1980/81 CWC G10 'Fatboy' Navigator MoD issue quartz field watch
Rare Fatboy Navigator with date indicator
£725.00
Out of stock
In 1980 the Ministry of Defence procured its first quartz watches in the form of the CWC 'G10', which during that year replaced its predecessor, the mechanical 'W10' watch. The 1980-82 G10s have become known by their nickname - 'Fatboy' - due to the depth of the case required to accommodate the ESA/ETA 536.121 movement. Later generations of G10s were able to use more modern movements which were thinner and therefore the watches had thinner cases.
The 1980 issue watches had the old 'no circle' CWC logo in the dial - the same as the mechanical W10s, but also was marked 'Quartz'.
There were also small numbers of 'Navigator' version of the Fatboy G10s issued, which included a date window in the dial. Around 1000 of these were issued across 1980 and 81 altogether, with the same 'no oval' logo as the standard Fatboy G10s of this period.
The dial configuration therefore dates this watch to 1980-81. There are a very small number of known prototype 1980 Fatboy Navigators which have a factory blank back (4 known to exist), but in this example the case back has been scraped to remove the military markings (NATO stock code, serial number etc.), making it difficult to be definite about the original year of issue, but there is a ghost of a number suggesting that this is a 1980 issued watch.
Apart form the prototypes, all CWC G10 Fatboy Navigators were supplied under MoD contracts, so regardless of the vase back, this was originally and issued watch. Clearly such as watch complete with its markings would be more valuable, and the price takes this into account.
Condition is very good as described in the condition report, and the watch been fully serviced. The watch is supplied on a new grey CWC NATO strap.
The case and back have some marks from use but overall in very good condition. The case back has been scraped to remove the markings, but a ghost of a number remains, suggesting 1980 issue. The crystal is a flat profile replacement with matte tension ring fitted. The dial is in near mint condition. The hands are in good condition with some darkening to the lume. Please refer to the images to make your own judgement about the cosmetic condition of the watch. The images form an important part of the description.
The watch was subject to a full stripdown, clean and service at the end of December 2024. The case parts were stripped and ultrasonically cleaned and the original ETA 536.121 movement was serviced.
The movement was fully stripped, mechanically and ultrasonically cleaned using waterless solutions and hot air dried. The movement was rebuilt and lubricated using Moebius oils. Images of the movement rebuild are included in the listing. The date automatically turns over at midnight and the date quickset works correctly. The watch hacks and sets from the crown correctly. All the seals were also replaced and greased, including the back gasket, the battery hatch and crown gaskets.
The watch was regulated on a quartztester machine and is running on the bench at +/-0.00 seconds per day, or less than +/- 0.3 seconds per month, which is well within the +/-10 seconds per day specification. Note that accuracy may differ from this when in use.
The watch is absolutely suitable for everyday use, but it is vintage watch so is not recommended for sports or use in extreme conditions. The watch has not been pressure tested so water resistance is not guaranteed. This watch is covered by our non-waterproof 6 month guarantee.
Issued: Yes
Issue details: UK MoD - case back civilianised
Date of manufacture: 1980/81
Production numbers: c1000
Movement: ESA/ETA 536.121
Diameter: 36mm
Lug width: 18mm
Hacking: Yes
Case back: Snap
Screwdown crown: No
Bracelet: NATO
UK MoD issue - serial number and markings removed
Rare navigator version of Fatboy G10
Original ESA 536.121 quartz movement
Recently serviced
Great condition
Supplied on new CWC NATO strap
6 months non-waterproof guarantee
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