A Handsome CWC W10 Military Service Watch in Very Well-Preserved Original Condition with Nicely Aged Lume, 1977, Sold With Provenance

 In the late 70s, the previous supplier of watches to the MOD, Hamilton, was struggling due to the Quartz crisis and pulled out of supplying military watches. An enterprising employee of Hamilton (Ray Mellor), recognised there was still a demand from the MoD for these watches and he established CWC (Cabot Watch Company) to meet it, and essentially pick up where Hamilton left off.

Using the same components and Swiss suppliers as Hamilton, CWC began supplying pretty much the same watch as the Hamilton W10 with CWC replacing the Hamilton signature. CWC would go on to become one of the most famous suppliers of British military watches.

What's on Offer

We acquired this CWC W10 watch from the nephew of the original owner  ( Mr J Morris) who was a career military man - we have a medal to accompany this watch which is only one of many service accolades he received during his time in the army. The Korean Service Medal is worn after the National Defense Service Medal and before the Antarctic Service Medal. Bronze stars are authorized for participation in the following campaigns: North Korean Aggression (Navy): June 27 to November 2, 1950. United Nations Defensive (Army, USAF): June 27 to September 15, 1950. The medal is accompanied by a cover letter dated 1957, from the officer in charge, which outlines how the medal should be worn - such interesting provenance. 

This watch was issued in 1977, possibly when he nearing the end of his career in the forces and has been very well preserved, it has obviously been very well looked after! The CWC W10 became the recognisable DNA of a military watch of the 1970s. A simple black dial, Arabic numbers and a hand-winding movement. This example is in fantastic condition with a blemish-free, rich black dial boasting brilliant white Arabic numerals.  The original lume on the hour plots and hands have aged beautifully into a fluffy vanilla colour and give the dial a nice warmth. 

The triangle pointer at 12 is underwritten by the CWC signature and the military pheon (arrow) sits at 6 o'clock  - this denotes the watch as the property of the MoD. Running well and keeping good time, this watch still looks great on the wrist. 

The military engravings on the caseback read: W10-6645-99 523-8290 - 2118/77

Additional information

Made from

Case: Stainless Steel

Dial: Black

Crystal: Plexiglass

Bracelet: NATO Strap

Technical specifications

Winding: Manual

Movement Type: Mechanical

Calibre: 2750 (ETA)

Jewels: 17j

Waterproof: N/A

Power reserve: 50hrs

Purchase details

Condition: Excellent 

Model Reference: W10

Date of issue: 1977

Guarantee: 12 Months by VWS

Dimensions

Width: 35mm

Lug width: 18.5mm

Lug height: (lug to lug) 41mm