The MWC PVD NATO chronograph is based on the same basic specification used by several other leading manufacturers of NATO chronographs but with a number of detail improvements to improve operation and visibility. Although the watch is made to a specification which is specifically designed to meet the needs of military aircrews it is also ideal for both airline and GA pilots. The actual case size is 45.5mm and the chronograph uses a VK68 hybrid movement. This chronograph also has a 24 hour (Military Time) subsidiary dial to show the time in 24-hour format. This feature was specified for a contract because its potentially important when personnel are working for extended periods without being in natural daylight during the course of the day. The main difference between these hybrid watches and mechanical chronographs is that the mechanical models are powered by a mainspring which is regulated by a balance wheel and controlled by a set of precision levers, hammers and gears. With a hybrid chronograph, it is powered by a battery, regulated by a quartz crystal and also controlled by a set of precision levers, hammers and gears, in essence, it shares some features with both a mechanical and a quartz movement, combining the feel and appearance of a mechanical watch with the advantage of quartz accuracy. In terms of operation, hybrid watches appear outwardly to be mechanical, when you push the top button you get a crisp response just like a mechanical chronograph and the timing hand starts ticking in 1/5 sec increments, at first glance our watchmaker looked at the prototype thought the watch had a Valjoux 7750 or 7765 movement. When you push the stop button at 5 o’clock you get the same crisp feel as the Chrono stops. Press it again and the hand snaps straight back to 12. The factory rating for the accuracy of this movement is +/-20 seconds a month but we find they tend to be better than this on average and vastly superior to any mechanical chronographs which tend to be accurate to only +/- 2 or 3 seconds a day at best. The biggest plus of all with the hybrid is that it will need significantly less maintenance than any mechanical chronograph and is much less prone to suffering reliability issues in the long term. These models are also ideal if you own several watches because they don’t have to be wound before you wear them, all they need is a battery swap every few years and a check of the water-resistance.
- Details:
- Movement: VK68 Mechanisch/Quarz Hybrid
- Glass: Sapphire Crystal
- Crown: Screwed
- Case: Stainless Steel black PVD coated
- Case Diameter: 44 mm
- Watch Band: NATO Strap 22mm
- Bezel:
- Water Resistant: Up to 10 bar (100 m/330 ft)
- SuperLuminova
