CWC
1994 CWC Royal Navy SBS Diver 0555/6645-99-7995443
Founded in 1972, Cabot Watch Company (CWC) was established with the goal of producing purpose-built military timepieces for the British Ministry of Defense. Over the following decades, the company became one of the MOD's principal suppliers, manufacturing wristwatches for a variety of British military branches and earning a reputation for rugged, purpose-built tool watches designed for operational use.
Developed in response to a new Ministry of Defense specification introduced in 1987, the CWC SBS Diver was built to meet the operational requirements of the Royal Navy's Special Boat Service (SBS), one of the world's premier maritime special operations units. Designed as a true military dive instrument with a 300-meter depth rating, the SBS specification featured a nonreflective black PVD-coated case to reduce glare in low-light environments, along with a practical day-date display to assist personnel during extended deployments. Watches produced to this specification carry the military NSN 0555/6645-99-7995443, distinguishing them from the earlier Royal Navy dive watch contracts.
This example dates to the 1994 contract. Research published by CWC Addict indicates that approximately 300 examples were issued during the 1994 contract. In addition to their service with the Special Boat Service, watches from this period were also used by other United Kingdom Special Forces elements. Combined with their documented military provenance, specialist operational history, and limited production, early SBS divers have become some of the most desirable modern British military wristwatches.
SPECS
| Stock # | CWCSBS94-1 | |
| Brand | CWC | |
| Style | Military Diver | |
| Model | 0555/6645-99-7995443 | |
| Serial | 05X/94 | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel PVD | |
| Dial | Matte Black | |
| Millimeters | 42 | |
| Strap | Original Issued Black Phoenix NATO Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The case remains in sharp, unpolished condition, exhibiting honest wear consistent with military service. The original black PVD finish shows some subtle fading and patina throughout. The fixed strap bars remain fully intact, showing no evidence of bending or damage. The watch is fitted with the correct thin hash-mark bezel insert, appropriate for this period of production, and the pearl does appear to be previously repaired. The screw-down caseback retains crisp, fully legible military issue markings, including the original NSN and issuance numbers. The watch comes supplied on an era-correct issued black Phoenix NATO Strap, which remains in minimally worn condition.
DIAL & HANDS
The original matte black dial remains in exceptional condition, free from any notable degradation, and exhibiting only nominal marks that are invisible to the naked eye. The tritium lume on both the dial and the hands has aged evenly to a rich custard yellow coloration. As is commonly seen on original issued examples, the lume within the seconds hand has darkened, while the hour and minute hands are slightly lighter than the dial. When examined under UV light, the tritium of the dial exhibits no degradation or evidence of repair; the hands also exhibit no degradation, though the hour hand exhibits a spot of superficial cracking and is completely stable.
ACCESSORIES
The watch is running exceptionally well and keeping accurate time. It was recently serviced, during which it received a fresh battery and a new caseback gasket to ensure reliable operation. While the case retains its original water-resistant design, due to the age of the watch, we do not recommend swimming or diving with it. The watch is accompanied by our one-year mechanical warranty covering accurate timekeeping.