Thank you for your service sir! I hope you have returned from Helmand without any physical injuries. The fact that your Casio Duro stood that extreme ‘stress test’ just proves that the ‘Duro’ nickname isn’t an exaggeration.
I still have my CWC G10 that I was issued with when I served. 25 years on and it’s still my favourite watch. I have Omegas, a Rolex, a Bremont, and even a Hamilton Kaki to name a few, but my little G10 holds its ground against all of these more expensive and lavish watches, because it has history and it’s a real working (Field) watch. It may be my cheapest watch, but It’s the only watch I own that has earned medals. Adrian is right, this is my real moon watch and that is why I love it and the only watch I would never sell.
@Trenton Tiller your right, a lot of things needed returning, like the 2 torches I have and the defile marker, and the knife and the 3 multi tools. Whats your point again.
@Trenton Tiller as an ex member of the forces then I guess I do understand what your banging on about old boy. But when I served anyone who managed to prof a G10 was a bloody legend. Thanks for your service and happy Anzac Day.
@@kyle_vr Good question. If it helps any, I served in the Army but was never issued a G10 and I have no problem with anyone wishing to buy a piece of UK military history - unless they intend to join the 10,000+ pretendy-SAS people who tell everyone they stormed the Iranian Embassy 😂 But seriously, I'm not old enough to have served in WW1 and would have absolutely no qualms about buying an issued military watch from that period, the same would apply to buying a genuine, issued Luftwaffe Flieger watch from WW2. s for re-issued versions, well that's down to personal choice, mine would be for the original however.
Served in Afghanistan with NATO, and was impressed by the G10’s worn by my British colleagues. A few years later, I purchased one online from Silvermans and had it shipped to the US - the shipping was not cheap, combined with the exchange rate and taxes. It was definitely worth it though, and I have worn it ever since. I love it.
I was fascinated by the topic. As you pointed out a hobby doesn't have to be expensive. During the last year, as a form of mental health therapy, combined with a reason to get additional exercise, I started collecting interesting, but very cheap watches from Charity Shops. The average cost was under $A10. Cleaning them up, and swapping around straps revived my interest in watches, which is how I found, then subscribed to your channel, which further increased the simple enjoyment of learning about watch collecting as a hobby. While I do have a gold Omega Seamaster and a 9ct gold Titan, they're just dress watches, while my Charity Shop finds have become the nucleus of a real hobby, where the enjoyment comes from the search, along with the fun of wearing them with casual clothes. So I think your extended coverage is very interesting and I enjoyed watching. Phil.
I've got 2 CWC G10s, both running and love them: one's a 1983 mid-fatboy (off-centre battery hatch) and the other's a 1997 - both are issued Army versions and in superb condition. The 1983 one is spectacularly accurate and only loses 1 second/day, amazing for a 41yo watch. I simply couldn't part with them.
There’s a version of the CWC G10 (sold on their website) that retails for £299. In return you do get a sapphire crystal, 200 meters of water resistance (with screw down crown), 18mm lug width and the original fatboy style case. Usually I would pass paying more than £150 for a quartz watch. However, this is different. This has true heritage, you’re paying for a part of that history. I’m going to buy a different timepiece at the end of this year but this one is on my list for next year. :)
Yours is a gs not g10 ,all cwc G10 watches had battery hatches ,80 fat boy big battery hatch centre ,83/84 medium fat boys offset battery hatch ,84/85 big battery hatch centre ,85 onwards till end of issue small battery hatch in the centre 👍🏻🇬🇧
Exactly what I think when others “collectors “ ask me to show my Rolex like it’s the only watch worthy of been collected! Nice video, keep the good work, greetings from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷
After your last mention of the CWC a while back I went and bought one - must admit had had some wine while watching the vid and ended up buying an MWC! Next morning corrected the prob and ironically ended up with one almost identical to yours year and army-issue wise. Great watch...if anyone wants to buy an MWC I have one spare 🤨
I have 2 of these . My RAF issue way back . And a W10 my MIL bought me for a pressie. Love the simplicity of them and still wear them regularly ! Cheers
Us army here, I bought one of these. I don't see why they WOULDNT have worn these. They're amazing, I've beat the shit out of this watch and it's still kicking 4 years later. It's my favorite field watch and I wouldn't replace it for the world. Not even a G-Shock would replace it for me, not saying I wouldn't wear it. But I prefer analog so.
I thought I was going to get into collecting four years ago and then bought a Seiko Sarb033. In fact I only just replaced the original NATO I bought for it. But I love the watch so much I’ve just not been able to talk myself into paying 10x or 20x for something else.
Best watch out there ,nobody put them away in a drawer ,they were only issued to ncos and signed for on deployment, most ppl tried to get one ! Army may be different from the raf ,but can assure you very sought after watches at the time of issue ,still have one 40 years old and works perfectly 👍🏻🇬🇧
Late to this Adrian but 20 years ago treated myself to anNOS pilots chrono with date from CWC.Worn all round the world but date change gave up.When I saw what someone was asking for one on a website decided a service was in order. The cost probably same as original price but as new ones are not cheap and (the horror),are polished so well worth it.I also had to overcome an aversion to Beckham and Gaga but delighted with the 58 .Just had the fabric strap put on for a change in Valencia.Able to get my mitts on a YM platinum grey dial and could have bought the 37mm there and then.On the list to see the 40 but not fussed if it doesn’t materialize.My AD experience here has been very good.
Fun fact, CWC Watches are still issued. BA controller on a Submarine can ask for them as well as Aircrew. I've managed to get a few watches off the pusser and it seems issued watches are going up in value 👍
Great review!!! Apart from my every day watch collection, I collect military watches & my late father was in the 2nd AIF during WW2. So my collection ranges from WW1 trench watches, to WW2 military/flieger. For some reason I have a penchant for Vietnam watches, being Benrus, Hamilton & the like. This CWC has been on my radar for a while & I fully get your comments re the "real" thing!!! When you put a special piece like this on your wrist, you do feel a connection to history!👍🏻 Cheers from Down Under.
I have watched this vid before but I have just picked up a 2006 G10 after about a year of hunting. Great vid by the way, took me back to a COVID world, very thought provoking and I'm definitely in a reflective mood. Watches can be such a gateway to memories.
I have the cwc mellor 72 and the cwc air arm fleet navy chrono , you are right you don't need to spend the big bucks to get a good watch, watches are a very personal choice whatever you like to put on your wrist........thank you for talking about watches!
Hi there, ex military guy here through the 80s and into the 90s. The arrow that you go on about is actually nicknamed and called the ‘crows foot’ within the military.
I love my CWC G10. Had it issued to me in the army. Wore it everyday and still do. Love how simple and pleasurable it is to wear. It will always remind me of so many memories. Great video 👍🏻
What is you opinion on the G10 and water resistance ? I have one and love it, but I’m told it’s NOT water resistant and not to get it wet. What is the truth ?
Adrian, I still have my 1982 Hamilton MIL-W-463708 watch issued to me from the U.S. Marine Corps. It is a mechanical watch and currently needs repair. Little story in the fact that it was in a drawer in my basement for 17 years. Spent a month trying to find it, and I did! Once repaired, it could once again be my daily wear watch. As always, fabulous content!
I bought a new un-issued one of these a couple of years ago...1997 model from ebay....time keeping is about -10secs per year, bloody amazing, I use it as a reference watch:) Tritium is nearly done, and I love the grey anti-reflective finish of the stainless steel case. cannot recommend highly enough
Very much enjoyed your video and thank you. I still have my issued G10 and wear as an every-day. As time has moved-on (no pun etc), I've been able to acquire a Rolex Explorer, which I do love. The G10 is the one though!! Love your vids. Kindest regards Justin
Just recently got myself a BMBY watch, a Hamilton Army issue watch, complete with the radioactive symbol and everything. Handwould, acrylic, 33mm it is perfect. Came with a rather narrow 16mm super smooth nato. This CWC is amazing.
I own the 1980 fat boy. one of the first or might be the first quartz watch ever to be issued by MOD. Love what CWC is doing with the re-issue but having the original issue, well, can't beat the feeling of it all. not only are you wearing a cool watch but a piece of history. simple, purpose built, yet quite beautiful at the same time. cherish mine and puts a smile on my face everytime I wear it.
Back when I had a real job and real money I was heavy into high-end audio. It's a never-ending escalation of time and cash to achieve an unattainable goal of sonic perfection with ever diminishing returns. I was starting to feel a bit like that with watches, so your timing of this and (I hope) other such themed videos could not have been better.
I watched this video as well as others about a dozen times...lol. I finally pulled the trigger over the weekend, and won an auction on ebay for a W10 Circa 1997. It is still in immaculate condition as most buy it now options, and other auctioned ones are starting to patina. I even got 6 19mm straps for it as well, granted the one I won off the auction comes with a blue strap. Auction ended a little under $300 USD shy. Thanks for the video man, and to add note. The best video out there by the way on youtube in regards to the CWC G10...Cheers!
Well you’ve just tripled the current asking price for one of these 😀 . The segue into the strap sales wasn’t too shabby either. Great video and encouraging to a lot of enthusiasts I imagine . Really enjoyed it
Fantastic video. Love my G10. A watch with a purpose of usage in design and utility. Definitely a sleeper watch and one which will gain more attention as the years go on. Fantastic video and raise a glass to all our service men and women.
I agree. I had a black bay 58 And a Omega Railmaster trilogy And I sold them (for family reasons) And now I have a sinn556i, a Sarb035 and a G-SHOCK gw-s5600 and I’m happier than in the past with expensive Watches
Watching this while waiting for a G10 from the birth year of my wife, issued to a Soldier in the Royal Navy. Found it on Chrono24. The stories some of those watches could tell... I have no connection with the Navy in my country, but I love authentic military watches.
I was issued one of the originals and it was a great tool watch ,unfortunately I smashed it in Norway whilst working with the commandos, I was then issued a localy purchased Seiko chronograph as the CWCs were in short supply, when I left the Navy to go back to the Army I "forgot" to hand it in, I then left the Army and sent the seiko for service and was told they didn't support that model anymore and would I accept the new model in lieu, I sent that model away last year and was told the same again, so in twenty years my G10 has morphed into a Seiko Solar Sport! :-)
Hi, Adrian. Thanks for the video, and all the hard work that goes into making it. I’ve just picked up an ‘89 version of this watch and I love it. Like yours, it came from eBay (although I had to pay a bit more than you did) and it is NOS condition. No box or papers, because it was genuinely issued to an acting serviceman, but it must be one of the “sock drawer” versions because there is not a mark on it! Best of all though, the seconds hand hits every single marker absolutely bang on. Happy days :-) Keep well
@@pamusso1466 smiths was a British institution of watchmaking and produced military watch contracts for the British military. They became defunct and a man in the UK continues to keep the brand alive with re imagining or re issues of long forgotten models produced by smiths.
Interestingly, 2006 was a pretty tough year for British forces in Afghanistan. Of course, the years following saw British forces on Op Herrick. It would be interesting if you could ever find out if it was in Afghanistan. From an afghan vet, loyal Canadian follower, and CWC G10 owner! Love the content. Cheers! 🇨🇦
I was given one of these by my cousin (who was in the RAF) and I don’t care what the haters might say, I think it’s a truly beautiful design. The nato strap gets a bit grim from time to time, but I love how rugged it feels.
Really enamored with these G10s. It’s also a very easy way to attain a bonafide birth year watch (if you were born between 1980 and 2008 of course haha). I have my birth year G10 as well as the first 1980 fat boy with the text only logo. Shame they didn’t continue with the text only logo I think it’s far better looking imho.
I had one of these in the 1980’s whilst serving in the Army . Unfortunately I swapped it for a pulsar watch after I’d left the Army . I can’t tell you how much I regret it .
My big toe nail was damaged almost 50 years ago by a police horse at Celtic park and it is still out of shape,I love all my British military watches, only one I don't have is the Smiths issued only for two years although timefactors are making a homage at a quarter of the price, around £400 Keep up the good work Adrian
I smashed my finger in a door when I was 9. There was blood under my fingernail, so my dad melted a hole in my fingernail with a hot hairpin to let it out. Worked like a charm!
Citizen ny0040 is a similar cheap watch that's been issued. G-shock square is an even cheaper watch that's been issued by NASA to astronauts. There's also an awesome homage of an old issued divers watch made by Mkii called Paradive.
This is on my list but they are hard to find here. Great strap choice as well. The cheapest watch in my collection is a Casio f84-w that I bought in Tokio for 7$. It gains about 3secs a year and kind of embodies japanese efficiency and humility to me. Also reminds me of insane heat, train jingles and the magical wonderland that Tokio is. All the best to your thumb. I would have expected you to put a layer of c3 in between the nail polish.
My Dad had the same freak thumb nail injury and eventually developed cancer below the nail. They removed the thumb this year but he’s fine now. Sorry to frighten, but keep an eye on it. Love the content.
I’ve got a Vostok Commandirskie with original papers out of East Berlin 1981. I picked it up in 2006. It’s stamped on the dial CCCP so it’s the real deal. The fact I put it on NATO bands makes me laugh. Great watch, keeps perfect time. Better yet, I have an Indian HMT Jawan with the W10 stamping from the early 1970’s. Citizen manual winding movement. 38 mm case and 18mm lugs, domed crystal. Amazing watch, bought from EBay in 2010 for $20 refurbished!
I bought one just over a week ago. For £165 on ebay. A few scratches but looks good. I like it more than I thought I would. The year is 1997. I saw two go on auction for £230 and £238. Great video by the way
I have a Tudor Black Bay 58 and an Omega Seamaster 300 but I also have a Citizen Calndrier and a Rotary GMT on a nice brown leather strap. The Tudor and the Omega where purchased by myself when i was in the position to buy them but the Citizen and the Rotary where gifts from my Wife. All 4 of them sit in my watch box and all 4 still get wrist time. You are correct. Watch collecting isn’t just about Luxury..... it’s about the journey and story behind each piece.
I was looking to buy a CWC G10 some years ago as a birth year watch, unfortunately my search came to an end when I researched it because no watches were issued during my birth year. Anyhow I bought a brand new one to mark the birth of my daughter and when the watch came it not only had my daughters birth year but mine and my moms too. I had to specifically contact Mal at CWC to source a 2017 model and I don’t regret it at all, if you contact Mal yourself you can have custom projects made. The new watch is waterproof and the lume is pretty good I’ve also got a ‘protector’ from G10 Squaddie (search for him online) very stealthy. I’m addicted to CWC watches and I’ve recently purchased a CWC SBS and quite honestly it’s one of the best divers watches I’ve ever owned, the case is amazing and the dial legibility is something else. I’m hoping to get a CWC chronograph next and complete the air land and sea collection of British military watches 🇬🇧 I’m not knocking Adrian’s straps but the CWC straps supplied via their website are some of the best I’ve ever tried, they also sell Phoenix NATO straps which were the original supplier of NATO straps.
Always enjoy your content and to be treated to the old Scottish Tale of the Nail out in the beautiful countryside was magical, yet brought back memories of pain.This CWC watch is a no-nonsense tool for telling time. I suppose military times would have cluttered this smaller timepiece. I especially like the easy battery access. I must have one. Visiting The Highlands has always been a bucket list thing for me, but I'm afraid age and distance is a sad truth. I'm not sure you are in The Highlands, but really was a peaceful scene. Keep up the good work. I've gone on long enough.
Hey! I wanna ask your opinion of getting Submariner 14060M and buying Ginault Glidelock bracelet with it? Would that be bad choice considering the Ginault history as a brand? I find older submariners much more versatile and perfect fitting for my 6.5” wrist. But modern glidelock bracelet is way better than the previous one.
That’s why I like my G-shock DW-5600, which was on many shuttle and space station missions and my Citizen NY0040 which was issued to the Italian Marina Militaire. My Vostok has at least the same dial design that went into space with one of the cosmonauts.
By the way, I was in the air forces ground crew and the majority of the pilots were these on the squadrons I was on, perhaps it was because of being such a short time from being released in the early 80s? But the pilots definitely wore them (they thinking back I think they had a chronograph version?)
CWC can be congratulated for nailing this particular look, and even collectors struggle to fully explain what it is about such simplistic styling which makes them so 'must have-able.' That said, the CWC was never a particularly high quality watch, its Def Stan basically outlining a durable and reliable timepiece, with accuracy parameters the watch did not consistently meet. If the navy wanted high quality and accurate, it went to Rolex and and Seiko - or further back than the quartz era it would go to Smiths, Hamilton, Lemania _et al_ and its own watchmakers servicing ships chronometers in the royal dockyards. It was also copied pretty much identically via a junk S. African version. This contained a movement not much bigger than a finger nail. CWC are now taking the absolute mick with their prices, but it remains a true classic.
Doubt you’ll still be reading these comments Adrian but I really liked the idea of this type of watch and this inspired me to look at a vintage military watch to mark our 30th wedding anniversary (my wife has gone for pearl jewellery obvs!). Anyway I went for a 1967 Hamilton 6B H67 watch and really like the idea of its history and authenticity as you mentioned. It will hopefully be something to pass on to my son also when I come to push up the daisies! 😂
I was about to comment in the Everest. I received a 40mm last week and really liking it. Lots of heft to the watch. Substantial. Fits perfectly. The bracelet is nice, but the clasp is bit bulky. Great watch so far. Fairly inexpensive as well.
I am gravitating toward the Precista PRS-10 version of the "G10" available for under 200 British Pounds. The PRS-10 happens to be equipped with a domed sapphire crystal and screwed down crown and 100-metre water resistance rating to boot which make this timepiece a more reliable and better all-around weekend beater or field watch.
Thank you this video inspired me to pull the trigger on this watch. I managed to get a 1998 army issue just shy of £200. Guessing these are just going to keep rising in price. Lovely fit on wrist and completely charming.
That's a very cool watch. I managed to get lucky and get a 2018 Hamilton Khaki quartz for 120 euros. It's been 8 months and it's still on my wrist! Love the simplicity of the field watches!
Lovely video. Beautiful scenery and great drone shots. Love the watch. I think it's the case that makes it look so good, along with the simplicity. Maybe could look at the Russian military watches (though Vostok probably have had enough coverage)? I have a Raketa I picked up on a school trip to Moscow in 91. Think it cost me about $15, but it's really solid and quite stylish (although the 24 hour thing is a pain).
I saw one for sale last week. 75€. Top Condition. It was sold 10 minutes before i called the Guy. Someone made a bloody good Deal and i have to keep looking.
The British Forces spec is perfect for it's intended use. 50 meter water resist is a huge depth -no problems there Buy from CWC and you get a 3 year warranty -an updated module, 10yr battery life and a un-bashed version!, -for £250, it's a good watch.
I think that watches like the CWC are great. They are distinctive, purpose built and readily obtainable. Collecting does not need to be expensive. The galaxy of military watches is a fertile field for imaginative horology. While I wore my 18k rose gold Parmigiani Kalpa last night, today I have on my G-Shock Full Metal Square. Both watches are equally satisfying, although in different ways. While Michel Parmigiani is accorded great acclaim for his accomplishments as a watch maker, Kikuo Ibe is also to be accorded great acclaim for creating the G-Shock concept and serving as G-Shock’s head designer for 35 years with more than 100 million G-Shock’s sold. Popular horology is totally engaging as a focus for horological study and collecting.
The CWC G10 might have been supplied to the MOD until 2008 but they were still issued when I left in 2014 and long after that. Great little watches. There are still watches issued to the UK MOD but not a field watch
I picked up a 1982 Hamilton GG-W-113 The pilot's version of the US mil-spec watches issued for decades. 17 jewel ETA hacking hand wind movement. Tons of military history. Can be found in from $200-400 in good condition.
Still have the mechanical one I was issued at Sandhurst in 1980. Tours of Northern Ireland, UN Cyprus and the BATT in Oman, always on a Royal Green Jackets NATO strap. Still worn regularly and only been serviced once.
Hi Adrian.......the CWC G10 sapphire is another quality watch with 200m water resistance and screw down crown, however the overall size is too small for my preference, if you like military watches i would highly recommended the Elliot Brown Holton Professional, this watch is issued to the British military, it has a Nato stock number on the caseback and the broadarrow symbol on the face, many thanks for the excellent reviews and videos.
It’s great that you’re highlighting some more affordable options. Unfortunately, CWC do absolutely nothing for me. There’s just something off with the design. Same with Smiths watches. They’re 90% there in terms of an aesthetic I love, but man, that 10% really matters. I just do not like them.
Good, I'd rather a W-10 but you make a good argument for the ownership of one of these G-10s. I totally agree with you. If I could I would rather buy a genuine one, like you did. Because the real-deal is the real-deal and you can't beat that I think.
I have a Tissot PR300 and Tag Heuer 1500GMT combined purchase price under £300 and brilliant classics in the Quartz world. i think people should be made aware of the brilliant value of the second hand market.
This is a great theme and excellent watch! My friend and airline pilot swears by his! Like you, his father was an ex RAF pilot all be it a little older than your dad and my friend wears his dads CWC! I fly privately and my pilots watch is a Hamilton Khaki Navy GMT which I just love and would consider affordable. I think you can pick them up now for under £500
Would be a nice time to support CWC as they’ve just had a whole bunch of dive watches stolen (300!) I’m sure they’d appreciate the custom All the best Ali
Its an old video but great i was looking into these and thought I'd look on RUclips see what people are saying and was glad bark and jake covered it im a big fan of the the channel...anyway I just managed to get my self one of these issues 83 my birth year
I wore a Casio Duro in Helmand, Afghanistan, quartz beast that never failed even in crazy temps
Thank you for your service sir! I hope you have returned from Helmand without any physical injuries. The fact that your Casio Duro stood that extreme ‘stress test’ just proves that the ‘Duro’ nickname isn’t an exaggeration.
I wore my SKX011 in Iraq. Same thing. Never failed. I was there for vacations last year.
Had mine for a year. Wore it once. Band is nice though
Lucky you made it back alive considering the situation now
I wore a sunnto vector in Afghanistan and I got rid of it. I'm need to buy it back for nostalgia 😁
I still have my CWC G10 that I was issued with when I served. 25 years on and it’s still my favourite watch. I have Omegas, a Rolex, a Bremont, and even a Hamilton Kaki to name a few, but my little G10 holds its ground against all of these more expensive and lavish watches, because it has history and it’s a real working (Field) watch. It may be my cheapest watch, but It’s the only watch I own that has earned medals. Adrian is right, this is my real moon watch and that is why I love it and the only watch I would never sell.
That is awesome! It’s great you kept it and I can imagine you have a big bond with it because of what you’ve been through with it. 🍻
@Trenton Tiller your right, a lot
of things needed returning, like the 2 torches I have and the defile marker, and the knife and the 3 multi tools. Whats your point again.
@Trenton Tiller as an ex member of the forces then I guess I do understand what your banging on about old boy. But when I served anyone who managed to prof a G10 was a bloody legend. Thanks for your service and happy Anzac Day.
What is your opinion on someone who hasn't served buying an issued G10 vs the Re-issue?
@@kyle_vr Good question. If it helps any, I served in the Army but was never issued a G10 and I have no problem with anyone wishing to buy a piece of UK military history - unless they intend to join the 10,000+ pretendy-SAS people who tell everyone they stormed the Iranian Embassy 😂 But seriously, I'm not old enough to have served in WW1 and would have absolutely no qualms about buying an issued military watch from that period, the same would apply to buying a genuine, issued Luftwaffe Flieger watch from WW2. s for re-issued versions, well that's down to personal choice, mine would be for the original however.
If your hair gets any bigger you'll get a copyright strike from Producer Michael.
If he combes it backwards he might get a more "Italian" watch guy look.
🤣🤣🤣
Producer Mikes hair is real ?
Served in Afghanistan with NATO, and was impressed by the G10’s worn by my British colleagues. A few years later, I purchased one online from Silvermans and had it shipped to the US - the shipping was not cheap, combined with the exchange rate and taxes. It was definitely worth it though, and I have worn it ever since. I love it.
I was fascinated by the topic. As you pointed out a hobby doesn't have to be expensive. During the last year, as a form of mental health therapy, combined with a reason to get additional exercise, I started collecting interesting, but very cheap watches from Charity Shops. The average cost was under $A10. Cleaning them up, and swapping around straps revived my interest in watches, which is how I found, then subscribed to your channel, which further increased the simple enjoyment of learning about watch collecting as a hobby. While I do have a gold Omega Seamaster and a 9ct gold Titan, they're just dress watches, while my Charity Shop finds have become the nucleus of a real hobby, where the enjoyment comes from the search, along with the fun of wearing them with casual clothes. So I think your extended coverage is very interesting and I enjoyed watching. Phil.
That sounds like a great idea Phil. Enjoy the finds. 👍🏻
You straight up hit the nail about expensive watches being just one part of a bigger spectrum.
Literally hit the nail. Thumb nail. 😁
I've got 2 CWC G10s, both running and love them: one's a 1983 mid-fatboy (off-centre battery hatch) and the other's a 1997 - both are issued Army versions and in superb condition. The 1983 one is spectacularly accurate and only loses 1 second/day, amazing for a 41yo watch. I simply couldn't part with them.
There’s a version of the CWC G10 (sold on their website) that retails for £299. In return you do get a sapphire crystal, 200 meters of water resistance (with screw down crown), 18mm lug width and the original fatboy style case. Usually I would pass paying more than £150 for a quartz watch. However, this is different. This has true heritage, you’re paying for a part of that history. I’m going to buy a different timepiece at the end of this year but this one is on my list for next year. :)
Yours is a gs not g10 ,all cwc G10 watches had battery hatches ,80 fat boy big battery hatch centre ,83/84 medium fat boys offset battery hatch ,84/85 big battery hatch centre ,85 onwards till end of issue small battery hatch in the centre 👍🏻🇬🇧
Exactly what I think when others “collectors “ ask me to show my Rolex like it’s the only watch worthy of been collected! Nice video, keep the good work, greetings from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷
After your last mention of the CWC a while back I went and bought one - must admit had had some wine while watching the vid and ended up buying an MWC! Next morning corrected the prob and ironically ended up with one almost identical to yours year and army-issue wise. Great watch...if anyone wants to buy an MWC I have one spare 🤨
Haha. That made me chuckle.
I have 2 of these . My RAF issue way back . And a W10 my MIL bought me for a pressie. Love the simplicity of them and still wear them regularly ! Cheers
Us army here, I bought one of these.
I don't see why they WOULDNT have worn these.
They're amazing, I've beat the shit out of this watch and it's still kicking 4 years later.
It's my favorite field watch and I wouldn't replace it for the world.
Not even a G-Shock would replace it for me, not saying I wouldn't wear it. But I prefer analog so.
I thought I was going to get into collecting four years ago and then bought a Seiko Sarb033. In fact I only just replaced the original NATO I bought for it. But I love the watch so much I’ve just not been able to talk myself into paying 10x or 20x for something else.
Best watch out there ,nobody put them away in a drawer ,they were only issued to ncos and signed for on deployment, most ppl tried to get one ! Army may be different from the raf ,but can assure you very sought after watches at the time of issue ,still have one 40 years old and works perfectly 👍🏻🇬🇧
Late to this Adrian but 20 years ago treated myself to anNOS pilots chrono with date from CWC.Worn all round the world but date change gave up.When I saw what someone was asking for one on a website decided a service was in order. The cost probably same as original price but as new ones are not cheap and (the horror),are polished so well worth it.I also had to overcome an aversion to Beckham and Gaga but delighted with the 58 .Just had the fabric strap put on for a change in Valencia.Able to get my mitts on a YM platinum grey dial and could have bought the 37mm there and then.On the list to see the 40 but not fussed if it doesn’t materialize.My AD experience here has been very good.
Fun fact, CWC Watches are still issued. BA controller on a Submarine can ask for them as well as Aircrew. I've managed to get a few watches off the pusser and it seems issued watches are going up in value 👍
Great review!!! Apart from my every day watch collection, I collect military watches & my late father was in the 2nd AIF during WW2. So my collection ranges from WW1 trench watches, to WW2 military/flieger. For some reason I have a penchant for Vietnam watches, being Benrus, Hamilton & the like. This CWC has been on my radar for a while & I fully get your comments re the "real" thing!!! When you put a special piece like this on your wrist, you do feel a connection to history!👍🏻 Cheers from Down Under.
I have watched this vid before but I have just picked up a 2006 G10 after about a year of hunting. Great vid by the way, took me back to a COVID world, very thought provoking and I'm definitely in a reflective mood. Watches can be such a gateway to memories.
I recently bought one that appeared on a watch forum and I absolutely love it.
More outdoor videos, it really adds to the vibe.
Thanks Cedrick. I much prefer doing the outdoor videos. They always feel more natural.
I have the cwc mellor 72 and the cwc air arm fleet navy chrono , you are right you don't need to spend the big bucks to get a good watch, watches are a very personal choice whatever you like to put on your wrist........thank you for talking about watches!
You nailed the colour choice of the nato on this watch. Compliments it perfectly.
Hi there, ex military guy here through the 80s and into the 90s. The arrow that you go on about is actually nicknamed and called the ‘crows foot’ within the military.
I love my CWC G10. Had it issued to me in the army. Wore it everyday and still do. Love how simple and pleasurable it is to wear. It will always remind me of so many memories. Great video 👍🏻
How's the watch? Is it still the same movement since you have it in the army? :D
Still love the watch. Works great and keeps good time
@@TerryB1972 awesome i hope mine will last long same as yours i have the luminova 955.102
What is you opinion on the G10 and water resistance ? I have one and love it, but I’m told it’s NOT water resistant and not to get it wet. What is the truth ?
Adrian, I still have my 1982 Hamilton MIL-W-463708 watch issued to me from the U.S. Marine Corps. It is a mechanical watch and currently needs repair. Little story in the fact that it was in a drawer in my basement for 17 years. Spent a month trying to find it, and I did! Once repaired, it could once again be my daily wear watch. As always, fabulous content!
I bought a new un-issued one of these a couple of years ago...1997 model from ebay....time keeping is about -10secs per year, bloody amazing, I use it as a reference watch:) Tritium is nearly done, and I love the grey anti-reflective finish of the stainless steel case. cannot recommend highly enough
Very much enjoyed your video and thank you. I still have my issued G10 and wear as an every-day. As time has moved-on (no pun etc), I've been able to acquire a Rolex Explorer, which I do love. The G10 is the one though!! Love your vids.
Kindest regards Justin
Just recently got myself a BMBY watch, a Hamilton Army issue watch, complete with the radioactive symbol and everything. Handwould, acrylic, 33mm it is perfect. Came with a rather narrow 16mm super smooth nato. This CWC is amazing.
I own the 1980 fat boy. one of the first or might be the first quartz watch ever to be issued by MOD. Love what CWC is doing with the re-issue but having the original issue, well, can't beat the feeling of it all. not only are you wearing a cool watch but a piece of history. simple, purpose built, yet quite beautiful at the same time. cherish mine and puts a smile on my face everytime I wear it.
I almost passed out during the nail segment 😒
Definitely TMI
Not sure which was more interesting: the watch or the drilled nail. I think I would've gone with super glue.
my knees became weak straight away..🥴
Back when I had a real job and real money I was heavy into high-end audio. It's a never-ending escalation of time and cash to achieve an unattainable goal of sonic perfection with ever diminishing returns. I was starting to feel a bit like that with watches, so your timing of this and (I hope) other such themed videos could not have been better.
I watched this video as well as others about a dozen times...lol. I finally pulled the trigger over the weekend, and won an auction on ebay for a W10 Circa 1997. It is still in immaculate condition as most buy it now options, and other auctioned ones are starting to patina. I even got 6 19mm straps for it as well, granted the one I won off the auction comes with a blue strap. Auction ended a little under $300 USD shy. Thanks for the video man, and to add note. The best video out there by the way on youtube in regards to the CWC G10...Cheers!
As you say, a very simple watch, but boy, it’s beautiful in its simplicity.
Love watching your reviews/channel Adrian.
A true watch lover who doesn’t collect watches just for their resale value. 👍
Great watch and notice that it hits all of the seconds perfectly
Well you’ve just tripled the current asking price for one of these 😀 . The segue into the strap sales wasn’t too shabby either. Great video and encouraging to a lot of enthusiasts I imagine . Really enjoyed it
They still do issued watches through the stores to the Company and CWC and Pulsar still remain the go to favourites for us Paras👍
Fantastic video.
Love my G10.
A watch with a purpose of usage in design and utility.
Definitely a sleeper watch and one which will gain more attention as the years go on.
Fantastic video and raise a glass to all our service men and women.
I agree. I had a black bay 58 And a Omega Railmaster trilogy And I sold them (for family reasons) And now I have a sinn556i, a Sarb035 and a G-SHOCK gw-s5600 and I’m happier than in the past with expensive Watches
Watching this while waiting for a G10 from the birth year of my wife, issued to a Soldier in the Royal Navy. Found it on Chrono24. The stories some of those watches could tell... I have no connection with the Navy in my country, but I love authentic military watches.
Loved having that watch issued to me when I got my L/Cpl stripe.....Royal Green Jackets!!!
He's uploaded!! Woop 🤩
I was issued one of the originals and it was a great tool watch ,unfortunately I smashed it in Norway whilst working with the commandos, I was then issued a localy purchased Seiko chronograph as the CWCs were in short supply, when I left the Navy to go back to the Army I "forgot" to hand it in, I then left the Army and sent the seiko for service and was told they didn't support that model anymore and would I accept the new model in lieu, I sent that model away last year and was told the same again, so in twenty years my G10 has morphed into a Seiko Solar Sport! :-)
Hi, Adrian. Thanks for the video, and all the hard work that goes into making it.
I’ve just picked up an ‘89 version of this watch and I love it. Like yours, it came from eBay (although I had to pay a bit more than you did) and it is NOS condition. No box or papers, because it was genuinely issued to an acting serviceman, but it must be one of the “sock drawer” versions because there is not a mark on it! Best of all though, the seconds hand hits every single marker absolutely bang on. Happy days :-)
Keep well
Smith's Everest is a nice watch along those lines.
Where do you buy one? Lol
@@pamusso1466 smiths was a British institution of watchmaking and produced military watch contracts for the British military. They became defunct and a man in the UK continues to keep the brand alive with re imagining or re issues of long forgotten models produced by smiths.
Great video Adrian. I like your point of view about affordable watches.
Interestingly, 2006 was a pretty tough year for British forces in Afghanistan. Of course, the years following saw British forces on Op Herrick. It would be interesting if you could ever find out if it was in Afghanistan. From an afghan vet, loyal Canadian follower, and CWC G10 owner! Love the content. Cheers! 🇨🇦
I was given one of these by my cousin (who was in the RAF) and I don’t care what the haters might say, I think it’s a truly beautiful design. The nato strap gets a bit grim from time to time, but I love how rugged it feels.
I heard there is a date wheel under the dial. I've seen a geek trooper cutting out a date window. He was very proud of that.
Really enamored with these G10s. It’s also a very easy way to attain a bonafide birth year watch (if you were born between 1980 and 2008 of course haha). I have my birth year G10 as well as the first 1980 fat boy with the text only logo. Shame they didn’t continue with the text only logo I think it’s far better looking imho.
What a superb review. Really enjoyable and informative video.
Got to get one of these timepieces.
Love it!!⌚👍
I had one of these in the 1980’s whilst serving in the Army . Unfortunately I swapped it for a pulsar watch after I’d left the Army . I can’t tell you how much I regret it .
Loved my G10 watch. Fun fact (Apologies if this has already been said) - G1098 The equipment table for the British Army
My big toe nail was damaged almost 50 years ago by a police horse at Celtic park and it is still out of shape,I love all my British military watches, only one I don't have is the Smiths issued only for two years although timefactors are making a homage at a quarter of the price, around £400 Keep up the good work Adrian
I smashed my finger in a door when I was 9. There was blood under my fingernail, so my dad melted a hole in my fingernail with a hot hairpin to let it out. Worked like a charm!
Citizen ny0040 is a similar cheap watch that's been issued. G-shock square is an even cheaper watch that's been issued by NASA to astronauts. There's also an awesome homage of an old issued divers watch made by Mkii called Paradive.
This is on my list but they are hard to find here. Great strap choice as well.
The cheapest watch in my collection is a Casio f84-w that I bought in Tokio for 7$. It gains about 3secs a year and kind of embodies japanese efficiency and humility to me. Also reminds me of insane heat, train jingles and the magical wonderland that Tokio is.
All the best to your thumb. I would have expected you to put a layer of c3 in between the nail polish.
If you have eBay you can find one
Love this watch. They've jumped up in price to around the £200 mark. Also @9:30 the obvious one, the Casio F91w
Great to see you out and about during the glorious Scottish summer. Love the content.
My Dad had the same freak thumb nail injury and eventually developed cancer below the nail. They removed the thumb this year but he’s fine now. Sorry to frighten, but keep an eye on it. Love the content.
Thanks for the nice video. I was literally waiting for your content.🙂
Thanks so much for watching mate. 🙌🏻
I’ve got a Vostok Commandirskie with original papers out of East Berlin 1981. I picked it up in 2006. It’s stamped on the dial CCCP so it’s the real deal. The fact I put it on NATO bands makes me laugh. Great watch, keeps perfect time. Better yet, I have an Indian HMT Jawan with the W10 stamping from the early 1970’s. Citizen manual winding movement. 38 mm case and 18mm lugs, domed crystal. Amazing watch, bought from EBay in 2010 for $20 refurbished!
I bought one just over a week ago. For £165 on ebay. A few scratches but looks good. I like it more than I thought I would. The year is 1997. I saw two go on auction for £230 and £238.
Great video by the way
Great segway to your NATO’s Adrian - slick. That is years of your training mode kicking in 😂
Haha. My sales training kicking in. Relevant products.
I have a Tudor Black Bay 58 and an Omega Seamaster 300 but I also have a Citizen Calndrier and a Rotary GMT on a nice brown leather strap. The Tudor and the Omega where purchased by myself when i was in the position to buy them but the Citizen and the Rotary where gifts from my Wife. All 4 of them sit in my watch box and all 4 still get wrist time. You are correct. Watch collecting isn’t just about Luxury..... it’s about the journey and story behind each piece.
I was looking to buy a CWC G10 some years ago as a birth year watch, unfortunately my search came to an end when I researched it because no watches were issued during my birth year.
Anyhow I bought a brand new one to mark the birth of my daughter and when the watch came it not only had my daughters birth year but mine and my moms too. I had to specifically contact Mal at CWC to source a 2017 model and I don’t regret it at all, if you contact Mal yourself you can have custom projects made.
The new watch is waterproof and the lume is pretty good I’ve also got a ‘protector’ from G10 Squaddie (search for him online) very stealthy.
I’m addicted to CWC watches and I’ve recently purchased a CWC SBS and quite honestly it’s one of the best divers watches I’ve ever owned, the case is amazing and the dial legibility is something else. I’m hoping to get a CWC chronograph next and complete the air land and sea collection of British military watches 🇬🇧
I’m not knocking Adrian’s straps but the CWC straps supplied via their website are some of the best I’ve ever tried, they also sell Phoenix NATO straps which were the original supplier of NATO straps.
Man the Scottish countryside, wow so pristine and beautiful.
Always enjoy your content and to be treated to the old Scottish Tale of the Nail out in the beautiful countryside was magical, yet brought back memories of pain.This CWC watch is a no-nonsense tool for telling time. I suppose military times would have cluttered this smaller timepiece. I especially like the easy battery access. I must have one.
Visiting The Highlands has always been a bucket list thing for me, but I'm afraid age and distance is a sad truth. I'm not sure you are in The Highlands, but really was a peaceful scene. Keep up the good work. I've gone on long enough.
Hey! I wanna ask your opinion of getting Submariner 14060M and buying Ginault Glidelock bracelet with it? Would that be bad choice considering the Ginault history as a brand? I find older submariners much more versatile and perfect fitting for my 6.5” wrist. But modern glidelock bracelet is way better than the previous one.
That’s why I like my G-shock DW-5600, which was on many shuttle and space station missions and my Citizen NY0040 which was issued to the Italian Marina Militaire. My Vostok has at least the same dial design that went into space with one of the cosmonauts.
By the way, I was in the air forces ground crew and the majority of the pilots were these on the squadrons I was on, perhaps it was because of being such a short time from being released in the early 80s?
But the pilots definitely wore them (they thinking back I think they had a chronograph version?)
The DIY Monologue was pure genious, as I sit here nursing my blood blister from a hammer incident.
CWC can be congratulated for nailing this particular look, and even collectors struggle to fully explain what it is about such simplistic styling which makes them so 'must have-able.'
That said, the CWC was never a particularly high quality watch, its Def Stan basically outlining a durable and reliable timepiece, with accuracy parameters the watch did not consistently meet. If the navy wanted high quality and accurate, it went to Rolex and and Seiko - or further back than the quartz era it would go to Smiths, Hamilton, Lemania _et al_ and its own watchmakers servicing ships chronometers in the royal dockyards.
It was also copied pretty much identically via a junk S. African version. This contained a movement not much bigger than a finger nail.
CWC are now taking the absolute mick with their prices, but it remains a true classic.
Great video Adrian
Doubt you’ll still be reading these comments Adrian but I really liked the idea of this type of watch and this inspired me to look at a vintage military watch to mark our 30th wedding anniversary (my wife has gone for pearl jewellery obvs!). Anyway I went for a 1967 Hamilton 6B H67 watch and really like the idea of its history and authenticity as you mentioned. It will hopefully be something to pass on to my son also when I come to push up the daisies! 😂
Hi David, congrats on your 30th wedding anniversary. And great watch choice! It's cool getting something with genuine history isn't it.
I was about to comment in the Everest. I received a 40mm last week and really liking it. Lots of heft to the watch. Substantial. Fits perfectly. The bracelet is nice, but the clasp is bit bulky. Great watch so far. Fairly inexpensive as well.
At least you DIYed your thumb together.
I am gravitating toward the Precista PRS-10 version of the "G10" available for under 200 British Pounds. The PRS-10 happens to be equipped with a domed sapphire crystal and screwed down crown and 100-metre water resistance rating to boot which make this timepiece a more reliable and better all-around weekend beater or field watch.
Thank you this video inspired me to pull the trigger on this watch. I managed to get a 1998 army issue just shy of £200. Guessing these are just going to keep rising in price. Lovely fit on wrist and completely charming.
Very cool that there's watches out there with this kind of heritage at a nice price point. Thanks for the video.
That's a very cool watch. I managed to get lucky and get a 2018 Hamilton Khaki quartz for 120 euros. It's been 8 months and it's still on my wrist! Love the simplicity of the field watches!
Lovely video. Beautiful scenery and great drone shots. Love the watch. I think it's the case that makes it look so good, along with the simplicity. Maybe could look at the Russian military watches (though Vostok probably have had enough coverage)? I have a Raketa I picked up on a school trip to Moscow in 91. Think it cost me about $15, but it's really solid and quite stylish (although the 24 hour thing is a pain).
I learn something new today. Thanks
I saw one for sale last week. 75€. Top Condition. It was sold 10 minutes before i called the Guy. Someone made a bloody good Deal and i have to keep looking.
Outstanding video and terrific collecting philosophy.
Hey buddy, thanks so much for watching. 🙌🏻
The British Forces spec is perfect for it's intended use.
50 meter water resist is a huge depth -no problems there
Buy from CWC and you get a 3 year warranty -an updated module, 10yr battery life and a un-bashed version!, -for £250, it's a good watch.
As always Adrian, great review. I learn something new with every video.
I think that watches like the CWC are great. They are distinctive, purpose built and readily obtainable. Collecting does not need to be expensive. The galaxy of military watches is a fertile field for imaginative horology. While I wore my 18k rose gold Parmigiani Kalpa last night, today I have on my G-Shock Full Metal Square. Both watches are equally satisfying, although in different ways. While Michel Parmigiani is accorded great acclaim for his accomplishments as a watch maker, Kikuo Ibe is also to be accorded great acclaim for creating the G-Shock concept and serving as G-Shock’s head designer for 35 years with more than 100 million G-Shock’s sold. Popular horology is totally engaging as a focus for horological study and collecting.
The CWC G10 might have been supplied to the MOD until 2008 but they were still issued when I left in 2014 and long after that. Great little watches. There are still watches issued to the UK MOD but not a field watch
I picked up a 1982 Hamilton GG-W-113 The pilot's version of the US mil-spec watches issued for decades. 17 jewel ETA hacking hand wind movement. Tons of military history. Can be found in from $200-400 in good condition.
Still have the mechanical one I was issued at Sandhurst in 1980. Tours of Northern Ireland, UN Cyprus and the BATT in Oman, always on a Royal Green Jackets NATO strap. Still worn regularly and only been serviced once.
Hi Adrian.......the CWC G10 sapphire is another quality watch with 200m water resistance and screw down crown, however the overall size is too small for my preference, if you like military watches i would highly recommended the Elliot Brown Holton Professional, this watch is issued to the British military, it has a Nato stock number on the caseback and the broadarrow symbol on the face, many thanks for the excellent reviews and videos.
An appropriate watch for war time. Thank god we don’t really need to disinfect things so much - otherwise the acrylic could melt.
It’s great that you’re highlighting some more affordable options. Unfortunately, CWC do absolutely nothing for me. There’s just something off with the design. Same with Smiths watches. They’re 90% there in terms of an aesthetic I love, but man, that 10% really matters. I just do not like them.
Good, I'd rather a W-10 but you make a good argument for the ownership of one of these G-10s. I totally agree with you. If I could I would rather buy a genuine one, like you did. Because the real-deal is the real-deal and you can't beat that I think.
I have a Tissot PR300 and Tag Heuer 1500GMT combined purchase price under £300 and brilliant classics in the Quartz world. i think people should be made aware of the brilliant value of the second hand market.
This is a great theme and excellent watch! My friend and airline pilot swears by his! Like you, his father was an ex RAF pilot all be it a little older than your dad and my friend wears his dads CWC! I fly privately and my pilots watch is a Hamilton Khaki Navy GMT which I just love and would consider affordable. I think you can pick them up now for under £500
I have an 89 RN version I never wear it. I have a question. If I bought a brand new one....Can I swap the backs? will they fit?
Would be a nice time to support CWC as they’ve just had a whole bunch of dive watches stolen (300!)
I’m sure they’d appreciate the custom
All the best
Ali
Its an old video but great i was looking into these and thought I'd look on RUclips see what people are saying and was glad bark and jake covered it im a big fan of the the channel...anyway I just managed to get my self one of these issues 83 my birth year