We managed to secure a small quantity of these watches, which were contract surplus overruns. They are all brand new, and in their boxes, but most of the boxes have labels relating to the contract, although a few do not, the watch is now out of stock on the manufacturer's website but as you can see in the final image was originally sold at $425 on the US website and £349 on the UK site so at under half price these are a bargain for the watch with such a high specification. We spoke to MWC, who confirmed that these watches were a once off production run so will not be made again in future with the same exact specification which, as you can see at the bottom of the description, was very exacting.
SKU: 100AT/12/PVD/QZ/ST
The MWC Depthmaster range represents our latest line of rugged military divers, built for extreme conditions. Designed for professional divers, these watches feature a robust sapphire crystal, a non-scratch ceramic bezel for superior grip even in freezing conditions, and an exceptional 100 ATM (1000 meters) water resistance rating, enabling safe use with mixed gases at great depths.
Wide Strap: 24 mm NATO-style webbing (compared to the standard 20 mm on most military dive watches)
Ceramic Bezel: Non-scratch, unidirectional, and easy to grip in cold environments
Case: Military Grade 316L stainless steel finished with a matte black PVD coating, commonly specified for military and covert operations
Helium Escape Valve: Critical for saturation divers working in pressurized environments
Helium molecules are among the smallest gases and can penetrate watch seals during prolonged deep dives in pressurized helium-rich environments (saturation diving). This helium buildup inside the watch can cause internal pressure that risks popping off the crystal or crown upon decompression—a potentially dangerous scenario.
The helium escape valve allows helium to safely vent during decompression, preventing damage without compromising water resistance. It is a one-way valve, letting helium out but keeping water and other elements securely out.
Saturation divers living in helium-oxygen environments for extended periods (days or weeks) require this feature. Most recreational divers won’t need it regardless of dive depth, but professional-grade watches like the Depthmaster include it as standard to ensure suitability for all scenarios.
This specific model features a sterile European NATO pattern dial and a stealthy matte black PVD finish—created by a chemical process that alters the steel at a molecular level, making it highly resistant to wear, abrasion, and fading. Unlike painted finishes, this coating won't chip or rub off during tough use.
Additionally, this watch was built to stringent military contract specifications, including:
Altitude Performance: Maintains accuracy up to 12,000 meters (40,000 ft) without pressurization
Magnetic Resistance: Withstands magnetic fields up to 4,800 A/m (~60 gauss)
Sterile Dial: No branding, designed for covert operations
Movement: Swiss Ronda 715Li quartz with hacking function and a 10-year battery life
Water Resistance: 100 ATM / 3,280 ft / 1,000 m
Crown: Screw-down
Helium Escape Valve: Yes
Case Diameter: 47 mm including crown (44 mm excluding crown)
Bezel: Unidirectional ceramic insert, non-reflective finish
Thickness: 18 mm
Crystal: 31 mm sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Lug to Lug: 48 mm
Weight: 132 g
Case Material: 316L PVD stainless steel
Strap: 24 mm NATO webbing strap
Illumination: Luminova on markers, hands, and bezel
Sapphire is the ultimate material for watch crystals—extremely hard, scratch-resistant, and shatterproof. Unlike mineral glass, which can crack more easily, sapphire undergoes heat treatment to remove internal stresses and receives two layers of anti-reflective coating for clarity.
Sapphire crystals are the standard for military, security personnel, police officers, and outdoor enthusiasts, who demand maximum durability. Notably, sapphire glass is also used in the latest smartphones, including the iPhone.
Though more expensive, sapphire crystals provide unmatched protection and longevity, making them ideal for professional and tactical watches.