Currently on the CWC website for £899. Ronda movement price on e-bay - £12.89. Strap value - £5. Mineral crystal. Would be good value if price was £50. Probably the best example of horological lunacy I have seen. The mystery is, how could anyone daft enough to buy it accumulate £899 in the first place? Merry Christmas Jodie, and thanks for the hours of entertainment you have provided throughout the year.
Because you pay for the 'provenance', and the market really dictates how much that's worth. Honestly, buying a AUD2000+ quartz watch with army provenance is just as wanky as buying a Rolex because it matches my Ferrari. Not my cup of tea, old chap.
@@stu632 Me also. Only upset I had to get the regular vice the SBS model as it was out of stock a few months ago. Translated to US it was $630 some dollars.
If you think that's expensive, I bought the 1980 mechanical reissue. In my wise and experienced position as a watch collector for over a decade now, I can say that value is a meaningless concept. If you shop by price you're doing it wrong. It's not about what you can get for X, it's about whether or not you want a particular watch and are willing to pay the price. That's a personal decision. "For this I could get that" is doing it backwards.
That's f-ing crazy! I can't believe anyone would pay that price. The true military watch for the common soldiers of US and UK troops from the 90s to today is the g-shock.
@TheMainCore what I'm talking about is if you truly want a watch that most NATO soldiers use... it isn't this. It is a g-shock. I'm a watch nerd, but their is no f-ing way I'd pay that kind of money for this watch, and I'd openly laugh at anyone who did. My personal military watch was a Casio f91w. I would take 2 of them and put them on an 18mm NATO strap. The one at the top of my wrist was Zulu time, and the one at the bottom of my wrist was local time.
I'm wearing my CWC GS Sapphire, black. 200m wr, fixed lugs, case that refuses to scratch for some reason, and reliability of quartz. It's my, "I'm about to do stupid things" watch. I'm happy with it.
Love CWC, however, the second hand ones are expensive due to the gravitas of them being issued. The ones for sale on the website are, specs wise, exactly the same (apart from the lume) however these have not been issued to an actual soldier. They are very expensive for what you actually get just in terms of a watch, I think the history is great but unless you are buying one with an actual issue number then I would say have a good think about why you want one, before pulling the trigger. They are great and I have bought one or two over the years and I am serving, unfortunately too young to see these issued to me, I only managed to get a cheap pulsar. Issued watches are now rare for serving personnel unless you are a diver or SF. All that aside, when I leave I was planning on purchasing one of the CWC range and getting an engraving on the back to represent my time in the Army. Love the channel, merry Christmas and a happy new year
Ive got the full matte version of the basic spec and i love the look of it. It looks so simple yet so stunning . Its now my favourite watch in my collection 😍
The hard metal keepers on the band ar actually part of the military specification. It keeps you awake on guard duty if you have things painfully poking into your wrist all the time.
I looked at CWC a few years back. I was looking at the quartz versions for a hard wearing daily. The price just put them out of the ballpark. I went with a Vostok for a few years but I’ve moved on to a Seiko Arnie. If they were around half the price they would be worth a look.
I hadn't realise, but the day after your post, I also posted suggesting the Seiko Arnie as a better alternative! And, if you have a Gen2, I suggest you check out the aftermarket stainless shroud. 'Stitches and Buckles' of Singapore do a very nice version with a high polish top edge. Looks great fitted. I just bought my second one for my latest 'Tropical' Arnie Gen 2 (a Black Friday bargain 'StarBuy' 349au !!).
Having ordered a CWC to Canada, the prices DO include VAT. I was relieved until I found out the import duties and taxes on the watch were pretty much the same as the VAT, so..... if you're in Canada, that price is about what you'll pay once it's imported. The web page doesn't do them justice. They are very clean and well finished pieces and with some miles on mine, the finishes are durable. I balked at paying so much for a quartz chronograph but once it was in my hands I stopped thinking about the price. Great watches.
I owned the ETA based automatic version of this. I believe I paid around $1200 3 or 4 years ago for it. Currently I own the quartz version of the Mellor (W10), which cost around $300. It's pretty nice and the seconds hand hits all indices.
The current infantry G10 watch is a humble Pulsar field watch which is basically a black faced Lorus Lumibrite. The CWC G10s were never that reliable and they rust. If you "lose" an issue watch before handing your kit in they will bill you for it. 5:4010:42
The one examined is not the one currently issued to Royal Marines and SBS. It is a special reissue of the 1983 quartz model with different case color, dial, hands and bezel insert (acrylic resin). The currently issued model costs £582. Undoubtedly high for a quartz watch but if you want to have what the Royal Marines and SBS wear today this is what you have to pay. If an MWC gives you the same feeling then you can spend much less, it is a very personal matter.
I had a G10 issued when I was in the Army, saw plenty of action and never missed a beat. I was in two minds wether to lose it before I left but, the repercussions were to much so, I reluctantly handed it back, like losing an old friend!
@@OscarOSullivan Some items they can write off i.e. items of clothing etc but, the Gucci stuff like watches get re-issued and they are classed as "star Items" and as such, it's an offence to lose them. It just wasn't worth going through the hassle.
@@OscarOSullivan They held a certain amount of kudos because they were only issued to certain positions and ranks, it didn't matter if it had been re-issued several times.
Just so civvies are clear about this; the military don't scatter the watches to the waiting troops, the watch has to be signed for and only NCOs and above are/were entitled to one. In the army the squadron/battalion quarter-master's store is designated G10. If, upon being de-mobbed, someone decides to 'lose' their watch then it will have to be paid for. This a recollection of 40+ years ago, things may have changed.
Also to add if the job you did requires you to use a watch as a NCO CP ACK then no but as a Pads NCO yes. Remember stores are for storing not for the troops 😆
I have 3 CWC's so I am a but biased but my favourite is the RN300-MT AS120-D. Bought it back around 2012 and its the one i wear 90% of the time. absolute confidence in 60 min sea swim, crash off a mountain bike ride - it just does the job. the cheap nato strap just adds to the "its got to do a job not look pretty".I wore it at daughters wedding in favour of my rolex date just but that's for different reasons and it meant a lot to me to do that. Had it serviced and it was very very very reasonable. price today is a bit "toppy" today but I reckon i got a bargain when I bought it for £550. This and my G10 from CWC (again a bargain compared to todays prices) just do the job
Jody I'm feeling quite smug, I love this design but would/could not pay that amount for the real deal, back in April I bought an MWC version with sapphire lens, the case is brushed it also has a date window and the seconds hand hits all the markers, I paid £239 for it and would love to see you do a comparison review of them both together, compared to that CWC watch I think mine is the real deal here,
Totally agree with you on that. I've got a couple of MWC watches and am really happy with them. The specs on both obliterate this CWC for a fraction of the price. Just haven't got the right name on the dial,though, I presume.
This one costs more because of its heritage, for those of you saying it's overpriced, the SBS version is at least £100 cheaper, with pvd coating, sapphire crystal, 120 click bezel and still currently issued! These divers are made to a higher quality, I have beaten my diver watches and CWC always comes up tops. It is also an independent company with customer service which is second to none.
@@AudioFlat for a genuinely issued watch, with nato stock number and pheon arrow, I disagree. Other brands use their heritage or a watch's history and charge a ridiculous amount because of it, however this is still in production and supplied to soldiers, can't beat that!
Correction, the SBS version is at least £200 cheaper. This version is priced more due to it's unique combination, the fatter minutes hand, 'T' dial, etc.
Thanks for another great video! I currently own two CWC watches - an SBS Diver and a G10 Sapphire, and I am looking to add a version similar to Mr P’s watch to my hoard. I utterly love my two current options. My G10 can easily be my “everyday” watch, and the SBS is strapped on for more “rufty-tufty” activities. Bearing in mind that my 9-5 job is in a workshop, and I climb, hike, camp and cycle in my spare time, both watches come into their own. I bought both mine pre-owned (but in exceptionally good/as new condition, both with box and papers) via a certain on-line auction site at a total spend of about £500. Both took a while to track down at a decent price, but the hunt is all part of the game, isn’t it? Their fixed spring bars are a bit of an issue when selecting straps to wear, but I’ve handmade myself a selection of full NATOs in leather, leather single-pass options, leather Bund options, and even a couple of detachable two-piece variants (nylon and leather) to see myself through most eventualities. OK, black-tie dinners won’t see me waring one of these… My next purchase will be a stainless steel diver, similar to Mr P’s one. However, I’m thinking of going for CWC’s custom version with an 80s dial, old logo and vintage lume. This version is just over £1K, but I’ve been through the wringer recently with many stays in hospital, several surgeries and I feel like treating myself :-) Keep up the great work. I hope both you and your family have a fantastic Christams and continue to keep well!
I've recently been in hospital for vascular surgery and rewarded myself for surviving with a watch. My choice was a Xeric Regulator Automatic, so the CWC is still in the queue! Congratulations on also surviving! It's a great feeling not being dead! :D
I actually won a TSAR a few years ago and love it. Very comfortable and pretty tough. Luckily for me, the price was right! I would recommend them even at their regular price.
That's a rough price point to be at with those specs. There are so many superior options for far less cash. Like you said, you really gotta love it for the authenticity for that money
It looks so much like My New Momentum Sea Quartz 30 but without Safire crystal. The price is ridiculous for this watch. Good thing the Erebus Origins and the Momentum Sea Quartz 30 are well priced. Nice review Jody and Merry Christmas to your family and you🎅🏻😃
I just bought a G10 for £290 from their website. I then found out it was £240 just 3 months ago. But I am glad that I bought it because it hasn't left my wrist since I put a very comfortable single-pass strap on it. The design, and fit and finish, are flawless.
Ruddy Nora. £900!?!? 😱. Must be in the name - CWC saw what IWC did and thought “we’ll have some of that colossal over-pricing - dance watch buyers, dance!” 😂😂😂
Haha nice review! I think the Mellor 72 is probably the only “‘value for money” model on CWC’s roster. Seeing that Hamilton has that exact model for a little more $$, I rather have my Mellor 72! Plus it’s more, say it with me Jody… Mil-Spec!
Mine turned up today, had been coveting one for a while and was nearly about to pull the trigger on the site but one turned up on the bay at a fucking outstanding price and i swiped it sharpish I love it. Its my like 8th cwc watch, third cwc diver, i have the curent sbs, the current normal diver with sapphire and now this reissue....its definitely my favourite it really is, despite the mineral crystal. The more reasonable price really helped also. Once i get the chance ill snap up one of the 87 sbs reissues.
Staggeringly good-looking, robust, handsome watch. But when you can get a super quartz movement like bulova lunar pilot for £4-500, the CWC starts to look less attractive. But it's some serious wrist candy taking price out of the equation
This is a killer watch (no pun intended) and with all the background and the warranty there will be enough nerds to buy it, i'm sure. If it's out of your self-justification price range, check the H.G.P Diver 200 automatic. It's "only" a NH35 but the history of H.G.P is even more interesting, i'd say. Oh, and don't forget Thomas Magnum's Momentum SeaQuartz!
I was issued with one of these back in 1978. I didn't think much of it, handed it back into stores and bought myself the quartz version of the Seiko SKX. I have been unable to destroy the Seiko in spite of wearing it for every tough job. It goes without saying that the Seiko has been used for its purpose, it has even been under the Royal Yacht in Hong Kong.
Interesting comment that. I remember reading an article that Andy McNab wrote about watches. He was issued with the squadie quartz version of the CWC (good ETA movement but gets flooded in the washing up bowl). When in the SAS he, and his colleagues, could have had the quartz/automatic Royal Navy/Special Forces CWC from stores if they wanted it. But they did not. In fact, McNab states that in those days you could pick out a member of the SAS by the fact that they were all wearing big chunky diver Seikos. If you are interested, he now wears a Breitling Colt.
Im not convinced these were 1978 issue to be honest, i call bs considering the Auto version wasnt even a won contract until 1980.....and the first quartz was 83......so chances of being issued "one of these in 1978" are...to be honest unless youve got a delorean, are fairly non existent
It is such a long time ago it may well have been 83 before I was issued with one, but my other comments still stand. Sorry if I misled on the date.@@sterlingarcher857
CWC, owned by Silverman's in Mile End Road. I worked for a rival East London army surplus company back in the day and used to deal with them quite a lot and remember these being dirt cheap back then. That's a NATO stock number on the caseback btw.
@@JAY61ish - They used to have some interesting kit back then. Even then they’d still occasionally manage to get hold of a few Denison smocks, but they would go for silly money.
Just had a look on the CWC watch site to say I'm gob smacked would be an under statement. 😯 I got my G10 1982 issue for free (go figure) but there's a QM in Portsmouth still waiting for it's return. They're certainly milking the MilSpec market. 😃
I was in The British Infantry back in the late 70's Early 80's .. i'm pretty sure our NCO's wore smiths G10 Watches.... I do know if a G10 watch was "lost" there would be a investigation , a fine and a bill for the new replacement.. I was only a private so bought my own casio... we could only wear them in the field . SGTs and above were the only blokes that could wear a watch around barracks or on parade...Pretty silly eh??
If you shop around, you might find Ginault's Silent Service for approximately that price, and you get your money's worth, if their alleged background doesn't bother you.
they used to sell the army version of these CWC watches back in the 80s in the old exchange and mart magazine.....25 pounds if I remember,i bought one and it's nothing to get exited about,mine packed in after a couple of years.
Reminds me a lot of my Mometum Sea Quartz. Love the look of this one but that heritage comes with a hefty premium (same with Marathon -- you really have to love these brands to go for it).
Look at the Cooper range. They have the Mil vibe and miles and miles cheaper. Also West End watches are underrated, with some nice looking military watches. Buy one of each and save a whole lot of money!
Ex Infantry here. 84-93. I actually did wear a G10 watch. It took some stick to be fair but it was replaced by a basic seiko diver that was more waterproof
Fabulous looking watch. I don't mind the polished finish although brushed would have been better. The price point is a shocker, so paying for the provenance overall. It would have to be a lot cheaper for me to look into it further
Jody, wondering if you've ever come across MWC. They are a direct homage (in my opinion) to CWC and Marathon, assembled in Switzerland (allegedly) out of mostly Seiko and Miyota movements. They can be had pretty inexpensively, especially second-hand brand new retail. I've been rocking their G10 homage mechaquartz (Seiko) and couldn't be more pleased, on the wrist at about 115$ USD. Mil spec and all that jazz. Give 'em a look if you haven't before!
@@bensynewsshoedown4999 is that so! The retailer I purchased from on ebay was based out of Ireland. I believe the story goes the bought a bunch of kit that never made it into circulation with the Irish armed forces. Older models but unused. Would recommend.
When you were showing the case back, the finish on the underside of the crown guards was obviously sloppy. And, the crown looked crooked. If you’re gonna charge that much for a quartz watch... at least put in a top quality quartz movement. The under a hundred Baltany mil spec out shines this piece by a mile.
I have several CWCs and just got this one in today. These cases are made by the same people that make Omega cases, they are far better than almost any other watch case I’ve seen for the price point.
I’m more than happy with my MWC Quartz Date version of the same milspec Monnin style case, which is all bead blasted. Swiss Ronda movement with 10 year battery. Also sapphire crystal. Especially since it only cost me about $300. CWC can keep its overpriced “provenance”.
While I partly agree. A Rolex is at best a couple grand worth of watch for ten's of thousand, if not more. What people value and pay for can be crazy eh?
It resembles the Marathon Sea Quartz, same basic case shape, bezel looks the same, might be the same Quartz movement… I prefer the numbers on the dial, colored min hand and day-date on the Marathon at 1/3 the price.
Wow wow wow wow I have this exact watch with the automatic movement brought from silvermans in the UK.... Brought circa 2005....price?..... around £700... what on earth is going on at CWC?.... The price of this watch is insane for a quartz....
I have a couple of 1980s era CWC G10s I bought on Ebay a few years ago. One is a daily beater, the other is in mint unworn condition. I didn't pay much for either of them. I can't believe the prices they are going for now. They've turned out to be a great investment. I wouldn't buy a new one at the ridiculous prices they want for them.
I remember not long ago when you could get a CWC G10 from Silvermans in Mile End for around £130. And that seemed a bit steep for a basic watch so I opted for a Seiko import with a similar style.
I had a lady friend who came from a military family here in Ireland. Her father was a Sergeant Major who had spent years in the Lebanon on active service. I asked her what watch her father wore in the army and of course, it was a G-Shock.
Well no. Problem with any quartz diver is that you may compromise the water resistance when the battery is changed unless you pay big bucks to get it tested again.
If I hadn't recently paid almost $1000 for the Hamilton PSR; I would be very critical of someone paying this much money for a quartz watch. I have to say though that I love my PSR. It looks like a straight up 1970s LED without all of the hassles of owning a 1970s LED. So, to each their own. If you love it, then you'll not regret the hefty price.
I've worn several CWC watches over the years, and I've always very much liked them. However, their current prices are ridiculous, IMHO. It's highly unlikely I'd ever buy another unless they significantly reduced their prices. Nevertheless, some people seem to go nuts for them and are happy to pay.
It would somewhat justify this price if it was at least mechanical or better still automatic, but to charge this much for an empty shell with £10 quartz movement and basic NATO strap? 🤔
I've got a Momentum Sea Quartz on the way. I looked at the CWC, but just too expensive. Both great looking watches, but I think I'll be happy with my Momentum. Merry Christmas.
Nice styling but it's hard not to fall off my chair with laughter at the asking price. Sounds like a typical government buying process. The forces have probably been buying the brand for years and CWC in their wisdom has continuously jacked the prices up and the purchasing officers haven't been bothered doing due diligence as it's not their money. How much would I pay for one you ask ... shift the decimal point one place to the left and that seems about right!
It's quite irritating to hear content producers and commenters aghast about "mil spec" watches not adhering to perceived expectations of perfection. As a military veteran, "mil spec" means, to me, the most one can get for the least amount of money as afforded by the government. My recommendation: don't hold that designation to such high standards. I'm not surprised by the conclusion of this content, IT'S JUST MIL SPEC. Case closed.
@@JustOneMoreWatch I hear you, didn't mean to imply otherwise. To clarify, I'm irritated at the expectation folks seem to have regarding labelling something as "military" to be end all, be all, period. And, really, if that's my heightened irritation in life, I can surely count my blessings. You rock, your scoffing at that particular price for this particular piece is understandably justified, and I hope that content producers (and, more appropriately, watch companies) treat the designation of "mil spec" with the skepticism that designation deserves. Thank you for allowing me room to expand, and I still need to know where you got that sweet X-Wing superimposed over the moon T-shirt. Sláinte!
I bought the cooper copy in black from Ali on your recommendation. I know you sold yours but I really like the case and size aand wear mine a lot. This ones a beauty. I'll keep my $80 copy though....
Can buy a blacked out limited edition Seiko Willard for that price, with the 6R35. The weaving of the Nato on the willard is also pure japanese top notch quality.. or a seiko alpinist...(the new GMTs).
Honestly, it's similar to a Seiko, since Omega,( particularly the Seamaster 300 Milspec), was its primary influence. Mineral crystal is akin to "Hardlex", too.
Merry Christmas Jody and thank you for the videos! Question - is a Seiko 'Arnie' (Gen2) the next best thing to a CWC mil-spec watch, or is it better? With great respect to those who serve, I think the Arnie is better, especially if one swaps the shroud for a stainless steel shroud!
I can totally see why some watch/military enthusiasts would buy this, and there is a lot i personally like, too, but that is a lot of money, and there are many other options i would buy before this one.
Paid slightly more for my Swiss Hamilton Khaki X-Wind H77765541 automatic watch, but then you get so much more for your money than that quartz provenance thing. Go figure. ⌚💰 🤔
Currently on the CWC website for £899. Ronda movement price on e-bay - £12.89. Strap value - £5. Mineral crystal. Would be good value if price was £50. Probably the best example of horological lunacy I have seen. The mystery is, how could anyone daft enough to buy it accumulate £899 in the first place? Merry Christmas Jodie, and thanks for the hours of entertainment you have provided throughout the year.
Because you pay for the 'provenance', and the market really dictates how much that's worth. Honestly, buying a AUD2000+ quartz watch with army provenance is just as wanky as buying a Rolex because it matches my Ferrari. Not my cup of tea, old chap.
I got the MK.2 POLISHED CASE (RN300-P QS120), sapphire crystal, great lume, great case, looks and feels great, £565, worth every penny 😀
Is a swiss made watch, all swiss made watches have gone up in price, Tissot, Certina, Hamilton, etc. Production costs, materials etc.
@@stu632 Me also. Only upset I had to get the regular vice the SBS model as it was out of stock a few months ago. Translated to US it was $630 some dollars.
@stu632 same here great watch and unfortunately lve a few more CWC's . Its an addiction 😂
I would rather pay more for a Marathon GSAR...and I did.
I absolutely love my Arctic GSAR.
I have the same watch and I'm wearing it as we speak.... True tool watch...
If you think that's expensive, I bought the 1980 mechanical reissue. In my wise and experienced position as a watch collector for over a decade now, I can say that value is a meaningless concept. If you shop by price you're doing it wrong. It's not about what you can get for X, it's about whether or not you want a particular watch and are willing to pay the price. That's a personal decision. "For this I could get that" is doing it backwards.
That's f-ing crazy! I can't believe anyone would pay that price. The true military watch for the common soldiers of US and UK troops from the 90s to today is the g-shock.
You don't know what you are talking about. This is a watch for true watch nerds.
@@TheMainCore
Then count me out.
@TheMainCore what I'm talking about is if you truly want a watch that most NATO soldiers use... it isn't this. It is a g-shock. I'm a watch nerd, but their is no f-ing way I'd pay that kind of money for this watch, and I'd openly laugh at anyone who did. My personal military watch was a Casio f91w. I would take 2 of them and put them on an 18mm NATO strap. The one at the top of my wrist was Zulu time, and the one at the bottom of my wrist was local time.
Casio GD 400 3434 - "on the circuit" slightly after the 90s - but yeah, G shocks all the way
@@TheMainCore 🤓🤓🤓
I'm wearing my CWC GS Sapphire, black. 200m wr, fixed lugs, case that refuses to scratch for some reason, and reliability of quartz. It's my, "I'm about to do stupid things" watch. I'm happy with it.
I don't need a watch to do stupid things. But I might wear my GSAR Automatic, though.
Love CWC, however, the second hand ones are expensive due to the gravitas of them being issued. The ones for sale on the website are, specs wise, exactly the same (apart from the lume) however these have not been issued to an actual soldier. They are very expensive for what you actually get just in terms of a watch, I think the history is great but unless you are buying one with an actual issue number then I would say have a good think about why you want one, before pulling the trigger. They are great and I have bought one or two over the years and I am serving, unfortunately too young to see these issued to me, I only managed to get a cheap pulsar. Issued watches are now rare for serving personnel unless you are a diver or SF.
All that aside, when I leave I was planning on purchasing one of the CWC range and getting an engraving on the back to represent my time in the Army.
Love the channel, merry Christmas and a happy new year
Ive got the full matte version of the basic spec and i love the look of it. It looks so simple yet so stunning . Its now my favourite watch in my collection 😍
The hard metal keepers on the band ar actually part of the military specification. It keeps you awake on guard duty if you have things painfully poking into your wrist all the time.
The strap was the first thing I changed, to a single pass one. Now it's great.
I looked at CWC a few years back. I was looking at the quartz versions for a hard wearing daily. The price just put them out of the ballpark. I went with a Vostok for a few years but I’ve moved on to a Seiko Arnie. If they were around half the price they would be worth a look.
Got a Vostok 710379 now onto a Citizen NY0040-17L
I hadn't realise, but the day after your post, I also posted suggesting the Seiko Arnie as a better alternative! And, if you have a Gen2, I suggest you check out the aftermarket stainless shroud. 'Stitches and Buckles' of Singapore do a very nice version with a high polish top edge. Looks great fitted. I just bought my second one for my latest 'Tropical' Arnie Gen 2 (a Black Friday bargain 'StarBuy' 349au !!).
Having ordered a CWC to Canada, the prices DO include VAT. I was relieved until I found out the import duties and taxes on the watch were pretty much the same as the VAT, so..... if you're in Canada, that price is about what you'll pay once it's imported.
The web page doesn't do them justice. They are very clean and well finished pieces and with some miles on mine, the finishes are durable. I balked at paying so much for a quartz chronograph but once it was in my hands I stopped thinking about the price. Great watches.
I owned the ETA based automatic version of this. I believe I paid around $1200 3 or 4 years ago for it. Currently I own the quartz version of the Mellor (W10), which cost around $300. It's pretty nice and the seconds hand hits all indices.
The current infantry G10 watch is a humble Pulsar field watch which is basically a black faced Lorus Lumibrite. The CWC G10s were never that reliable and they rust. If you "lose" an issue watch before handing your kit in they will bill you for it. 5:40 10:42
I've never seen a rusty G10
The one examined is not the one currently issued to Royal Marines and SBS. It is a special reissue of the 1983 quartz model with different case color, dial, hands and bezel insert (acrylic resin). The currently issued model costs £582. Undoubtedly high for a quartz watch but if you want to have what the Royal Marines and SBS wear today this is what you have to pay. If an MWC gives you the same feeling then you can spend much less, it is a very personal matter.
And a bunch of government thugs serving their illegal murderous interests should inspire us to open our wallets exactly how? 🤔
I had a G10 issued when I was in the Army, saw plenty of action and never missed a beat. I was in two minds wether to lose it before I left but, the repercussions were to much so, I reluctantly handed it back, like losing an old friend!
I don’t understand why you can’t take it when you leave.
@@OscarOSullivan Some items they can write off i.e. items of clothing etc but, the Gucci stuff like watches get re-issued and they are classed as "star Items" and as such, it's an offence to lose them. It just wasn't worth going through the hassle.
@@stevenshaw6766 Thanks what I meant is after all those years of service why bother taking back and reissuing a second hand watch
@@OscarOSullivan They held a certain amount of kudos because they were only issued to certain positions and ranks, it didn't matter if it had been re-issued several times.
@@stevenshaw6766 That is interesting
Just so civvies are clear about this; the military don't scatter the watches to the waiting troops, the watch has to be signed for and only NCOs and above are/were entitled to one. In the army the squadron/battalion quarter-master's store is designated G10. If, upon being de-mobbed, someone decides to 'lose' their watch then it will have to be paid for. This a recollection of 40+ years ago, things may have changed.
Same back in my say too mate... a lost G10 would lead to an investigation . and a fine .. same for all G10 Kit..
Also to add if the job you did requires you to use a watch as a NCO CP ACK then no but as a Pads NCO yes. Remember stores are for storing not for the troops 😆
I dont think the military issues watches anymore
@@taham33I think they still do but usage I reckon fairly minimal as it easy to get a better watch
I have 3 CWC's so I am a but biased but my favourite is the RN300-MT AS120-D. Bought it back around 2012 and its the one i wear 90% of the time. absolute confidence in 60 min sea swim, crash off a mountain bike ride - it just does the job. the cheap nato strap just adds to the "its got to do a job not look pretty".I wore it at daughters wedding in favour of my rolex date just but that's for different reasons and it meant a lot to me to do that. Had it serviced and it was very very very reasonable. price today is a bit "toppy" today but I reckon i got a bargain when I bought it for £550. This and my G10 from CWC (again a bargain compared to todays prices) just do the job
Jody I'm feeling quite smug, I love this design but would/could not pay that amount for the real deal, back in April I bought an MWC version with sapphire lens, the case is brushed it also has a date window and the seconds hand hits all the markers, I paid £239 for it and would love to see you do a comparison review of them both together, compared to that CWC watch I think mine is the real deal here,
Totally agree with you on that. I've got a couple of MWC watches and am really happy with them. The specs on both obliterate this CWC for a fraction of the price. Just haven't got the right name on the dial,though, I presume.
This one costs more because of its heritage, for those of you saying it's overpriced, the SBS version is at least £100 cheaper, with pvd coating, sapphire crystal, 120 click bezel and still currently issued! These divers are made to a higher quality, I have beaten my diver watches and CWC always comes up tops. It is also an independent company with customer service which is second to none.
£100.00 cheaper is still ridiculously overpriced!
@@AudioFlat for a genuinely issued watch, with nato stock number and pheon arrow, I disagree. Other brands use their heritage or a watch's history and charge a ridiculous amount because of it, however this is still in production and supplied to soldiers, can't beat that!
The cope is strong in this one
Correction, the SBS version is at least £200 cheaper. This version is priced more due to it's unique combination, the fatter minutes hand, 'T' dial, etc.
@@DC-uf6ve that's good news, means it's working 😊
Thanks for another great video!
I currently own two CWC watches - an SBS Diver and a G10 Sapphire, and I am looking to add a version similar to Mr P’s watch to my hoard.
I utterly love my two current options. My G10 can easily be my “everyday” watch, and the SBS is strapped on for more “rufty-tufty” activities. Bearing in mind that my 9-5 job is in a workshop, and I climb, hike, camp and cycle in my spare time, both watches come into their own. I bought both mine pre-owned (but in exceptionally good/as new condition, both with box and papers) via a certain on-line auction site at a total spend of about £500. Both took a while to track down at a decent price, but the hunt is all part of the game, isn’t it?
Their fixed spring bars are a bit of an issue when selecting straps to wear, but I’ve handmade myself a selection of full NATOs in leather, leather single-pass options, leather Bund options, and even a couple of detachable two-piece variants (nylon and leather) to see myself through most eventualities. OK, black-tie dinners won’t see me waring one of these…
My next purchase will be a stainless steel diver, similar to Mr P’s one. However, I’m thinking of going for CWC’s custom version with an 80s dial, old logo and vintage lume. This version is just over £1K, but I’ve been through the wringer recently with many stays in hospital, several surgeries and I feel like treating myself :-)
Keep up the great work. I hope both you and your family have a fantastic Christams and continue to keep well!
I've recently been in hospital for vascular surgery and rewarded myself for surviving with a watch. My choice was a Xeric Regulator Automatic, so the CWC is still in the queue! Congratulations on also surviving! It's a great feeling not being dead! :D
What is the second hand like at hitting the markers on the G10 sapphire?
Canadian here, and I really would like a Marathon GSAR for similar reasons. Just too bad it wasn't half the price....
I actually won a TSAR a few years ago and love it. Very comfortable and pretty tough. Luckily for me, the price was right!
I would recommend them even at their regular price.
I have a Citizen NY0040-17L
I’m not concerned what they’re charging us watch buyers. I’m concerned what they’re charging the military.
I have a 1988 G10 still going well & keeps great time. West Scotland.
That's a rough price point to be at with those specs. There are so many superior options for far less cash. Like you said, you really gotta love it for the authenticity for that money
Military grade for civilian use often comes with the $$$ gouge.
I appreciate your comments on the mineral/saphire discussion.
Unless it's a Vostok.
It looks so much like My New Momentum Sea Quartz 30 but without Safire crystal. The price is ridiculous for this watch. Good thing the Erebus Origins and the Momentum Sea Quartz 30 are well priced. Nice review Jody and Merry Christmas to your family and you🎅🏻😃
I just bought a G10 for £290 from their website. I then found out it was £240 just 3 months ago. But I am glad that I bought it because it hasn't left my wrist since I put a very comfortable single-pass strap on it. The design, and fit and finish, are flawless.
no sapphire at that price is seiko style criminality
Ruddy Nora. £900!?!? 😱. Must be in the name - CWC saw what IWC did and thought “we’ll have some of that colossal over-pricing - dance watch buyers, dance!” 😂😂😂
Haha nice review! I think the Mellor 72 is probably the only “‘value for money” model on CWC’s roster. Seeing that Hamilton has that exact model for a little more $$, I rather have my Mellor 72! Plus it’s more, say it with me Jody… Mil-Spec!
Mine turned up today, had been coveting one for a while and was nearly about to pull the trigger on the site but one turned up on the bay at a fucking outstanding price and i swiped it sharpish
I love it. Its my like 8th cwc watch, third cwc diver, i have the curent sbs, the current normal diver with sapphire and now this reissue....its definitely my favourite it really is, despite the mineral crystal. The more reasonable price really helped also. Once i get the chance ill snap up one of the 87 sbs reissues.
Wasn't the one last week was it came.with 3 straps ? £645 one?
@@Slim-Diesel hahahahaha, it was yes.
Staggeringly good-looking, robust, handsome watch. But when you can get a super quartz movement like bulova lunar pilot for £4-500, the CWC starts to look less attractive. But it's some serious wrist candy taking price out of the equation
This is a killer watch (no pun intended) and with all the background and the warranty there will be enough nerds to buy it, i'm sure. If it's out of your self-justification price range, check the H.G.P Diver 200 automatic. It's "only" a NH35 but the history of H.G.P is even more interesting, i'd say. Oh, and don't forget Thomas Magnum's Momentum SeaQuartz!
Looks a proper mil-spec but I'd rather go for a Marathon instead...which in fact I did. Thanks for showing it to us...and nice shirt!😉 Cheers!
Or black dial Citizen NY0040
I was issued with one of these back in 1978. I didn't think much of it, handed it back into stores and bought myself the quartz version of the Seiko SKX. I have been unable to destroy the Seiko in spite of wearing it for every tough job. It goes without saying that the Seiko has been used for its purpose, it has even been under the Royal Yacht in Hong Kong.
The Royal Yacht. Those were the days! Much respect Sir!
Interesting comment that. I remember reading an article that Andy McNab wrote about watches. He was issued with the squadie quartz version of the CWC (good ETA movement but gets flooded in the washing up bowl). When in the SAS he, and his colleagues, could have had the quartz/automatic Royal Navy/Special Forces CWC from stores if they wanted it. But they did not. In fact, McNab states that in those days you could pick out a member of the SAS by the fact that they were all wearing big chunky diver Seikos.
If you are interested, he now wears a Breitling Colt.
That says it all.@@theplayer2286
Im not convinced these were 1978 issue to be honest, i call bs considering the Auto version wasnt even a won contract until 1980.....and the first quartz was 83......so chances of being issued "one of these in 1978" are...to be honest unless youve got a delorean, are fairly non existent
It is such a long time ago it may well have been 83 before I was issued with one, but my other comments still stand. Sorry if I misled on the date.@@sterlingarcher857
You're right, A great looking watch....... and only £725 more to buy than it cost them to make LOFL ...Happy Christmas btw.
CWC, owned by Silverman's in Mile End Road. I worked for a rival East London army surplus company back in the day and used to deal with them quite a lot and remember these being dirt cheap back then. That's a NATO stock number on the caseback btw.
I remember the little A5 size Silverman’s catalogues, when they were knocking out CWCs for about sixty quid a pop.
We used to get our berets from silvermans back in the 80's ..as the issues Kangols back then were wazzing... 😄
@@JAY61ish - They used to have some interesting kit back then. Even then they’d still occasionally manage to get hold of a few Denison smocks, but they would go for silly money.
Just had a look on the CWC watch site to say I'm gob smacked would be an under statement. 😯 I got my G10 1982 issue for free (go figure) but there's a QM in Portsmouth still waiting for it's return. They're certainly milking the MilSpec market. 😃
To be fair, people have loads of money to blast away on anything, and like to flex. Why shouldn't they clean up? They're not charities!
Perhaps that Quartermaster is now possibly dead
I was in The British Infantry back in the late 70's Early 80's .. i'm pretty sure our NCO's wore smiths G10 Watches.... I do know if a G10 watch was "lost" there would be a investigation , a fine and a bill for the new replacement.. I was only a private so bought my own casio... we could only wear them in the field . SGTs and above were the only blokes that could wear a watch around barracks or on parade...Pretty silly eh??
Smiths used to provide the British military watches in the 1960’s but were defunct by 1971
If you shop around, you might find Ginault's Silent Service for approximately that price, and you get your money's worth, if their alleged background doesn't bother you.
I have about a half-dozen CWC watches, some are vintage issue. They are worth every penny. QUALITY, RUGGED, and ACCURATE.
They are ripping the absolute piss with that price!
They didn't miss and hit the wall, put it that way!
they used to sell the army version of these CWC watches back in the 80s in the old exchange and mart magazine.....25 pounds if I remember,i bought one and it's nothing to get exited about,mine packed in after a couple of years.
I bought a MWC copy for like £40 twenty years ago before I got into watches.Its still going strong as a knockabout watch.
Reminds me a lot of my Mometum Sea Quartz. Love the look of this one but that heritage comes with a hefty premium (same with Marathon -- you really have to love these brands to go for it).
Look at the Cooper range. They have the Mil vibe and miles and miles cheaper. Also West End watches are underrated, with some nice looking military watches. Buy one of each and save a whole lot of money!
Ex Infantry here. 84-93. I actually did wear a G10 watch. It took some stick to be fair but it was replaced by a basic seiko diver that was more waterproof
Been collecting CWC's for the last 7 years and prices both new and second hand have shot up , even damaged ones fetch decent prices .
I miss the very first batch of this reissue, when it was with the ETA 955.122 and sapphire glass.
I should have gotten my hands on one back then.
Fabulous looking watch. I don't mind the polished finish although brushed would have been better. The price point is a shocker, so paying for the provenance overall. It would have to be a lot cheaper for me to look into it further
Better proposition is a black dialled Citizen NY0040.
I am loving my blue dialled NY0040 I got for Christmas.
Yet it still misses some markers… you can buy the same from mwc for £220ish.
Thanks for the vid, Jody....not for me, the 'authenticity' is just an excuse to sell a 'meh' product for ten times what it is worth.
I paid around $600US for my Citizen Promaster GMT with sapphire glass and a bracelet. And it is equally authentic.
Jody, wondering if you've ever come across MWC. They are a direct homage (in my opinion) to CWC and Marathon, assembled in Switzerland (allegedly) out of mostly Seiko and Miyota movements. They can be had pretty inexpensively, especially second-hand brand new retail. I've been rocking their G10 homage mechaquartz (Seiko) and couldn't be more pleased, on the wrist at about 115$ USD. Mil spec and all that jazz. Give 'em a look if you haven't before!
Allegedly Aussies bought MWC a few years ago. Quite mysterious.
@@bensynewsshoedown4999 is that so! The retailer I purchased from on ebay was based out of Ireland. I believe the story goes the bought a bunch of kit that never made it into circulation with the Irish armed forces. Older models but unused. Would recommend.
MWC do the same thing for much less cash. All are made to the original mil procurement specs so are genuine.
When you were showing the case back, the finish on the underside of the crown guards was obviously sloppy. And, the crown looked crooked.
If you’re gonna charge that much for a quartz watch... at least put in a top quality quartz movement.
The under a hundred Baltany mil spec out shines this piece by a mile.
I have several CWCs and just got this one in today. These cases are made by the same people that make Omega cases, they are far better than almost any other watch case I’ve seen for the price point.
I’m more than happy with my MWC Quartz Date version of the same milspec Monnin style case, which is all bead blasted. Swiss Ronda movement with 10 year battery. Also sapphire crystal. Especially since it only cost me about $300. CWC can keep its overpriced “provenance”.
Agreed... I own a couple of MWC watches. Both have far better specs than this offering. I appreciate the provenance, but not the 99.9 % mark up !!
A 50£ Quartz watch sold for 700, that's a good profit. 😂
Definitely making money on them!
@JustOneMoreWatch Nothing against making a healthy profit . It's just not worth it for me, Jody!
While I partly agree. A Rolex is at best a couple grand worth of watch for ten's of thousand, if not more. What people value and pay for can be crazy eh?
It's the sort of pricing the MOD fall for every single time.
I had to go look up MOD because I'm a square and I still am not sure what you mean. @@mstevens113
It resembles the Marathon Sea Quartz, same basic case shape, bezel looks the same, might be the same Quartz movement…
I prefer the numbers on the dial, colored min hand and day-date on the Marathon at 1/3 the price.
Wow wow wow wow I have this exact watch with the automatic movement brought from silvermans in the UK.... Brought circa 2005....price?..... around £700... what on earth is going on at CWC?.... The price of this watch is insane for a quartz....
I have a couple of 1980s era CWC G10s I bought on Ebay a few years ago. One is a daily beater, the other is in mint unworn condition. I didn't pay much for either of them. I can't believe the prices they are going for now. They've turned out to be a great investment. I wouldn't buy a new one at the ridiculous prices they want for them.
I remember not long ago when you could get a CWC G10 from Silvermans in Mile End for around £130. And that seemed a bit steep for a basic watch so I opted for a Seiko import with a similar style.
Genuinely absurd price. I'd much rather wear an original CAsio Duro if that's what they're charging.
Really cool watch and I love the history, but for me to consider purchasing it would need to be $300-$400
I had a lady friend who came from a military family here in Ireland. Her father was a Sergeant Major who had spent years in the Lebanon on active service. I asked her what watch her father wore in the army and of course, it was a G-Shock.
How many tours did he do?
@@OscarOSullivan I'm not sure - but he was there for his entire career as a battalion Sargent major. Also served in Cyprus.
@@DarrenBates Interesting anyway
Well no. Problem with any quartz diver is that you may compromise the water resistance when the battery is changed unless you pay big bucks to get it tested again.
No different than a mechanical when it is serviced. Eco drive divers on the hand can go years without service.
CWC SBS Divers Issue Quartz Watch Mk.2 Day/Date, Black (SF300 QS120-DD) has sapphire glass, 120 click bezel and costs less.
At some point i must get a SBS cwc to go with my g10 (2005 issue)
Will the Erebus Origin ever be offered in the 40 mm size?
If I hadn't recently paid almost $1000 for the Hamilton PSR; I would be very critical of someone paying this much money for a quartz watch.
I have to say though that I love my PSR. It looks like a straight up 1970s LED without all of the hassles of owning a 1970s LED. So, to each their own. If you love it, then you'll not regret the hefty price.
I've got a back SBS version which is great, I will get a silver model sometime
The Helson Sharkmaster 300 has been on the market for years. I own one since 2021. IMHO it is a much better deal than the CWC.
I've worn several CWC watches over the years, and I've always very much liked them. However, their current prices are ridiculous, IMHO. It's highly unlikely I'd ever buy another unless they significantly reduced their prices. Nevertheless, some people seem to go nuts for them and are happy to pay.
It would somewhat justify this price if it was at least mechanical or better still automatic, but to charge this much for an empty shell with £10 quartz movement and basic NATO strap? 🤔
@@An_inquisitive_thinker And the prices of their mechanical versions 😱
@@marksimner8734 Indeed.
Looks like the main case back number is a Nato Stock Number (NSN). The '99' would refer to the UK.
No wonder they say it cost billions to build a sub if what should be a 100 dollar watch costs 1000…..
The high polish case is more corrosion resistant than a brushed surface.
I've got a Momentum Sea Quartz on the way. I looked at the CWC, but just too expensive. Both great looking watches, but I think I'll be happy with my Momentum. Merry Christmas.
Nice styling but it's hard not to fall off my chair with laughter at the asking price. Sounds like a typical government buying process. The forces have probably been buying the brand for years and CWC in their wisdom has continuously jacked the prices up and the purchasing officers haven't been bothered doing due diligence as it's not their money. How much would I pay for one you ask ... shift the decimal point one place to the left and that seems about right!
Worth every penny, they're amazing
It's quite irritating to hear content producers and commenters aghast about "mil spec" watches not adhering to perceived expectations of perfection. As a military veteran, "mil spec" means, to me, the most one can get for the least amount of money as afforded by the government. My recommendation: don't hold that designation to such high standards. I'm not surprised by the conclusion of this content, IT'S JUST MIL SPEC. Case closed.
I am not aghast at the specs, they are defined after all, I am aghast at the price!
@@JustOneMoreWatch I hear you, didn't mean to imply otherwise. To clarify, I'm irritated at the expectation folks seem to have regarding labelling something as "military" to be end all, be all, period. And, really, if that's my heightened irritation in life, I can surely count my blessings. You rock, your scoffing at that particular price for this particular piece is understandably justified, and I hope that content producers (and, more appropriately, watch companies) treat the designation of "mil spec" with the skepticism that designation deserves. Thank you for allowing me room to expand, and I still need to know where you got that sweet X-Wing superimposed over the moon T-shirt. Sláinte!
I bought the cooper copy in black from Ali on your recommendation. I know you sold yours but I really like the case and size aand wear mine a lot. This ones a beauty. I'll keep my $80 copy though....
Can buy a blacked out limited edition Seiko Willard for that price, with the 6R35. The weaving of the Nato on the willard is also pure japanese top notch quality.. or a seiko alpinist...(the new GMTs).
Or buy a black Ceramic NY0040 for much less
I was actually on eBay today looking at CWC’s
Honestly, it's similar to a Seiko, since Omega,( particularly the Seamaster 300 Milspec), was its primary influence. Mineral crystal is akin to "Hardlex", too.
Yeah,,,no. Merry Christmas to the JOMW family.
Merry Christmas Jody and thank you for the videos! Question - is a Seiko 'Arnie' (Gen2) the next best thing to a CWC mil-spec watch, or is it better? With great respect to those who serve, I think the Arnie is better, especially if one swaps the shroud for a stainless steel shroud!
Possibly a Citizen Promaster
Not sure which watch you were looking at when you said the seconds hand hits all the markers... It's clearly well off from 30 to 60. 🤷🏻♂️🤣
Thanks Jodi, I was looking for some last minute stocking stuffers for the kids
I would pay that for a genuine issued one.
You would be correct on the pricing Jody. £899 on the website in the UK
What a beautiful Diver with great history. A good deal in 1983-1990s.
And for today? hmmm... rough specs for the price.
I can totally see why some watch/military enthusiasts would buy this, and there is a lot i personally like, too, but that is a lot of money, and there are many other options i would buy before this one.
Price is similar to a Marathon quartz TSAR, and yes it’s a bit too much for what you’re getting. It’s also too shiny for it’s intended niche.
Well I doubt inspection of a naval ship requires a lot of stealth
@@OscarOSullivan probably not, but I would think there would be a lot of opportunities to scratch a polished case on board a ship…
@@BoozewithNick Agreed
What’s the benefit of using a quartz in a military watch? Surely the last thing you need when it’s crunch time is for the battery to die.
Exactly. Either Citizen EcoDrive or automatic.
Yeah I go the SBS with tritium and scratched it. It was years ago but still it's a pain. I think Stirling offers a better value. Great video
No thanks. There’s always Marathon, also expensive but better specs.
That’s why Sea-Gull can charge 5x more for an authentic 1963 vs. Red Star, Sugess, HKEd, etc.
Paid slightly more for my Swiss Hamilton Khaki X-Wind H77765541 automatic watch, but then you get so much more for your money than that quartz provenance thing.
Go figure. ⌚💰 🤔
The looks remind me of my old 1968 Omega Seamaster 300 ‘Big Triangle’ which I sold to a guy on the U.K Omega forum Christmas 2019.
Baltany makes a homage of this model, with a NH 38, and sapphire crystal, for $ 189. I would live to see a comparison between the 2.