Strict watch requirements
Richard Marcinko aka the "Rogue Warrior", a retired Navy SEAL Commander wanted a watch built for him. But this wouldn't be any run-of-the mill type watch, this watch had to conform to his strict set of criteria.
These criteria were governed by necessary characteristics that would be useful in a military watch. It had to be a tough watch, one that could withstand the harsh environments a soldier has to endure and the main criteria were that:
* The watch was readable in all lighting situations.
* That readability wasnt compromised by condensation forming inside the watch.
* That the watch had the best type of shock protection possible.
* That it was affordable to the average soldier.
Meeting the Requirements
To find a watchmaker that could build this watch was not easy, Marcinko met with many and had no luck. Eventually he ended up partnering with an ex employee from MTM watches - a military watchmaker, well known for one of their watches being worn by "Jack Bauer" on the show "24".
Cutting edge solutions were used in order to meet these requirements.
A dial readable in all lighting conditions.
To achieve this, firstly a design was created that involved a combination of dial and hands that were highly legible that you could quickly and easily read at a glance.
On top of this, in order for it to be read in low light conditions, a lume needed to be applied. In this case Super Luminova was used.
When moving from cold to warm environments and vice versa condensation can form inside the watch, that this barrier to watch legibility be avoided was another of Marcinko's criteria for creating his ideal military watch. Condensation is caused by the air inside the watch, so a way to solve this problem is to fill the watch with a gas that doesn't form condensation.
So in order to prevent 'fogging' or condensation forming, the watch was filled with Krypton gas. The combination of Super Luminova and Krypton Gas creates what is called a "Kryptolite dial".
Being filled with a special gas means that the battery will need to be replaced by a specialist because the watch will also need refilling with Krypton gas. The watch uses a Japanese quartz movement and the battery is meant to last 3 years.
The watch also comes equipped with a special black strap and cover which is effectively used to 'black out' the watch so that it can be used for stealth night missions.
Shock Protection
Watches of this type have to endure harsh combat environments, they need to be tough watches and part of that is having good shock protection.
To meet the criteria of 'having the best shock protection available' a relatively new material called d30 was used, a nano material developed by the British Army, it is a soft foam-like material that becomes hard upon impact. The watch was given added protection through the use of a 4mm mineral crystal used in preference to sapphire for its better impact resistance, and two steel bars in front of the crystal further improve watch protection.
Extra Details
The rear of the watch has some interesting engravings, for instance a machine gun, as well as the insignia W.G.M.A.T.A.T.S. You might understandably assume this is some sort of military code of honour however it actually stands for We Get More A*s Than A Toilet Seat (!)
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