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GG-W-113 U.S 1960s Pattern Military Watch with Shatter and Scratch Resistant Sapphire Box Crystal (automatic)

¥59,200

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Product Details

SKU: GG-W-113

In October 1962, the U.S. government established a specification for infantry watches, known as GG-W-113 (MIL-W-3818B), which replaced the earlier MIL-W-3818A from March 1956. You can view the full specifications [here].

In January 2009, MWC was approached by a U.S. veterans association to explore the viability of producing a watch indistinguishable in appearance from the original models made by Hamilton, Bulova, and Benrus during the Vietnam War. We received two watches and the original specification details for examination. The result was a watch very close to the original in appearance, using a high-grade, fully jeweled automatic movement with a hacking function. This movement is very similar to the original 1960s hand-wound movements but includes a rotor, eliminating the need for manual winding while retaining the option to hand-wind if preferred.

In 2023, we further improved this watch by upgrading it to a box sapphire crystal. This crystal provides both shatter and scratch resistance while maintaining the same visual appearance as the original plexiglass crystals used in the 1960s and 70s.

The Benrus watch sent to us in 2009 was from 1965, and as you can see from the final image of an original watch, our homage is virtually indistinguishable from the models manufactured at that time.

Original GG-W-113 watches are now very difficult to find in good condition and at a realistic price. This modern recreation offers a convincing alternative, featuring all the benefits of modern technology, such as self-winding capability, increased water resistance, and enhanced reliability, making it suitable for everyday use.


DIMENSIONS

  • Width (Including Crown): 38mm
  • Width (Excluding Crown): 36mm
  • Thickness: 12.9mm
  • Lug Size: 18mm
  • Lug to Lug: 43mm
  • Dial Color: Black
  • Case Material: 316L stainless steel
  • Caseback: Screw-down 316L stainless steel
  • Crown: 316L stainless steel screw-down locking crown
  • Water Resistance: 5 atm (50m/165ft)*
  • Movement: 24-jewel automatic
  • Crystal: Shatter & scratch-resistant box sapphire with anti-reflective coating*
  • Luminous Material: Luminova
  • Serial Number: Engraved on caseback
  • Strap: 18mm x 2
  • Supplied in: Gift box

Sapphire Crystal Benefits

Many people ask about the benefits of sapphire crystal over standard mineral glass. Synthetic sapphire is by far the superior material for watch crystals due to its exceptional strength, shatter resistance, and scratch resistance. These properties make it especially appealing to military personnel, security forces, police officers, and individuals with active outdoor lifestyles—groups that account for over 70% of our customers.

To put this into perspective, over 90% of incidents involving cracked watch crystals occur with mineral glass. Even hardened mineral glass does not compare to sapphire when it comes to durability under adverse conditions. Sapphire crystals are so strong because, after manufacturing, they are heat-treated to eliminate internal stresses that could cause weakness. Two layers of anti-reflective coating are then applied. Interestingly, sapphire crystal is also used in the latest iPhones. Although sapphire crystal comes at a higher cost, it is typically found in higher-end watches due to its outstanding durability.

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