GG-W-113 U.S 1960s Pattern Military Watch with Shatter and Scratch Resistant Sapphire Box Crystal (automatic)

Product Details

SKU: GG-W-113

In October 1962, the U.S. government established specifications for infantry watches, leading to the creation of the GG-W-113 model. This specification, known as MIL-W-3818B, replaced the earlier MIL-W-3818A issued in March 1956. You can view the full specifications at this [link].

In January 2009, MWC was approached by a U.S. veterans association asking us to explore the possibility of recreating a watch indistinguishable from the original models made by Hamilton, Bulova, and Benrus during the Vietnam War. We received two watches to examine, along with the original specification details. The result was a watch very close in appearance to the original, featuring a high-grade, fully jeweled automatic movement with a hacking function. This movement is similar to the original 1960s hand-wound movements but includes a rotor, eliminating the need for manual winding while retaining the option for hand-winding if desired.

In 2023, we made further improvements to this watch by upgrading to a box sapphire crystal. The box sapphire offers both shatter and scratch resistance while maintaining the visual appearance of the original plexiglass crystals used in the 1960s and 70s.

The original Benrus sent to us in 2009 was from 1965. As shown in the final image of an original watch, our homage is virtually indistinguishable from those produced during that era.

These original watches are now difficult to find in good condition at a reasonable price. However, this recreation offers a convincing alternative, combining the aesthetics of the original with the benefits of modern technology, such as automatic self-winding, increased water resistance, and improved reliability, making it suitable for daily use.

DIMENSIONS

• Width (Including Crown): 38mm
• Width (Excluding Crown): 36mm
• Thickness: 12.9mm
• Lug Size: 18mm
• Lug to Lug: 43mm
• Dial Color: Black
• Case Material: 316L stainless steel
• Caseback: Screw-down 316L stainless steel
• Crown: 316L stainless steel screw-down locking crown
• Water Resistance: 5 atm (50m/165ft)*
• Movement: 24-jewel automatic
• Crystal: Shatter & scratch-resistant box sapphire with anti-reflective coating*

Luminous Material: Luminova
Serial Number: Engraved on caseback
Strap: 18mm x 2
Supplied in: Gift box

Sapphire Crystal Benefits

Many people ask about the benefits of sapphire crystal over standard mineral glass. The answer is that synthetic sapphire is the superior material for watch crystals because it is extremely strong and both shatter- and scratch-resistant. These properties make sapphire crystal particularly appealing to military personnel, security forces, police officers, and individuals with active outdoor lifestyles—groups that account for over 70% of our customers.

To put it into perspective, over 90% of accidents involving cracked watch crystals occur in watches with mineral glass crystals. Even hardened mineral crystals do not compare to sapphire in terms of durability under adverse conditions. Sapphire crystals are so strong because, after the glass is manufactured, it is heat-treated to remove internal stresses that can cause weakness. The crystals are then made into watch faces and receive two layers of anti-reflective coating. Interestingly, sapphire crystal is now also used in the latest iPhones. Of course, sapphire crystal comes at a higher cost, which is why it is typically found only in higher-end watches.

• Delivery

  • Shipping Information

    Europe, UK, and Rest of World

    Tracked Mail:

    • Europe: €11.75 / £9.99 / US$12.95
    • UK: £7.95 / €9.50 / US$10.50
    • Rest of World: US$22.75 / €20.50 / £17.50

    Express Courier (UPS or FedEx):

    • Europe: €23.50 / £19.99 / US$25.95
    • UK (UPS/DPD):  £12.95 / €15.25 / US$16.95
    • Rest of World: US$45.50 / €41.25 / £34.95

    Note: The exact shipping cost may vary slightly depending on the weight and dimensions, but it will only differ by a small amount and will be shown at checkout. The above rates cover approximately 85% of parcels.

    Order and Shipment Confirmation

    You will generally receive two emails after placing an order:

    1. Confirmation of receipt of the order and payment.
    2. Notification of shipment once the goods are dispatched.

    Processing Time: Orders are shipped by the Post Office or Courier within 48 hours of payment processing. Note that our shipping centers are closed on Saturdays and Sundays; therefore, orders placed during this time may take up to 72 hours to be dispatched. This includes orders placed after 14:00 (CET) on Fridays.

    Estimated Delivery Times (in working days):

    • Europe:
      • UPS: 2 to 5 days
      • Registered Mail: 7 to 14 days
    • UK:
      • DPD or UPS: 24 hours
      • Tracked Mail: 1 to 2 days
    • Rest of World:
      • UPS: 3 to 10 days
      • Registered Mail: 7 to 21 days*

    *Some countries are notoriously slow to process goods on arrival, including Israel, Hong Kong, Macau, Mexico, South Africa, and some South American countries. Significant delays can also occur in other countries in Africa. For time-sensitive deliveries, we recommend using UPS, DHL, or FedEx.

    All shipping estimates exclude Saturdays and Sundays.

    While we strive to deliver within the above timeframes, they are guides, and delivery cannot be guaranteed. We are not responsible for delays caused by couriers or any national postal service. If your goods are not delivered within the estimated time, please contact us at admin@mwc.watch, and we will do our best to resolve the issue promptly. We are not liable for any loss caused by late delivery.

    Our delivery charges cover the cost of shipping to you but do not include import charges and administration fees to clear the goods when entering your country if applicable.

    It is the purchaser's responsibility to understand that charges may be levied and to pay all subsequent import taxes and duties on goods shipped to their country. If items are returned to MWC due to rejected payment, subsequent charges incurred (such as import duty and processing costs) will be deducted from any refund issued. For more information, please contact accounts@mwc-distribution.com

    If you need to clarify any details regarding local taxes for your location, please contact us before placing an order. For clarification, goods shipped to the EU can be dispatched from our EU location if ordered at https://mwc.eu/, and we also have a dedicated UK shipping center at https://mwcwatches.co.uk/. In the United States, orders under $800 do not incur taxes or fees. In Australia, orders up to AU$1000 are tax-free. Many other countries have similar regulations, which you can verify using this helpful link: Zonos De Minimis Values and also this link to calculate taxes for shipments to most countries worldwide https://www.simplyduty.com/import-calculator/

    We do not accept liability for goods lost after delivery to a PO Box. We reserve the right to cancel orders where the delivery address is a PO Box. Similarly, we do not accept liability for goods lost after confirmed delivery to APO or BFPO locations.

    Customer Notification: It is the customer's responsibility to notify us if goods are not received within 21 days of the estimated delivery date. If no notification is made within this period, the buyer is deemed to have received the goods.

    Safe Place Deliveries

    Some delivery companies allow for delivery without a signature, leaving the item in a "safe place" (e.g., shed, garage, porch). If you choose this option, it is at your own risk. We initially send items by a secure service requiring a signature or proof of delivery. Using a "safe place" increases the risk of theft. We advise ensuring deliveries require a signature to ensure safe receipt.

    Failed Deliveries

    If an item is refused and returned to us, we will refund the order less the outbound and inbound shipping charges once the item is received back at our packing and shipping center. For business locations, please notify the receiving personnel of the expected delivery to avoid refusals. Usually, we will be notified of delivery issues and will email you for instructions. It is important to act quickly to avoid return and associated costs.

    For any questions or further assistance, please contact us at admin@mwc.watch.