CWC Royal Navy Diver Quartz

[@AleFairchild]

Having the 2022 model of this I can attest to these watches not only having provenance second to none as a reissue, but also made to a standard of durability that is undeniable. Because of their toughness and proven function as a mil watch meeting even current standards, their resale is well justified. They simply don't lose intrinsic or extrinsic value. I had the SBS over ten years ago with it was Tritium. I did not take a loss when I sold it and so over a decade later I am able to get this one. Through my time without a CWC I thoroughly missed having it to use and am glad they make it available for even us overseas enthusiasts. I have already put my new one through its paces (intentionally and unintentionally :) and it it does not disappoint one bit. I can clearly see why those asking if they should try a CWC are often told "just do it, you won't regret it".

[@Jpjc474]

I’ve got the CWC SBS (black version with day date) it’s the watch that’s actually issued to Royal Navy divers. I see a lot of people complaining about the price but they are built like tanks the case is one of the best you’ll ever experience rumour has it that the cases are made by the same manufacturer as Omega. If you want a true military diving watch then this is the one for you.

[@joekelly9369]

They may get issued to a few military guys but navy divers dont wear these things , all marketing nonsense !

[@darrencady4261]

The automatic version of this watch retails here in the UK at £1,150. (As of 2022) The limited edition 1980 reissue was available for £1,999. The MOD used the auto version for a period of 1 to 2 years in the very early eighties as it replaced the expensive Rolex Submariner. So although the automatic version seems a better watch it was not issued to the Royal Navy after 1982. From 1983 was a quartz watch from then on. It seems the older CWC dive watches sell for large sums. If you have an 80's CWC dive watch in good condition it is going to sell for big money. In fact, any CWC dive watch will hold its value over time and may even prove to be an investment. I have just bought a four week old mint RN300-QM-MT60 second hand for £450 which retails today for £550. I was lucky! Thank you for a great presentation.

[@Newtypenewtype]

They refund the VAT after purchase for US/international buyers, so it's actually less than the direct conversion. Also as others mentioned, this model has sapphire, not a mineral crystal. Additionally, the standard Automatics are closer to $1200 than $3000, and the QM60 which is the most up to date spec of the watch you reviewed (ie: not the homage version) retails for around $600 USD, FYI (but no sapphire or faux lume). So there are definitely options, but I feel that CWC resonates most with those interested in milspec, or those who enjoy the history and heritage of the brand.

[@RussellAmpofo]

These watches hold their value really well and even appreciate in value. I can also see these watches being a future collectible.

[@flemmingsorensen5470]

This a proper tool watch with zero BS - fantastic 👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@joekelly9369]

This is 100% bullshit , from an ex navy diver! Its a mickey mouse watch

[@JohnSmith-ob9fd]

You get what you pay for. My CWC IS the PVD-finished SBS model, and after FIVE YEARS of my ham-handed ABUSE, it looks almost as new as the day I bought it. Eventually, my CWC watch will cost me less than it would have cost me to keep buying watches that fell apart on my wrist. And with less hassle and disappointment. My CWC will probably OUTLAST ME. Worth EVERY penny!

[@suttonmatthew]

I purchased two (2) of these when they were available. It’s the perfect diver because it represents the first quartz divers watch issued to the Royal Navy, but with upgrade illumination and crystal. The super accurate ETA movement 955.112 and sapphire crystal has since been replaced by the Ronda movement and original spec mineral crystal for this 1983 remake version. The CWC now offers either an ETA F06.402 or the Ronda quartz in their quartz watches, but I’m not sure if these are any better. The ETA 955.112 is about two seconds off each month on both of my 2019 versions.

[@lpmanbrown6445]

That reminds me of a chronosport sea quartz tom seller wore on in magnum pi.circa 1980 thru 1984.

[@ARlELATOM]

Everyone says they are expensive, but I don’t think anyone offers the history, looks and reliability for anywhere near their prices.

[@lelimitededition4219]

Love this watch, especially in the PVD black colour, I really like to add one to my collection but the only problem is the price, I can’t justify nearly $1000 for a quartz watch. It’s really expensive for me at present but in future will defiantly buy this watch in black with the military strap CWC sell. Nice one Rob

[@MrShinobi797]

Ha!!! That price tag is ludicrous. Two words : “ Boldr Venture "

[@shawn1928]

@Shinobi797 That's a good choice. SWC Bunker though for me. Just received mine, ridiculously good and awesome specs. And they probably recently sold out again for good reason

[@MysteriousMarsupial]

No where near as nice looking as the CWC and much smaller for larger wrists. No thanks

[@LymanPhillips]

Yikes! The price! Just went to the site and true. That's a big bite on the ear for history.

[@Mike-kc8rl]

The military history is the price on these? They are not issued to the services anymore even though its been said in the advertising! The sbs black out version was the last one used, but the contract is over and the contract seems to be with another British watch brand called Nite! The model issued is the Hawk ,a 300 metre diver with genuine tritium lume! The price is less than half the sbs cwc retail too! Nevertheless, the cwc watches were issued and are popular so command a good if not inflated price?

[@lelimitededition4219]

Rob it looks great on your wrist, you should definitely consider one for your collection. I agree price is too high what put me off as well, but dam it looks great on your wrist. Nice

[@markplayford5836]

I’m from the UK so I get the military vibe. Sure they are really well built and will last forever but it’s just not different enough from any other diver really, well for me anyway.

[@Oppps88]

Beg to defer about the bezel, i think it serves it's function of not moving as easily from accidental nudges. I personally own one, and I think the bezel being abit stiffer matters when used in moments i spent out in the field during military service. It's a military watch so the bezel is made well since it serves a fucntional purpose and not to offer a satisfying feel to it.

[@GSM007G]

That's Really A Omega Seamaster 300 St.165.024 or a damn good Homage.

[@suttonmatthew]

It’s a sapphire crystal. I have serial number serial # 084/19. It’s a ETA 922 which was discontinued for Rhonda.

[@gyrovague]

Apparently they now use Citizen ecodrive Promaster dive watches (ignore the Casio frogman R.N hookup). The CWCs are legendary though or at least were when i was young. Later i just wanted one of the Traser watches that the SAS were reputed to use.

[@e28forever30]

Solid choice.

[@Tetlee]

The CWC's are still issued to the SBS.

[@Davitamon76]

I love mine. Mine has a matt case and date. My best wearing dive watch. But I never payed that!

[@harrier1417]

I remember seeing both these and the black version being worn by the 'wierd & wonderfuls' back in the day. I’ve had one for a few years now and it always attracts admiring glances - especially on a bracelet.

[@steventaylor3884]

Hi what bracelet did you use for the fixed bars? I would love to get one for mine.

[@harrier1417]

@@steventaylor3884 It clipped over the bars. I picked it up at a market in Limassol years ago. It looked good but was cheap and didn't last unfortunately.

[@benjamin8899]

On the price - quartz Tunas are in the same ballpark with similar specs and are generally adored. $1k for a widely respected, well built watch with genuine history seems pretty decent to me. You can play the spec comparison game, but to me you're missing the point.

[@suttonmatthew]

This movement is super accurate at +-/0.20 seconds per day.

[@4oclockcrown882]

I don’t care if John Rambo himself wore that watch, that price tag is ridiculous.

[@AK-rq1cz]

My jaw dropped. With acrylic and mineral crystal. Just ******* ridiculous. This is a $180 watch.

[@MrShinobi797]

@@AK-rq1cz Make that $150. Boldr offered a Field Watch... ( Venture )also with a Swiss Made Quartz Movement, Titanium build AND a Sapphire Crystal for a fraction of that ridiculous price point.

[@AK-rq1cz]

@@MrShinobi797 Excellent point. I like quartz more than most but this also isn't a high precision movement, however it's in the price territory of Longines VHP and more than a Casio Oceanus that blows it away in craftsmanship. Since quartz movements are so much less expensive to produce, at this price point there had better be something impressive in the materials and the cuts of the case to justify a price like that. Should just say "ripoff" on the dial.

[@grantchallinor5263]

Could Rambo even tell the time?

[@scbr2458]

@@MrShinobi797 Make that $80. Qimei solds a homage with almost the same specs in aliexpress. It has a miyota quartz movement so not exactly the same, but the ETA 955.122 is a $30 upgrade, not $1100.

[@mylesmooney7505]

I got a mwc savage but strap pins very light going to change them for seiko ones

[@thekeystonekid8687]

I think you get a lot more with your money with a Marathon TSAR, which also has military history. I would like to own a CWC but I'm just not going to pay that price.

[@Newtypenewtype]

the QM60 is around $500 after they refund you the VAT, and is issued spec unlike the homage reviewed here.

[@happytravels2480]

I’ve had at least 3 Tsars. Awesome watches. Tritium lume is the obvious difference, but this CWC wears much thinner on the wrist. I much prefer the RN diver over the Tsar as an everyday wear. The Tsar is a cool tool watch though. I often think about picking one up again…it just wore so top heavy, and that large crown always dug in😩

[@shawn1928]

@TheKeystoneKid Or even just the Marathon GPM Edit: nvm this is their simple field watch and with low WR

[@suttonmatthew]

I have had both the GSAR quartz and automatic military issue watches. Both are junk. The watch looks rugged but the screw down stem is far too weak. Warranty service was awful. The CWC is far superior in movement and overall build quality. There is no real comparison between the Marathon and CWC in terms of quality.

[@stefanobio7045]

A nice watch and an excellent review, but i much prefer the Elliot Brown Holton a far better watch than the CWC and less than half the price

[@SamHain-o4l]

Highly recommend checking out MWC version of this watch. PVD and raw stainless. Costing around $400 to $500 usd. 10 year battery Rhonda movement. Sapphire.

[@adiefatlady]

Love the vibe of the watch and the dims but expensive at 900 GBP. The website says sapphire for glass for quartz one too but not sure exactly same model. 2000 GBP for eta 2824 which is mental as I’m assuming same case etc but slightly different dial. That eta is 200GBP? Fixed strap bars so only NATO possible? The Precista PRS 82 would’ve been good alternative at good price but alas no more it seems.

[@berserkkw]

Just for clarification, it does have a sapphire crystal

[@johnk9891]

Nice review! What is the bezel diameter on these? Looks a few mm smaller than the case, right?

[@ernestosuarez5077]

Can you remove the lugs? It says it has fixed lugs

[@djapojunior]

It's a cool watch. But, considering the price, the Citizen BN0150 beats it every time and it has another advantage in being solar powered.

[@M3LTUP]

Hard to beat the BN0150.

[@spencerdodds2207]

But it looks awful.

[@chopinho65]

Price is a bit crazy. A seiko samurai has a similar look - all be it with a date at 3 and a subtle waffle dial. But indices and size on wrist quite similar.

[@zachg9065]

Price is too much and it sucks having the fixed lugs, im not a huge fan of natos and would like a rubber strap

[@christianmotos]

I’d rather just get the regular version, which is a 90’s issue quartz. For the price of this 80’s one-the quartz should be top notch not just performance but it should tick at the markers spot on.

[@BluntInstrument007]

I really like this watch, it is definitely on my radar! I am looking for a versatile quartz/solar diver around 39-42mm with sapphire crystal, any recommendations? Thanks, have a great day!

[@FrozenThunder]

me too...

[@robcrochet2025]

Check out the D4 Solar Diver by VAER, I think it's releasing later this month. Solar quartz, sapphire, 39mm.

[@wezo13]

Have you looked at the marathon quartz models?

[@BluntInstrument007]

@@robcrochet2025 I will take a look at the VAER, thanks!

[@BluntInstrument007]

@@wezo13 I will look more into that brand, I know about a few models, they were a little too "toolish" to be an everyday watch for me. Thank you for your recommendation!

[@joefoster8839]

Bought mine (Tritium) in 2005 for £245. Still wearing it every day on a black NATO strap!.

[@taelorh1289]

Did you pay import tax?

[@jefferyneu3915]

For a tool watch like this, a brushed surface would make much more sense to me. Other than that, the price is my only negative with this watch.

[@lucamarsicano3342]

The first versions given to the RN divers in the 80s were completely polished; I think they wanted to stick with the original design.

[@pengxiang5444]

I bought one and sold it. It is too expensive for a quartz piece. I did purchase a new old stock automatic from cwc website. The price of the NOS automatic Royal Navy is same as this quartz. I feel it is more worth it.

[@stevefox8605]

Such a premium for MoD approval unfortunately. Not a fan of quartz, but would be tempted if I was wealthy coz it's the real deal, rather than these "pretend" military watches we adore. Cool to see one reviewed. Cheers Mate 👍🏻👍🏻

[@michaelbishop9157]

Really does look like the old military seamasters

[@Tetlee]

It was made to the same military spec sheet hence the similarities.

[@desertsoldier41]

I think a Marathon GSAR is a better deal, and it is still an issued military watch.

[@M3LTUP]

Nice watch. I like it. I would like it more around $250.

[@kevinc1001]

This is basically like Invicta inflated msrp

[@jaredhill1021]

except Invicta are sold at 10% of their MSRP...

[@adbraham]

Check out the cwc site, accurate prices on there!

[@tobiasrottenbach1769]

Besides the price, this watch is pretty cool.

[@Make_SPQR_Great_Again]

so the case shape is copied from Heuer 980.006?

[@alessandrocerioli2151]

Not quite, they used the same supplier...that case was used by dozens of manufacturers back then.

[@CraigG21]

Good looking watch, but damn it’s pricey. Especially since I’m a bracelet guy.

[@fredtafel]

Great watch with great specs and history but it’s just too expensive for what you’re getting

[@alexandruc.5647]

The only quartz watch for which I would pay 1000 euros or a bit over, is the Seiko Tuna MM300. The Casio G-Shocks are also very good options around that price tag and they are way better in terms of capabilities. In conclusion, they don't offer much for the 1250 euros price that they are asking. This should be a 250-300 euros watch at most.

[@alexandruc.5647]

@@BurntPlaydoh for Omega I'd go only mechanical, I would not buy an expensive swiss watch with quartz 🙂. Grand Seiko yes, that's indeed a nice piece, i.e. the 9F calibers. There's nothing that can justify the 1250 euro price tag for this CWC.. And yes, a Casio Oceanus would be nice indeed 😁.

[@rustyjohnson7796]

Dude it's a navy issued watch and is rated at 30atm ? Was so into it. Now I am not

[@spg5658]

Another "CWC" worth checking is Cincinnati Watch Company. Beautiful pieces hand assembled in Cincinnati. 🇺🇲👍

[@tactofu]

Hard to argue against a Marathon TSAR. 😬

[@joekelly9369]

The automatic watches using sellita sw200 1 (£100movement) almost as good as lower priced eta movements, better watches are available from steinhart , probably well outlast cwc watches -cheap movements , i didnt know any RN diver using these , they all wore much better tac.

[@Mark-jy6xd]

I don't know why you would buy a civilian CWC diver when you can find real British navy issued divers for $500 more.

[@erwinl1007]

Price sucks. Why does people even want to buy this?

[@Ahcelaht]

For the price, heck no.

[@jeffreygleaves2931]

lol! .....for an $80 watch? Reminds me of when they filled that Hollywood shoe store with Payless shoes and were selling them for $600, $800 dollars a pop.

[@NotoriousK_I_T]

You're not buying the watch, you're buying the history.

[@jeffreygleaves2931]

History? You can get a Bulova Moon watch for $300 that has more history and is a better watch than this...if you want to buy history. Thing is, the Bulova is actually worth the $300 bucks just as a watch.

[@NotoriousK_I_T]

@@jeffreygleaves2931 not everyone wants a moon watch 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@RestrictedHades]

@@NotoriousK_I_T a history book is cheaper and a Wikipedia page is free

[@NotoriousK_I_T]

@@RestrictedHades you can't wear a history book on your wrist 🤣

[@2K9s]

Ronda quartz.

[@timegone2310]

U could get a mwc for 100usd - same case & better movement - 🤣

[@justice1902]

Price is ridiculous.

[@martinkeith354]

no sapphire glass for that price! bollocks!

[@kobusvanrensburg4092]

Beautiful but waaaaaaaaaaaay overpriced.

[@ThemysteriousMrP]

Ridiculous price. Nice watch. $350 watch. No branding of note to lift the price imo

[@JS97278]

All you Yanks moaning about the price lol

[@inked_wrist_shot]

Anyone would think is someone is forcing them to buy it lol

[@joekelly9369]

It has £10 quartz ronda movement, no self respecting sbs guy would touch , mickey mouse watches they call them , its all marketing nonsense !

[@davidelizabeth4933]

🤑 Too spendy

[@williamstalvey6920]

Like 1 guy said, only Watch I would consider is The Seiko Marinemaster at that Price. Never buy a quartz watch if you like being in the water!!!

[@happytravels2480]

Ah, why? That doesn’t make any sense. Why would the British Special Boat Service have switched to the quartz RN Diver over the previous mechanical version if they felt it was inferior? Because it’s not. Quartz is superior in accuracy and durability, and if sealed properly, is every bit as waterproof. Movement has nothing to do with it. Why don’t all military members these days head out on real world missions wearing mechanical watches? I think you know the answer.

[@watchesandcaps2566]

This should be $300. That price is beyond stupid. A sucker's born everyday I guess.

[@happytravels2480]

Guess so.🙄 Anybody buying a watch period is a sucker I guess…since everyone has a smartphone.

[@roybatty4687]

Rip off. Just say it.

[@brucesoding9627]

Crikey that price is a joke, such a basic spec watch - RIPOFF 🤮

[@DarthVaedus]

Makes a watch review video. Knows absolutely nothing about the watch. All of the CWC reviews on your channel are way off the mark. You talk as though it’s a military style. CWC are still issued today to UKSF… 🫠🫠🫠

[@RandomRobReviews]

Thanks for watching