The presence of watches in the military is something you can always count on, and the Royal Navy is no exception. No less is the Warship I currently serve on. The use of these tools goes beyond simple timekeeping. These timepieces hold symbolic value, reflecting the professionalism, commitment, and expertise of the sailors and officers who wear them. The watch doesn’t make the Sailor, the sailor makes the watch.
Casio W-59:
Watches like these are staple pieces on HM ships and are affectionately nicknamed ‘The Raleigh Rolex’ after the Phase 1 training ground that all potential sailors must pass through. This particular DTW is worn on the wrist of one of the ship's medics and is perfect for the timekeeping requirements of the role. Whether it be recording when a tourniquet was applied or timing doses of morphine, an easy-to-read four-figure time is exactly what’s needed under moments of pressure. This is a timepiece that has been bought and owned out of pure necessity rather than whatever strange forces drive us enthusiasts and is the perfect representation of the common phrase in our community: ‘wear your tools’
Bremont Broadsword
The Bremont Broadsword is a contemporary take on the ‘dirty dozen’ watches, the first non-civilian watches used by British forces in World War Two. It is a no-nonsense field watch and part of a trio of watches, each designed for a different branch of His Majesty’s Armed Forces. Hand-built in England, Bremont claims to be the sole luxury watchmaker allowed to use the insignia of the British Armed Forces on their watches. The brand has undergone controversy relating to a change of branding; however, the HMAF collection retains the original insignia that we all know and love. Worn by a junior warfare officer, this timepiece was a commissioning gift from his parents upon completion of his training. Therefore, not only will this watch remind him of his achievements but also of his family at home. A timepiece is a tool, but it is unlikely to just be that. It can be a memento of so much else. Bremont has deep roots in the military community worldwide and is a driving force in the realm of custom ‘unit’ watches. Wherever you go in the military, Bremont will never be far away.
Omega Seamaster Diver 300
The Omega Seamaster Diver 300 needs no introduction, and you wouldn't be wrong for describing it as the naval officer's watch. After all, Commander Bond has been wearing one since 1985, and it got him out of some sticky situations. (It should be noted that a factory-new Omega Seamaster does not come fitted with a high-power laser or an EMP device.) Jokes aside, a blue-dial Seamaster does not look even a little bit out of place on the bridge of a warship. This is one of three Seamasters on board and is worn by the ship's Gunnery Officer. The relationship between Omega and the Royal Navy, however, does not end at a fictional character. In 1940, Omega was the single largest supplier of watches to the British forces and their allies, and the brand currently supplies custom ‘unit watches’ to notable military organizations such as the Special Boat Service or the Danish Frømandskorpset Frogmen.
Tag Heuer Kirium WL1213
This timepiece certainly differs from the other entries on this list. It is not the traditional ‘tool watch’ that you expect to see on a warship, but this watch has embarked on the second naval career of its long and storied life. It first adorned the wrist of a marine engineering rating who, in his 24 years of service in the Royal Navy, ascended to the prestigious rank of Warrant Officer. The second chapter sees it on the wrist of his son, the junior warfare officer and proud owner of the previously mentioned Bremont Broadsword. The story of a watch being passed down to the next generation and continuing in the family business resonates with many and never fails to tug at the heartstrings. This watch is not kept in a box or treated delicately; it remains in active service, bearing the scars and marks of a life at sea while accumulating new ones along the way. It serves as a testament that a watch is more than just a timepiece, remember, it is never just a watch.
CWC SBS Diver
Photo credit: @cwc_matelot
Designed to the specifications of the United Kingdom's tier 1 maritime unit the CWC SBS Diver has become infamous in the world of military horology. In the early 2000s it became the standard issue timepiece for all units within His Majesty's Armed Forces that required a dive watch, including Royal Navy Divers, Royal Marine Commandos and the Parachute regiment. The watches are still seen today, one in particular being worn on the wrist of a Weapons Engineer. The accurate quartz movement, stealthy PVD look and no-frills rugged design make this the most suitable watch for a life at sea, proven by the longstanding contract that still remains between CWC and the UK MOD that speaks volumes about the trust placed in this watch.
Tudor Black Bay GMT
Tudor are often misunderstood as the 'Poor man's Rolex' and while they could be considered the little brother of the house of Wilsdorf, this description could not be further from the truth. Early examples of military issued Tudor's were identical to their Rolex counterparts, even having the famous insignia on the clasp and crown, with the Movement and Dial being the only exceptions. The close relationship between the siblings-brands goes far beyond a premium and budget alternative. Tudor offers the house Wilsdorf tool-making expertise at a price point better suited to the end user.
To Quote Watches of Espionage 'The shield protects the crown'. This watch is one of the watches worn by the operations officer and was bought to signify his qualification as an officer of the watch, in charge of driving the ship through the night and responsible for the safety of all personnel on board.
The CW C65 Dartmouth
The CW C65 Dartmouth has been covered in great detail in a previous article by @roofkoreanactual and as I don't want to steal all of his sandwiches I urge you to go and read that if you haven’t already. The lesser known black dialed version of this watch serves alongside the Tudor Black Bay on the wrist of the Operations officer, and is the second example of this watch I have seen on the ship. Named after the famous Britannia Royal Naval College where all future Officers must attend, it makes the perfect timepiece to mark the commissioning ceremony at the end of 30 weeks of training. CW are a relative newcomer to the world of horology but have made big moves in the industry, particularly the unit watch space, including custom unit watches for certain US Special Operations Groups.
As Always,
Stay Sketchy
@brokewatchkeeper
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