MWC’s original watches in this range were based on the 12/24-hour dial format used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War in the 1960s and early 1970s. These watches remain in production today, retaining the same classic appearance as those worn by American troops during that era. The final image in this listing shows one of these original watches, which inspired the various models MWC continues to manufacture.
European Pattern Variants
Due to frequent requests from dealers and customers, MWC introduced a similar model to the U.S. watches but with a UK NATO-style dial. This model is based on a British dial design from the early 1970s. Like the U.S. versions, these watches retain the plexiglass acrylic crystal, which was commonly used on both American and UK military watches in the 1960s and 70s. In fact, some UK military watches still use acrylic crystals today.
Material & Design Improvements
Although these watches closely resemble the original 1960s model shown in the final image, the original watches were made of plastic, as they were considered disposable by the U.S. military. However, making the watches in plastic today would carry the same limitations as the originals.
Around 15 years ago, MWC’s design team re-engineered the watch, keeping its original appearance, weight, and feel, but switching to an all-metal construction. This significant upgrade made the watches far more durable and greatly improved their overall quality, while maintaining the authentic look of the original design.
