1982 CWC G10 'Fatboy' Royal Navy issue 0552
Fully serviced in our workshop
£985.00
Out of stock
In 1982, the year of the Falklands conflict, the Ministry of Defence procured quartz G10 watches under 4 contracts. The first three contracts (two supplied by CWC and one by Precista) were procured under Army contracts with the W10 service code, and numbered over 16,600 units altogether. The fourth contract was a Royal Navy contract with the watches marked with the '0552' Royal Navy service code. Only 333 of this variant were issued making it one of the rarest G10s.
The 1980-82 CWC G10s were the first quartz watches procured by the Ministry of Defence, and replaced the mechanical 'W10' field watch supplied by CWC up to 1980. The 80-82 G10s were powered by the ETA 536.121 quartz movement. The mid-case of the watch had to be sufficiently deep to accommodate the 536.121 movement, which is much thicker than modern quartz movements, hence the nickname. The additional thickness of the case does give the watch a bit of extra weight and adds to the character of the watch.
The 1980 and (rare) 1981 watches retained the old-style CWC logo from earlier CWC watches, while the 1982 G10 saw the introduction of the new-style CWC logo with the ellipse around the letters.
The case back snaps on quite tightly and includes a screw-in battery hatch so that when the time comes the battery can be changed without removing the back.
The back is marked with the NATO stock number, serial number and year of issue, and in this case with the 0552 service code, indicating that the watch was purchased under a Royal Navy contract.
This example has been subject to a recent full service and is it good condition all round as described in the condition report. The watch is supplied on a used issued grey '70s special' NATO strap. See the CWC Addict NATO straps blog for more information about these straps.
The case and back have some marks from use, but overall in good cosmetic condition. The case back has the correct markings including the NATO stock number, serial number and issue year, as well as that rare 0552 service code. The crystal is a flat profile replacement in good condition, with the original matte tension ring fitted. The hands are in very nice condition. The dial is in good condition with some fading/scuffing to the black dial paint which is visible in certain light, although not obtrusive. 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 in September 2025. 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 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 on the bench is running at - 0.02 seconds per day equivalent to -0.6 seconds per month, well within the +/-10 seconds per month specification, although this level of accuracy cannot be guaranteed 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 waterproof 6 month guarantee.
Issued: Yes
Issue details: UK, Army contract.
Date of manufacture: 1982
Rarity: VERY rare - only 333 issued in last 1982 batch with 0552 service code
Movement: ESA/ETA 536.121
Diameter: 36mm
Lug width: 18mm
Hacking: Yes
Case back: Snap
Screwdown crown: No
Bracelet: Issued 1970's special NATO strap
Quartz ESA/ETA 536.121movement
UK Royal Navy issue
Falklands era
Rare watch and hard to find fro anyone looking to collect the full set of CWC G10s.
Recently serviced
Good condition
Supplied on used issued NATO strap
6 months non-waterproof guarantee
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