals involve watches with mineral glass crystals. Even though we use hardened mineral crystals, they don’t compare to sapphire in terms of durability. The reason sapphire is so strong is that after manufacturing, it is heat-treated to remove internal stresses, which makes it more durable. Two layers of anti-reflective coating are applied for clarity. Interestingly, sapphire crystal is now also used on the latest iPhone models. Of course, sapphire comes at a higher cost, which is why it is typically found on high-end watches.
