Royal Navy CWC Chronograph

Military-issued wristwatches are one of the most interesting subsets of vintage timepiece collecting, if for no other reason than that they were built for exactly one purpose: versatility. It's easy to forget in today's world of precise digital timing and measurement that a wristwatch was an extremely important tool for military personnel. Whether on land, in the air, or at sea, a watch was required to keep time--accurately--and withstand the rigorous conditions of the field. 

The British Ministry of Defence and Her Majesty's Armed Forces have long commissioned timepieces for their troops. Many of their issued watches have become cult favorites among collectors. In the 1940s, the MoD contracted with 12 brands (the "Dirty Dozen") for the W.W.W. (Watch, Wristlet, Waterproof). But after the Second World War, the MOD granted contracts to other brands, at reduced costs due to the austerity measures of the post-War economy. This was mandated by a revised Defense Standard (Def-Stan).  

Starting in the 1970s, three companies manufactured chronographs to the pilots of the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force: Hamilton, Precista, and CWC, which we offer here. These chronographs are notable for their asymmetrical cases--stamped 0552, in this instance, to denote property of the Royal Navy--which are larger on the right side to protect the crown and pushers. The dials, like other military chronographs of the period, are stark: black with large, luminous Arabic numerals and hands.

DEF-STAN 66-4 mandated that all military-issued chronographs have a start and a reset pusher. Thus, these watches all contain the Valjoux 7733, a robust movement that is almost ubiquitous in chronographs of the period. This ubiquity allows for ease of service, thanks to a greater interchangeability of parts, making these chronographs highly collectible and imminently desirable. 

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.