1984 CWC G10 'Medium Fatboy' British Army issue quartz field watch
Very good condition
£345.00
Out of stock
The early CWC G10s, from 1980-82 were the real 'Fatboy' G10s, with the deep case to accommodate the ESA/ETA 536.121 movement. From 1987 onwards, CWC G10s were produced with a thin case and low profile case back. In-between, from 1983-85 were a sequence of variants collectively knows as the 'Medium Fatboy' G10s.
The 1984 version combines features of both the earlier Fatboys and later thin case versions.
Although the mid-case of the 84 variant is the same as the later thin case watches, the case back is much deeper and includes an anti-magnetic plate inside the case back. This gives the watch a bit of extra heft compared to the later watches. It also retains the earlier 'Swiss' marking at the 6 position, which was replaced with 'Swiss Made' after 1987.
There were, in fact three different variants produced in 1984. The first was identical to the 1983, with a large offset battery hatch and ESA 947.111 movement. The next version has a large battery hatch placed centrally, and uses an ETA 555.411or 412 movement. The third version has a small battery hatch (like all subsequent G10s) placed centrally and also uses the 555 series ETA movement. This example of one of the mid-1984 watches with large central battery hatch and ETA 555.412 movement. this particular version has a smaller diameter base plate than the other 555/955 series movement used in later G10s and consequently has a uniquely wide movement ring to hold it in place inside the case. This movement is easy to maintain and parts are mostly compatible with the 955 series movements so it is a practical and maintainable watch to own in the long run. The case back is also far easier to open than the 1980-82 Fatboys, again enhancing its maintainability.
This example is in very good condition, as described in the condition report, and has just been fully serviced.
The watch is supplied on a new grey cotton NATO type strap.
The case and back are clean with some marks from use - overall they are in very good condition. The case back has the correct markings including the W10 Army service code, NATO stock number, serial number and issue year. The crystal is a flat profile replacement with matte tension ring fitted. The dial and hands are in near mint condition - with good lume colour. 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 October 2025. The case parts were stripped and ultrasonically cleaned and the original ETA 555.412 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.
One noteworthy feature of the 555.412 movement is the fact that it has a date disc, even though there is no date aperture in the dial. This was simply a case of the available movement being produced in volume and available at the time had a date disc. Often the calendar works are subsequently removed when the watches are serviced/repaired, but where they are present we make sure that are properly serviced along with the rest of the watch and are in full working order - even if you can't see it!
The watch was regulated on a quartztester machine and is running on the bench at +0.01 seconds per day, or + 0.31 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 waterproof 6 month guarantee.
Issued: Yes
Issue details: UK MoD
Date of manufacture: 1984
Production numbers: c9000 altogether, 2330 of this variant (W10, small hatch)
Movement: ETA 555.412
Diameter: 36mm
Lug width: 18mm
Hacking: Yes
Case back: Snap
Screwdown crown: No
Bracelet: NATO
UK MoD issue
1985 'Medium Fatboy'
Original ESA 555.115 quartz movement
Recently serviced and regulated
Excellent condition
Supplied on new NATO-type strap
6 months non-waterproof guarantee
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