In 1980, the CWC automatic divers' watch replaced the Rolex Submariner (Milsub) as the issued dive watch to the Royal Navy. In 2017, we reintroduced this watch as the 1980 Reissue, a limited run of 600 pieces, which have now sold out.
In 1981, the dial and hands were slightly updated and the movement changed from the ETA 2783 to the ETA 2872, and this updated version was issued for one year before the requirement changed to quartz in 1983. Both the '80 and '81 would certainly have seen action in the Falklands on the wrists of Royal Navy Divers.
CWC RN81 Clearance Diver Watch
Made to the same specifications as the original 1981 version issued to Royal Navy Divers, this watch is fitted with the Sellita SW200-1 top grade movement, ensuring accurate timekeeping that is robust. The RN81 is made to 1981 military specification.
A watch that will give the wearer a very real sense of Naval history, nostalgia and heritage of an age where quality was paramount and built to last, the RN81 carries that through to modern day as we do with the whole CWC range.
Featuring light vintage colour Super Luminova markings for clear visibility in low-light conditions, and a luminous bezel crafted in the same way as the original, the RN81 has the authenticity and feel of Clearance Diver watches of the 1980s.
We are proud of our heritage of supplying timepieces to H.M. Forces for over 50 years, and if there was a similar requirement today from the Royal Navy for an automatic divers' watch, this would be a contender.
The polished stainless steel case is the issue spec watch, but we also offer a black PVD-coated case as an option based on customer interest. Both types are identical in all other respects.
- An everyday wearable collector's piece that is serial numbered with history and provenance second to none
- Made in Switzerland, an accurate timepiece made to defence standards set out in the '80s by the M.O.D.
- Water-resistant to 30 atmospheres, 300m
- Sword hands
- 1981 CWC vintage logo
- One-way luminous insert time elapse bezel, 60-clicks
- Exact case and case back in polished stainless steel as per the original
- Screw-down crown
- Screw-down case back
- 45mm diameter including crown (41mm excluding crown), 47mm lug to lug, 20mm lug width. Bezel diameter is 40mm. Crystal is 31mm. Top of crystal to base of case back is 12.7mm.
- Sellita SW200-1 top grade Swiss automatic mechanical movement
- SuperLuminova markings in Light Vintage colour (T marking for historical correctness)
- Sapphire glass
- Swiss-made
- Fixed strap bars
- Supplied with 20mm CWC issue grey strap and presentation box
