Advice please on purchasing a Vintage Military Watch

First time posting on this part of the forum, but certainly not the first time I have visited the section.

For many years, I have umm and arr about getting a vintage military watch, but as I have no knowledge of what is correct and what isn't I have shied away from going any further.

Recently, I was looking for a "Tool" watch which could be abused without being an issued. Finally settled on a new but nicely priced Seiko 5.

However, during my searching, I naturally came across many different types of vintage military watches and again my interest was grew.

I would love to get a Military watch from the period when I served in the Army, which was between 1975 - 1980.

Hamilton W10 and CWC appear the be the favourites.

But are there any other marques which were issued to the British Army.

I would be grateful, if the experts could point me in the direction of reputable dealers/sellers.

Of course please included any photos of your own pieces.

Thank you.

If you want one dated 75-80, then like you, I reckon it's a Hamilton or CWC W10 Mechanical General Service Watch.

https://cwcaddict.com/general-service-mech

Maybe start with a WTB here or on MWR.

Smiths (and probably 1945 WWWs) would still have been around although not marked in your date range.

I did have a Hamilton W10 ten years or so ago. Sold it for around £175, so just a picture of my Smiths.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...04be7dfa06.jpg

^^^^^^^^

Thank you.

I have just signed up to MWR.

These are the two which got my attention, though ironically neither are from the years that I am considering.

Though they are the style that I like.

https://vintagewatchspecialist.com/p...e#contact_form

https://www.servingtimevintagewatche...-great-example

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Topcat30093

^^^^^^^^

Thank you.

I have just signed up to MWR.

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Good move!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Topcat30093

These are the two which got my attention, though ironically neither are from the years that I am considering.

Though they are the style that I like.

https://vintagewatchspecialist.com/p...e#contact_form

https://www.servingtimevintagewatche...-great-example

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If going for a CWC diver (good choice) and are dead set on an issued watch have a look at https://cwcaddict.com/the-watches

Don’t pay issued money for a non issued watch, CWC Addict will point you in the right direction. No Auto were issued in 04 and no Autos with date were ever issued.
It the issued thing does not bother you then you could get that watch for around 500-700 cheaper IMO.

https://www.cwcwatch.com/collections...play-serial-21

This is not issued but it’s a handsome thing.

A 75 CWC W10 would be a good option for an army issued watch of the era you were serving.

Thanks Sinnlover that’s great advice and information.
Will forget the diver.
What do you think about the other watch?
1975 would be the ideal choice, but any year within my service time.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Topcat30093

Thanks Sinnlover that’s great advice and information.
Will forget the diver.
What do you think about the other watch?
1975 would be the ideal choice, but any year within my service time.

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Looks to be a nice example, first year of issue and a low(ish) number for 76 (most issued that year) but the case looks to have been refinished (it’s a little soft in those photos) the case should have quite sharp transitions between sides.
I should correct myself, 75 was the last year of hamilton W10 issue - same watch, same factory, same movement same dial bar name on it.

This piece looks to have been issued in 1976 (or 78) a bit difficult to tell from the case back photo, fits within your service period.

https://www.servingtimevintagewatche...-great-example

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I have looked at that one, but not sure whether Sinnlover was highligting the softness of the case.

Also like you, I was sure whether it was from 1976 or 79 as the case states one and the description another.


Slightly off on a tangent, I see that CWC offer a NOS (2022) automatic G10, but you can have the case back engraved with your rank/name and service number, which I thought was rather cool.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Topcat30093

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I have looked at that one, but not sure whether Sinnlover was highligting the softness of the case.

Also like you, I was sure whether it was from 1976 or 79 as the case states one and the description another.


Slightly off on a tangent, I see that CWC offer a NOS (2022) automatic G10, but you can have the case back engraved with your rank/name and service number, which I thought was rather cool.

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To try to highlight what I mean by the softness of the case
This is my 76 issued W10
Look at the transition between the case top and case sides
It’s quite a crisp line where as the one in the link is not quite as defined
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...613ba73970.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...acd8f4179a.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...05ebf9df47.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...a58d0bb553.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...661f8192ee.jpg

The one in the link is a 76 issued watch.
It’s not a bad example but not what I would want to buy as I like them to have a few scars

Once again thanks for your help :-)

So, over polished to remove the scars etc?

He has offered me £770 as per his website, though on eBay its £850, after I pointed out the difference!

Thanks to another forum member.
I will soon be the owner of a G10. I think that is the correct model!

But though I don’t mind NATO Straps, I personally prefer 2 piece Canvas straps.

Can anyone recommend such a strap that will attach onto the fixed spring bars?


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This chap has nice selection of straps that suit the G10 style and other 'military' watches. Most of them seem to be of the 'pull through' type and Natos but I see he has this para strap listed and in the picture you can see a G10 and a CWC diver.

https://www.steveostraps.com/straps-2/para

The 'camo' pattern is not my thing but I'm going to see if he could make one for me out of one of the brown canvas type materials he uses for other straps that he lists that can be attached with chicago screws.

I think he does do custom stuff.

^^^^^
I have emailed him.
Had one of his para straps before, it was long wearing and suited the watch perfectly


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