Projects: 1985 CWC G10 'Medium Fatboy'

The 1985 CWC G10 is one of our favourites. Design-wise it has the thinner mid-case of the 1987-onwards watches, but it has a heavy and deep case back, similar to the 1983 and 84 watches. The battery hatch is on the centre axis and small, like the final iteration of the 1984 G10s - in fact the watch is almost identical to the third 1984 batch, with the exception of the heavier lines on the minute track. The dial has the new-style logo with oval outline but still has 'Swiss' marked at the 6 position.

The heavier case back gives the watch a satisfying heft, like the earlier G10s, but it has a lower profile, making it easier to wear. The case back is easier to remove than the 1980-82 Fatboys, improving access to the movement for maintenance. The ETA 555.115 movement also shares most parts in common with the whole 555 and 955 series, so maintaining the watch in the long term is a practical proposition. The original circuit also has a trimmer so it can be regulated for accuracy, which we consider to be a bonus.

Another small note on the '85 G10: some G10s, and the '85 especially, seem prone to oxidisation on the rear of the mid-case. This is a darkening of the metal from the original silver blasted finish. This occurs when dirt builds up, and then retains sweat, which has acids that attack the stainless steel, turning it dark grey and causing pitting in some cases.

This 1985 example was acquired by us in good condition - with some oxidisation on the back of the mid-case as noted above - and just needed to be stripped and cleaned and the movement serviced. along with a new crystal and gasket set.